BMW fast-tracks i3 production as strong demand sparks a major ramp-up

This is car news, not a home energy story, but here's what's happening: BMW is speeding up production of its new electric i3 sedan after seeing stronger demand than expected. The car is being built at BMW's plant in Munich, Germany, and is the second model in BMW's new "Neue Klasse" electric lineup, following the iX3, which has ramped up quickly at a factory in Hungary.

The i3 uses a large 108.7 kWh battery and can charge very fast thanks to an 800-volt electrical system, adding close to 250 miles of range in about 10 minutes on a suitable fast charger. In Europe, the car has a rated range of up to 566 miles; in the US, the EPA estimate is around 440 miles for the 2027 model. In the US, the car will come with a built-in NACS charging port, the connector type Tesla popularized that other automakers have been adopting, which matters if you're thinking about home charging equipment or public fast chargers compatible with your car.

Pricing in Europe starts around €65,900 (about $75,500) for the base model, with a faster launch trim closer to €75,340 ($86,400). US pricing hasn't been announced, but it's expected to start somewhere around $50,000 to $55,000 when the car goes on sale in early 2027. For homeowners thinking ahead to EV charging setups, this is mainly a signal that more long-range, fast-charging electric cars are coming to the US market next year.