BMW fast-tracks the new i3, with reservations now opening next week

This is car news, not a home energy story, but it does touch on EV charging, which matters if you're thinking about a home charger. BMW is opening US reservations for its new electric i3 sedan on September 29, a week earlier than planned. Putting down a deposit, likely around $1,000, lets you customize the car in an online configurator, though BMW hasn't announced pricing yet. The car itself is expected to arrive in 2027, with a starting price estimated around $55,000 to $60,000 based on a related BMW model.

For homeowners weighing an EV purchase, a few charging details stand out. The i3 uses an 800-volt electrical system paired with a large battery, giving it an EPA-estimated range up to 440 miles per charge. On a fast public charger, it can add close to 250 miles of range in about 10 minutes. It also comes with a built-in NACS port, the connector Tesla uses, so it can plug into Tesla Superchargers without needing an adapter. That's worth knowing if you're planning to install a home charger or rely on public charging networks, since compatibility affects which equipment you'd need.

None of this changes anything about home energy upgrades or rebates directly. If you're simply curious about EVs as part of an electrified household, this is a preview of a new option coming in 2027, not something requiring any decision right now.