Summary
- The BMW i3 is being showcased in a museum exhibit titled "Alternating Currents: The Fall And Rise of Electric Vehicles" at the Petersen Automotive Museum
- The exhibit features the i3, along with its predecessors and siblings such as the E2, the Mini E, and the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics
- The head of BMW Group Classic, Thomas Plucinsky, highlighted BMW’s electric lineage and innovation in a video featured in the exhibit
- BMW i Division’s history includes vehicles like the Mini E, BMW ActiveE, and the BMW i3, which has sold a quarter million units between 2013 and 2022
- The exhibit also includes early electric cars dating back to the 1830s, showcasing the evolution and resurgence of electric vehicles in mainstream marketing mix
Article
The BMW i3, a small electric city car, has captured the attention of automotive enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Despite its niche market appeal and decreasing prices, the i3 is gaining recognition for its unique features and design. The Petersen Automotive Museum recently unveiled an exhibit titled “Alternating Currents: The Fall and Rise of Electric Vehicles,” which prominently features the BMW i3. The exhibit not only showcases the i3 but also its predecessors and siblings, highlighting the evolution of BMW’s electric vehicles.
The exhibit includes the i3’s spiritual predecessor, the E2, as well as the Mini E, and the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics, which later became the BMW i8. The video presentation by Thomas Plucinsky of BMW Group Classic illustrates the company’s electric lineage, starting with the BMW 1602 all-electric coupe in 1972. The video also touches on the Mini E, a first-generation electric Mini Cooper converted by BMW in collaboration with AC Propulsion. This early electric vehicle project provided valuable data for BMW’s subsequent EV development programs.
The BMW ActiveE, introduced as part of the next generation of BMW’s “i” division, served as a testbed for technologies used in the Vision Efficient Dynamics and the production i3. Despite its relatively niche appeal, the i3 has garnered significant attention and appreciation from the automotive community. The Petersen exhibit showcases other early electric vehicles alongside BMW models, highlighting the long history of electric vehicle development and the recent resurgence in demand for EVs in the market.
The exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum underscores the evolution of electric vehicles from their early beginnings to the current mainstream focus on EV technology. The exhibit chronicles the challenges and advancements in electric vehicle development over the past century, emphasizing the shift towards electric power in response to environmental concerns and technological advancements. The increasing demand for EVs in the market has led automakers to prioritize the development and production of electric vehicles to meet consumer expectations.
The i3’s inclusion in the museum exhibit alongside other iconic electric vehicles is a testament to its engineering excellence and enduring appeal. The i3’s innovative design, unique features, and contribution to BMW’s electric vehicle lineup have solidified its place in automotive history. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a celebrated electric city car, the BMW i3 continues to captivate enthusiasts and industry professionals alike with its forward-thinking approach to sustainable mobility.
As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification, the BMW i3 serves as a symbol of innovation and progress in the realm of electric vehicles. The exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum and the recognition from industry experts like Munro and Associates highlight the enduring impact of the i3 on the automotive landscape. With its blend of cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly design, and urban mobility focus, the BMW i3 stands out as a remarkable example of electric vehicle engineering and showcases the potential for sustainable transportation in the future.
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