To all the sceptics out there – the times when electric cars were either an ugly statement of environmentalists and eco-activists or a personal wingman of Harvey Specter dudes are over! I had the chance to test the BMW i3 on the streets of San Francisco this week and oh boy, that was fun! While many established car journalists have already reported automotive facts about that car I would like to let you know how it feels like to drive it as a non-automotive-expert and a girl that is just into cars.
WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?
The first mass-produced electric car of BMW with zero emissions. It speeds up to 100km/h in 7,2 seconds and can reach a speed of 150 km/h. The range is up to 200 km and the battery can be charged in 4 hours.
THE WOW-EFFECTS:
The fact that BMW spent 2 billion dollars on the i project (both i3 and i8). The interior design that is completely made of eco-friendly materials (Wool! Eucalyptus wood! Olive oil leaf-based agent!). The light weight of the body which is made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic. THE ACCELERATION!
NOT SO COOL:
The price. It’s $45,000 and let’s be rational: Who would buy it as a primary car? Of course the company is targeting early adopters here who care more about the lifestyle than rational thinking. But isn’t it great to know that you are part of an automotive revolution? It might help you to sell your startup first before acquiring this car.
MY EMOTIONAL LEVEL DURING THE TEST DRIVE:
Take-Off: The navigation lady tells me that I have to follow a prepared route. Ok you are the chef. I push the “ON” button and nervously start the ride. Hmmm smooth start… Let’s get the baby on the street. Where is the sound? No sound, that’s weird. Let’s turn the radio on because I feel weird when it’s quiet… Feels like floating. Or even flying?
On the street: Oh the people are staring at me. Or maybe it’s my perception of feeling special with this statement car. Hello there, you environment-polluters! Especially you over there in the Escalade, how can you? Oh no, not you, you are cute, you are allowed to drive your old gaz-guzzler.
Red light: Well, lets see how fast the i3 accelerates… WOW! HELL YEAH! That little bastard – looks so innocent from outside but speeds up like a little devil! Don’t judge the book by its cover.
On the street (with more courage): They see me rollin’… They hatin’. No actually, they are not hatin’ at all! While I am singing and enjoying my ride people keep on asking me on the street what I am driving. I pitch the i3 concept in 15 seconds every time I stop and talk to drivers in cars nearby. Small talk guaranteed! This car is a head-turner! (Want to do some serious network? Just get in the i3 and drive to the Silicon Valley.)
Arrival at the dealer: Noooooo! That’s it? I want mooooore! I accidentally push a random button and the navigation lady tells me with a smooth voice: “Please follow the Highway 101 South.” Yesssss, that means I have accidentally shortened my test drive and did not finish it properly. The BWW seller comes to my car and tells me to step out because there are people waiting. I tell him that I actually have cut the route and want to finish the test drive with the intended route. He tells me that I pushed the button for a navigation to Las Vegas. Oh oops. Well, good try. Dear i3, you read my mind, I love you!
SO?
The industry is not just fooling around with visionary ideas and idealistic gimmick for environmentalists. This is a long term change and I am sure that the future will look like this on the streets (hmmm, maybe they will design an all-electric and convertible SUV soon… dear god, make that happen). Of course it is weird to steer a completely silent car but isn’t all the noise-discussion just a male thing of showing off their masculinity? And if you think that the reach and the speed are too low – don’t forget that this is a city car and if you don’t live in Germany you will probably never be able to drive faster than 150km/h anyway and more than 80km a day. Let all the boys out there roll their yes – I think the future is electric and pretty sexy.
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