{"id":363,"date":"2020-03-19T17:19:21","date_gmt":"2020-03-19T17:19:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/evglobe.com\/?p=363"},"modified":"2020-03-24T20:15:16","modified_gmt":"2020-03-24T20:15:16","slug":"test-drive-tesla-model-3-versus-bmw-i3-electric-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/evglobe.com\/2020\/03\/19\/test-drive-tesla-model-3-versus-bmw-i3-electric-car\/","title":{"rendered":"TEST DRIVE: Tesla Model 3 versus BMW i3 electric car"},"content":{"rendered":"
The only two choices when it comes to a $50,000-$60,000 premium brand all electric car are the BMW i3 and the Tesla Model 3. BMW launched their all-electric BMW i3 in 2014<\/a>, winning multiple green awards<\/a> for their EV\u2019s eco-friendly lightweight construction, production methods and use of sustainable materials.<\/p>\n The Tesla Model 3<\/a> has been one of the most anticipated cars ever, irrespective of it being an EV. Around 500,000 people put down \u00a0a$1,000 deposit, sight unseen to buy one. Both are clean sheet design, purpose-built electric cars. Despite similar price points and that battery packs reside in the floor board, both company\u2019s have completely different philosophies in their approach to an EV.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n BMW\u2019s philosophy was to use cutting edge materials and processes to make the lightest weight vehicle possible. The launch of the i3 represented the first time ever Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) was used in mass market vehicle. This necessitated a ton of R&D to manufacture and produce on a large scale. BMW saw the i3 as a \u201cmega city\u201d car, and one that could take care of the range you needed in a typical day of city living.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In 2017, BMW increased the overall battery pack capacity of the i3 from 22 kWh to 33 kWh which added nearly 50 percent more range. BMW did so using the same total of 96 individual small Samsung batteries, however each small battery was now rated at 94 Ah each, up from 60 Ah each.<\/p>\n With the i3, BMW believes that you should only carry around a battery pack that will get you through the day typical driving needs, not lug a massive pack around you will rarely use the full capacity of. If you want long distance driving, BMW wants you to use an internal combustion car such as a plug in hybrid 530e<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tesla\u2019s overall philosophy is to accelerate the transition of mankind to sustainable transportation, and the Model 3 is Tesla\u2019s third step in this grand vision. The Model 3 is meant to bring an \u201caffordable\u201d EV to market for wider adoption. Tesla realized that in order for electric vehicle adoption to succeed, there needed to be a cohesive charging network. Such a fast charging network didn\u2019t exist so they built their own Supercharging Network which is now with in 150 miles of 99 percent of the United States population.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>When Tesla wants to add more capacity to a given vehicle of theirs, they just add more individual small batteries. For example, a Model 3 stand battery has 2,976 individual cells in its pack and there are 4,416 cells in long range battery.\u00a0 <\/span>Tesla believes they should provide a pack that is big enough to allow long distance travel not just city driving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When it comes to construction materials, the BMW i3 has a unique Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) construction along with eco-friendly materials such as Eucalyptus wood and olive leaf tanned leather. BMW sources the CFRP from a plant that is hydro-powered from a nearby dam. Even BMW\u2019s plant in Leipzig where the i3 is manufactured runs on 100 percent renewable energy. BMW\u2019s CFRP has also made it to other models such as the Carbon Core of the 7 Series<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n BMW brings years of quality automotive manufacturing to the i3. Tesla has been knocked on quality issues on the Model 3. Though this seems less prevalent now on Model 3\u2019s than ones that were initially manufactured. The Model 3 I drove for this test was VIN 15XXX has traveled 13,000+ miles without any issues. The i3s we drove had only 6,500 miles and, similarly, has had no issues. In general, electric cars have fewer problems and less maintenance requirements than internal combustion cars.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Both the Model 3 and the BMW i3 are unabashedly EV-looking. They look unlike any petrol powered car on the market. The BMW i3\u2019s styling has been described as quirky with its shortish wheelbase, super narrow tires and tall profile. One of my favorite pictures of the i3 is it parked next to an 80s 3 Series BMW where you realize that the i3 is bigger than you would think. I have found the i3 very versatile, it has two suicide doors that open to the back seats. You would be amazed and what you can get in it\u2019s hatch back once you lay down the rear seats. I have even transported a full size bass in it<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Model 3 styling is unmistakably Tesla, but not as sleek as the Model S. The Model 3 is 11 inches shorter and 4 inches narrower than the S, yet over 2 feet longer than the i3. The interior seats 5 compared to BMW i3s\u2019 4 seats. The Model 3 styling does have a more greenhouse style effect with an all glass UV coated roof. The Model 3 does not offer a sunroof where as the BMW i3 it is optional. The Model 3 has four doors and front and rear trunks. The lack of the hatchback in the Model 3 does impact its convenience however it does have fold down rear seats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSTYLING<\/b><\/h3>\n