BMW Releases New Images Of iNext Electric Car Prototype Ahead Of Production
Though very little detail is known about the next iNext EV, the German automotive company has been gradually teasing the market with details and images. The i-Next, a crossover, is expected to be the next-generation of all-electric cars from BMW. Though precise details on range are yet to be established, senior representatives from the company have suggested a whopping 435 miles. It seems, the EV will be priced to compete head-on with the successful Tesla Model 3. The iNext concept was unveiled in Munich earlier this year. The iNext is expected to come to the market in 2021.
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BMW has already cemented success in the fast growing EV market. The BMWi3 all-electric car is now commonplace on UK roads, to include major city centres like London. The company certainly has credible EV experience to leverage for its latest iNext model. We at e-zoomed have little doubt, in BMW’s ability to deliver a high quality EV, however, the key will be price. For BMW to leverage its position in the electric vehicle market, all things being equal, price will dictate success. Let us hope, the board of the Munich based company has understood this!
UK Electric Vehicle Charging Points Rise to 9,200: Nissan
According to the Japanese automotive manufacturer, Nissan, the number of EV public charging points in the UK, has now surpassed conventional fuelling stations. The total number of charging points is now over 9,200. Approximately 1,600 provide rapid charging i.e. can recharge an electric car (compatible with rapid charging) within the hour.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure companies like BP Chargemaster, are rolling out 400 ultra-fast chargers. Other EV charging companies have made similar announcements. According to S&P Global Platts Analytics, up to 170,000 charging points have been installed across Europe, compared with 75,000 in the US and 321,000 in China.
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Without an iota of doubt, the current pace of deployment of EV public charging infrastructure, positions the country strongly for scaling and mass adoption of electrical vehicles. Even though ‘range anxiety’ and public charging has been a ‘hot topic’ for debate, it is worth noting that the majority of EV charging is done at home. In fact, according to some estimates, up to 85% of electric car charging will be done either at home or the workplace. Nevertheless, public charging infrastructure will remain key in successful mass adoption of EVs. The key of course, is the deployment of rapid charging infrastructure, such that, charging times can be significantly reduced. In this regard, all the recent announcements bode well.
No Brainer: Tesla Model 3 Deemed Best Electric Car Available Today
Tesla Model 3 continues to get significant attention, in particular from reviewers. The Tesla ‘affordable’ model, which began being shipped in the UK, earlier this year, is selling more than any other EV in the UK. The mid-sized all-electric sedan tops the list, ahead of the Jaguar I-PACE and Audi e-tron SUVs.
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Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), like the Tesla Model 3, give us a glimpse of the future of road transportation, not only in the UK but also globally. From the moment you approach the vehicle you are mesmerised. There is no other way of describing the sensation. The premium, clean and minimalistic interiors, with the significant spread of glass across the top, front and back, literally make it impossible to exit the EV. When history documents the growth of EVs, the Model 3 will certainly have an important place, for it has increased the benchmark to attain success in the EV industry. Zero-emission premium, fun, long distance driving at an affordable price. That is the bottom-line!
