BMW to offer range extender option on Megacity EV

BMW wants to raise its share of the market by offering a range extended vehicle of its own, according to a report from German web site Focus.de. Lately, it has been the Chevrolet Volt that’s getting a fair share of coverage for its range extending properties. In late 2010, BMW had released some details and the first teaser image of its Megacity Vehicle, the radical new compact electric car. BMW CFO Friedrich Eichiner told Motor Authority that an on-board gasoline powered range-extender will be offered as an option, but the Megacity will also be available as a pure plug-in EV.

Earlier, BMW confirmed reports of its production plans for the Megacity Vehicle in late April 2010, preparing for a 2013 release. BMW said that the Megacity Vehicle will be the first truly mass-produced vehicle to extensively use carbon fiber reinforced material throughout the vehicle in order to cut weight and improve efficiency.

BMW said that the use of carbon fiber will result to weight savings of between 550 and 775 pounds compared to traditional electric vehicles. This weight reduction can drastically affect vehicle range and performance. Launched as part of the “project i,” the Megacity EV will be a true zero-emission vehicle that will be sold under a BMW sub-brand. [via - LeftLaneNews]