In 2009 BMW will demonstrate two different electric concepts

Over at the BMW Blog, they have handled to get hold of a copy of what is believed to be BMW’s 2009 product introduction roadmap. The Munich automaker will be setting up an extensive range of new production vehicles next year comprising a new Z4 roadster and hybrid versions of both the new 7-series sedan and the X6 “whatever it is.” Most amusingly, the roadmap shows that two different electrically-driven concepts will come out next year.

Earlier this year, BMW exposed the MINI E as the first product of its Project i, which is meant to establish urban electric vehicles. The second output of the project is anticipated to be the Concept eDrive. This time, instead of the MINI, either the 1 or 3 series will form the basis. Furthermore an electric drive not much else is known, but given the relative speed with which the MINI E was established, this will probably go a step beyond that first draft, perhaps using battery technology specifically created for automotive use.

The second new EV is called by the Z Vision Concept. In BMW nomenclature, the Z models are all two seat roadsters and this should carry forward to the new concept. This smaller electric sports car is also considered to be based on the 1-series with a dual cockpit layout and no windshield. No word on which reveals will host the debuts of these cars but Geneva is likely to be one of them.

“Project i” to feature electric cars better than the Mini E

Finished just in six months from start to finish, the Mini-E project is a extraordinary illustration of just what can be achieved when brilliant minds are provided the freedom and resources to produce a contemporary EV from a current platform. But at the bottom line, the Mini-E still only an adaptation of a combustion-engine vehicle, not a purpose-built electric car, and that’s a feature the final goal of Project i.


The LA Auto Show provided an opportunity for a lot of the members of the press to try the Mini-E, demonstrating that it is a dynamic and enjoyable car, faithful to its Mini platform. Since its first goal has been met, Project i is now seeking the development of a fresh urban vehicle that will highlight an assortment of electric or combustion engine powertrains, but which will be designed completely new to include both. It is the hope of BMW that by 2015 they will have a fully-operating ‘megacity’ car available to the public, and not like the latest Mini-E, it will have to accommodate more than two with restricted cargo room.









The new platform will also have to be extremely adaptable so as to meet the requirements of a wide range of markets, such as Japan and the US. Proportion, power and economy requirements which may be popular in one market but may not be for another, so the ability to adapt as much as it can in term of design parameters will make the car more competitive internationally, even though it will likely also be more expensive and problematic to design and produce.

 [source motorauthority]