BMW is set to revolutionise the EV market with the i3 this summer. Here we celebrate the origins and development of electric BMWs The first electric BMW appeared at the 1972 Munich Olympic games. A pair of cars based on the 1602 saloon were used as camera cars and as official vehicles for the Olympic organising committee.Its lead batteries gave a maximum range of 37 miles, at a constant 31mph, but weighed 350kg. As it was mounted on a pallet in the engine bay, the battery pack could be swapped for charged unit. The 1602 ‘Elektro’ had a top speed of 62mph and used regenerative braking, with the electric motor acting as a generator.The E30 325iX was a result of the development …
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