Its been known for a while that BMW is launching a new electric line with the small i3 and i8 supercar. Today BMW has given us a closer look at what we can expect by unveiling the new i3 and i8 concepts. The two concepts provide a glimpse of what we can expect when the production models are released. The BMW i3 will launch in 2013 and the i8 in 2014. 
The BMW i3 concept is made for the city and tight urban centers. It was originally teased as the MegaCity concept. The i3 features a lightweight body made of aluminum and carbon fiber.
The i3 is powered by a 170 horsepower electric motor that powers the rear wheels. The all-electric system has a range between 80-100 miles. It can reach 0-62 mph in less than eight seconds and with a high speed charger it can be charged up to 80 percent in less than an hour. It takes a full six hours to charge the lithium-ion batteries with a standard outlet. BMW has also announced that the i3 will be available with a range-extending internal combustion engine, named i-REX. BMW hasn’t announced how big the engine will be.
The i3 concept will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
