BMW i3: Новая эра экологии с 30% переработанных материалов и "зелёным" производством

BMW continues to implement sustainable production principles in the BMW Neue Klasse family of electric vehicles. The new BMW i3 sedan is approximately 30% made of secondary materials, comparable to the iX3 crossover.

The company emphasizes that environmental friendliness is assessed not by emissions during operation but by the entire life cycle of the car - from production to disposal.

Recycled aluminum and plastic

Some parts of the car contain significantly more recycled materials. For example, the two-tone wheels of the M version contain up to 80% recycled aluminum.

A similar share of secondary metal is in the cast aluminum suspension elements, including the front and rear steering knuckles. At the same time, the rear electric motor housing is made of 66% recycled aluminum.

Plastic also got a 'second life.' About 30% of the decorative trim of the front bumper is made of recycled plastic. Upon disposal, 85% of this material can be recycled again - almost twice as much as the 3 Series sedan bumper of the previous generation. In addition, the number of materials used was reduced from 15 to 7 (excluding fasteners).

Part of the plastic elements under the hood - including the engine compartment cover and storage compartment - are approximately 30% made of recycled marine plastic.

Eco-friendly interior

Recycled materials are also used in the interior. The top layer of the Econeer seat fabric upholstery is entirely made from recycled PET plastic and is easily removable to simplify car disassembly at the end of its life cycle.

The textile for the headliner, pillars, and rear shelf is entirely made from recycled yarn.

Fewer emissions over the entire life cycle

According to BMW, the new BMW i3 becomes more environmentally friendly than the BMW 3 Series sedan after just 1–2 years of operation. The exact period depends on annual mileage and the electricity source for charging.

During development, the company was able to reduce CO₂ emissions in the supply chain by about a third.

Manufactured only on "green" energy

The sedan will be produced at the Munich plant. The enterprise receives 100% of its electricity from renewable sources.

Approximately a year after the start of BMW i3 production, the plant will completely cease vehicle production with internal combustion engines and switch exclusively to electric vehicles.

The world premiere of the new BMW i3 will take place on March 18, after which the model will go on sale in Europe. The car will enter the US market next year.

Source: BMW