BMW i3 launches today.

The BMW i3's electric motor generates 170hp (with 250Nm torque) which is available to the driver instantly. This gives the BMW i3 sprightly performance - zero to 62mph taking 7.2 seconds with (more importantly) a range of between 80 -100 miles in everyday driving - using ECO PRO mode and ECO PRO+ mode should increase that figure by 15% and 30% respectively. For nervous customers the i3 is available with a range extender engine, powering a generator to maintain the charge of the lithium-ion battery at a constant level while on the move. The 650cc (34hp two-cylinder petrol) range extender increases the car's maximum range in day-to-day driving to around 180 miles on one tank of fuel.
Driving enjoyment remains at the forefront of the BMW i3 thanks to the use of a lightweight CFRP passenger cell which helps compensate for the extra weight of the battery, whilst the location of the battery pack ensures a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and maintains a low centre of gravity.
The BMW i3 is available with four different interior specifications (Standard, Loft, Lodge and Suite) and all feature sustainable materials including sustainably sourced wood, natural fibres and naturally tanned leather. 
Both BMW i3 models include a three-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 100,000 mile battery warranty. The battery is also included in the price of the car negating a separate lease charge for battery, as is the case for other electric vehicles.

Model	Price OTR	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 - 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Range (miles)	CO2 Emissions g/km
BMW i3	£25,680**	170	250	7.2	93	80-100	0
BMW i3 Range Extender	£28,830**	170	250	7.9	93	160-186	13

**With £5,000 OLEV Government grant.

Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL

Geneva saw a world first from Mercedes-Benz Vans: the Vito E-CELL Crewbus is the first seven-seater vehicle worldwide to offer local emission-free mobility ex-factory as standard. With its range of around 130 km it is ideal for use in environmentally sensitive areas as well as by the environmentally conscious. The range of 130 km is optimised for deployment on short routes involving numerous stops, opening the E-CELL to as broad a range of consumers as possible..

The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL Crewbus lends itself to a broad scope of applications: in particular, offering an emission-free and yet highly comfortable means of (relatively) short-range transport.

The electric motor (60 kW with a maximum torque of 280 Nm), power electronics, transformer and AC/DC charger are accommodated under the bonnet. The generated power is transmitted to the front wheels. The powerful and robust lithium-ion traction batteries are accommodated under the passenger compartment floor. The nominal voltage stands at 360 V, with a capacity of 36 kWh. The speed is electronically limited to 89 km/h in the interests of a range but even so the Vito E-CELL offers perfect around town and city performance, fitting in perfectly with the traffic flow of most large conurbations.

The Vito E-CELL's batteries are charged from a 380/400 V grid in a maximum of five hours although the E-CELL's battery additionally stores recuperated power while the vehicle is in motion.

The Vito E-CELL does not compromise on safety: ESP and driver's airbag come as standard and a safety belt is integrated in each seat. The batteries are protected by a crash element. In the event of airbag activation, the high-voltage technology will be shut down automatically. The Vito E-CELL has demonstrated its high safety standard in an impressive manner in crash tests.

Currently there are 230 Vito E-CELL vans on the road as part of the promotion schemes in operation in Germany. Together, they have so far successfully covered around 650,000kms after their first year in service with customers ensuring that the Vito E-CELL has proven its credentials as an ideal vehicle for urban traffic.