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      04-12-2019, 11:14 AM   #13
bayarea328xit
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Drives: 19 i3s; 07 328xit (sold)
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Bay Area, CA

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BMW vision for EVs

BMW first investigated the shift to EV in 2009/10 with the Mini E and then in 2012 with the Active E. These were followed by the i3 in 2013 and i8 in 2014.

My guess is that BMW are thinking about the move from gas to EV based on a much longer learning/investment/return cycle compared to other ICE auto manufacturers - they are not reactive to Tesla (and others on the scene now). This deal with ZF is indicative of their view of how the transition to EVs is going to play out -- long transition time with a lot of overlap with plug-ins.

I'm not sure if their thinking is right, but I am glad that they are taking a different approach to the other car companies.

If they are right, they are going to be really well positioned to make the transition to EV -- over a longer term compared to what the other ICE auto manufacturers are implementing.

If they are wrong, they will fall behind.

My personal sense is that they are on the right path - other ICE auto manufacturers are rushing to switch EVs (and they'll suffer for it).
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