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2017 BMW i3 with Upgraded Range is Available Now; 2017 Chevy Bolt EV is Rated at High 238 Miles Per Charge; Toyota Expects Strong Sales of 2017 Second-Generation Prius Prime Plug-in

2017 BMW i3 with Upgraded Range is Available Now

According to BMW USA, the starting MSPR is $43,600 for the all-electric model and $47,450 for the range-extended model, respectively. These numbers are roughly $1,000 higher than the 2016 models. The lease offers are $299/mo (all-electric) and $339/mo (range extender).

The biggest upgradation of the new models is the increase of electro-range, from 81 miles to the new 114 miles, roughly 50% farther. With the range extender, total range comes to 180 miles, up from the previous 150 miles. Moreover, the Eucalyptus Wood dashboard becomes available in lower-end Giga World. Moonroof and parking assistant are available as well.

BWM i3 is the first mass-produced car using carbon fiber reinforced plastic, which is 50% lighter than steel but as strong. Last but not least, the electric car is really fun to drive – it is one of the fastest BMW cars, with the instant 184 lb-ft torque acceleration giving a sense of “pin-you-to-the-back-of-your-seat”.

2017 Chevy Bolt EV is Rated at High 238 Miles Per Charge

According to GM, the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV has got an EPA-estimated electro-range of 238 miles. The electric car will be the first affordable EV capable of going 200+ miles on a single charge. The EPA rating came out with a large margin from 200 miles.

The MSRP starts at less than $37,500 before incentives (Final MSPR has not been decided yet). With US federal tax credit of $7,500, the actual cost of the car would be below $30,000.

Bolt EV is equipped with a large customizable 10.2” touch-screen and has “One Pedal Driving” feature. 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto are also available. Safety features are enabled by radar- and camera-based systems.

The model will be on sale in late 2016.

Toyota Expects Strong Sales of 2017 Second-Generation Prius Prime Plug-in

According to Reuters, the second-generation plug-in Prius Prime will be available later this year. The car has an electro-range of 22 miles and total range of 600 miles, with best-in-class 120 MPGe.

Although in the Prius family, Prius Prime is a different car from regular Prius hybrid – Unique front/rear end, LED lighting, carbon-fiber rear hatch, 11.6-inch touch screen and seats of 4.

Toyota hopes that the plug-in Prius can copy the success of the hybrid Prius and sell 1 million units over the second-generation life cycle. The electro-range doubles that of the first-generation at 11 miles.