All electric for BMW i8?

BMW is reportedly developing a pure electric version of its i8, which could go into production. The electric version of the i8 coupe would replace the current plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a three-motor electric layout. The model would feature a single electric motor in the front, while two electric motors would replace the 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine currently in the back of the production i8. The coupe is expected to be based around the same structure seen in last year’s i8 hydrogen fuel-cell prototype. It is equipped with a wider centre tunnel housing the hydrogen tanks to feed that fuel-cell system. In the electric version, the tunnel would be used to store the battery pack. BMW is reportedly developing compact and high-revving electric motors for the model, which can generate up to 200kW of power each. It is also thought that the electric variant will replace the current plug-in hybrid i8, the Formula E safety car. However, it remains to be seen whether an all-electric i8 will be approved for production. BMW will launch a facelifted version of its plug-in hybrid i8 next year.