If you’re asking “is bmw i8 an electric car,” the answer is nuanced. The BMW i8 combined an electric motor with a gasoline engine in a sophisticated plug-in hybrid powertrain. It was not a pure electric vehicle (EV), but rather a groundbreaking plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) designed for performance and efficiency.
This article explains the i8’s unique technology, how it drives, and why BMW’s approach made it such an iconic car. We’ll clear up the common confusion and give you all the details.
Is Bmw I8 An Electric Car
To directly adress the core question, the BMW i8 is not a fully electric car. It is classified as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV. This means it uses two distinct power sources: a high-voltage lithium-ion battery powering an electric motor and a traditional internal combustion gasoline engine.
The car can operate on electric power alone for a limited range, but it always has the gasoline engine available to extend its total driving distance and provide additional power. This dual-powertrain setup defines it as a hybrid, not a pure EV.
The Powertrain: A Symphony Of Electric And Gasoline
The heart of the i8’s innovation was its bespoke powertrain, which BMW called “BMW eDrive.” It was a complex but clever system that blended efficiency with supercar-like acceleration.
The primary components were:
- A 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder gasoline engine: This compact, lightweight engine drove the rear wheels. It produced 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, which is impressive for its small size.
- A 131 horsepower electric motor: This motor was integrated into the front axle, powering the front wheels. This created an all-wheel-drive system when both power sources were active.
- An 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack: Located in the vehicle’s “Energy Tunnel” along the center spine, this battery stored electricity for the electric motor and could be charged via a plug.
Together, these systems produced a combined output of 369 horsepower, enabling a 0-60 mph time of about 4.2 seconds. The key was how they worked together—or separately.
How The i8’s Driving Modes Work
The i8 offered several driving modes that changed the behavior of the powertrain. Understanding these modes is key to understanding the car.
- eDrive Mode: This was the default mode when starting with a charged battery. In eDrive, the i8 operates solely on its front electric motor for pure electric driving. The gasoline engine remains off. This mode was quiet and emission-free, but limited to the battery’s range (about 15-18 miles) and lower top speed.
- Comfort Mode: This is the standard hybrid mode. The car intelligently blends power from the electric motor and the gasoline engine to optimize for efficiency and smoothness. It might start on electric and then start the engine under harder acceleration or at higher speeds.
- Sport Mode: This mode prioritizes performance. The gasoline engine runs continuously, the electric motor provides constant boost (“eBoost”), and the chassis settings tighten. The battery is actively managed to preserve charge for performance, not just efficiency.
- Eco Pro Mode: This mode maximizes efficiency by softening throttle response, optimizing climate control, and encouraging electric-only driving where possible to extend the total range.
Electric-Only Range And Charging
A pure electric car’s range is its maximum range. For the i8, the electric-only range was a specific feature of its hybrid system.
The EPA rated the i8’s all-electric range at approximately 18 miles. In real-world conditions, drivers often reported between 14 and 22 miles depending on driving style, weather, and use of accessories like air conditioning.
This range was designed for a specific purpose: covering short daily commutes, city driving, or neighborhood trips entirely on electricity. For longer journeys, the gasoline engine seamlessly took over.
Charging the i8 was straightforward but not as fast as modern EVs:
- Charging Equipment: It came with a standard Level 1 (120V) charging cable that plugged into a regular household outlet.
- Charging Time: A full charge from empty using the Level 1 charger took about 4-5 hours. An optional Level 2 (240V) BMW i Wallbox could reduce this time to under 2 hours.
- No DC Fast Charging: The i8 was not equipped for DC fast charging, which is common standard on today’s battery electric vehicles.
Performance And Efficiency: The Best Of Both Worlds?
The i8’s genius was making high performance feel efficient. It delivered supercar acceleration while still achieving fuel economy figures that were unheard of for performance cars at its time.
The EPA combined fuel economy rating for the i8 was 69 MPGe (Miles Per Gallon equivalent). When the battery was depleted and it operated as a regular hybrid, it still achieved around 28 MPG combined. This duality was its main selling point.
You could drive to work silently on electricity, then enjoy a spirited drive on a winding road with the combined thrust of both motors and the engine. It was a compelling proposition that challenged conventional automotive categories.
Common Misconceptions About The BMW i8
The i8’s futuristic design and “i” sub-brand branding, which it shares with the fully electric BMW i3, led to several persistent myths.
Myth 1: It’s A Fully Electric Supercar
As established, this is incorrect. The gasoline engine is fundamental to its performance and range. Its electric motor provides assist and short-range capability, but it cannot function as a long-distance EV.
Myth 2: The Electric Motor Is Just A Minor Assist
This is also false. The 131-hp electric motor is substantial. It provides meaningful all-electric driving and, crucially, instant torque that fills in the power band before the turbocharged three-cylinder engine reaches its peak boost. It is a core part of the performance equation, not just an efficiency gadget.
Myth 3: It Has A V8 Or V10 Engine
Many assumed a car with its looks and price had a large, multi-cylinder engine. The reality of its turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine often surprised people. This small engine was a masterclass in efficiency and, with the help of the electric motor, delivered power comparable to much larger engines.
Comparing The BMW i8 To Pure Electric Cars
To further clarify what the i8 is, it helps to contrast it with what it is not: a battery electric vehicle (BEV) like a Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, or BMW i4.
Power Source And Refueling
- BMW i8 (PHEV): Uses gasoline and electricity. Requires both charging and visits to the gas station for long trips.
- Pure EV (BEV): Uses only electricity. Requires charging only, no gasoline ever.
Driving Experience
- BMW i8: Offers a blend of experiences. Silent EV mode, then a transition to a traditional engine note in Sport mode. The gearbox (a 6-speed automatic in the rear, a 2-speed in the front) provides shifting sensations.
- Pure EV: Offers consistent, silent, and direct power delivery with no gear shifts. Acceleration is typically instant and linear.
Maintenance And Complexity
- BMW i8: Requires maintenance for both systems: oil changes, engine filters, and spark plugs for the gasoline engine, plus battery system checks. It is a more complex machine.
- Pure EV: Generally has lower maintenance needs—no oil changes, fewer moving parts. Focus is on battery health, brakes, and tires.
Why Did BMW Use A Hybrid System For The i8?
BMW’s decision was strategic and technological. In the early 2010s, when the i8 was developed, battery technology was more expensive and heavier. To achieve the i8’s targeted performance (0-60 mph in ~4 seconds) with a pure EV architecture at that time would have required a very large, heavy, and costly battery pack.
This would have compromised the lightweight, agile sports car dynamics BMW wanted. The hybrid solution allowed them to use a smaller, lighter battery for electric driving and supplement peak power with a small, lightweight, yet powerful gasoline engine. This kept the overall weight lower and the center of gravity optimal, thanks to the central battery tunnel.
It was a bridge technology—a way to deliver breathtaking performance and a taste of electric driving while the infrastructure and technology for pure electric supercars matured.
The Legacy And Discontinuation Of The i8
The BMW i8 was produced from 2014 to 2020. Its end came as the automotive landscape shifted rapidly toward full electrification.
By 2020, battery technology had improved enough that pure electric performance cars with long range (like the Tesla Model S Performance) were becoming mainstream. The i8’s limited electric range and complex hybrid system began to look like a transitional solution, which it was always intended to be.
Its legacy, however, is immense. It proved that a car could be eco-conscious, incredibly efficient, and thrilling to drive. It brought carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) construction into a more mainstream spotlight and showed the world what a future-focused sports car could look like. It paved the way for BMW’s current and future electric “i” models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Type Of Car Is The BMW I8?
The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sports car. It utilizes a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery.
Can A BMW I8 Run On Electricity Only?
Yes, the BMW i8 can run on electricity only for a limited range. In its default eDrive mode, it will operate solely on its front electric motor for approximately 15-18 miles, provided the battery is sufficently charged.
How Far Can A BMW I8 Go On A Full Charge And Tank?
With a fully charged battery and a full tank of gasoline (about 11.1 gallons), the BMW i8 had a total combined range of roughly 330 to 350 miles. The electric-only portion accounts for the first 15-18 miles of that.
What Is The MPG Of A BMW I8?
The EPA rated the BMW i8 at 69 MPGe (Miles Per Gallon equivalent) when accounting for electric and gasoline use. When driving in hybrid mode with a depleted battery, it achieves about 28 miles per gallon combined.
Why Was The BMW I8 Discontinued?
BMW discontinued the i8 in 2020 due to shifting market trends toward full electrification, the high cost of its specialized construction, and the arrival of newer EV technology that made its transitional plug-in hybrid powertrain less unique in the performance segment.