The quicky i3 was built for nine years.
Roughly 250,000 units were sold.
The plug was pulled in North America on the i3 in July of 2021.
BMW’s electrification plans are extensive. Its goal is essentially to offer an electrified, be it hybrid or all-electric, alternative for all of its nameplates or nearly. While the i3 may have paved the way for BMW’s future, the i3 is from another and past era.
In fact, rumours were already circulating back in July of 2019 that the little EV from BMW’s days were numbered. Interestingly enough, by July 2021, the i3 was removed from BMW Canada’s and BMW USA’s menu. And now, this upcoming July 2022, the final i3 will roll off BMW’s production line in Leipzig, Germany.
The facility will shortly thereafter begin churning out the new 3rd generation Mini Countryman. Certainly, the Mini will not replace the i3. That job will indirectly fall on the electric version of the third-generation BMW X1, the iX1, and the next-generation Mini Electric.
Despite the BMW i3’s unusual rear suicide door, general layout, and construction, it sold relatively well globally with more than 250,000 units sold.
A BMW UK spokesperson said, as reported by Autocar: “Today’s customers wanting a fully-electric city car perfectly tailored for urban driving or a compact but spacious vehicle for an active lifestyle will be perfectly served by the Mini Electric or the upcoming BMW iX1. These cars will attract even more people to fully-electric driving. Therefore, after a decade of setting the standard in its class and leading the way for today’s generation of electric cars, the decision has been taken to discontinue BMW i3 production from summer 2022.”
