Charles Rabie of Tufts University takes delivery of the first BMW i3 in the United States.
Get excited, people: the first BMW i3 has been delivered in the United States. The lucky recipient, Tufts University professor of practice Charles Rabie, now and forever holds the distinction of being the first person in America to own BMW’s first-ever mass-produced all-electric vehicle.
Yes, that is correct, internet: Anne Hathaway was not the first American to get a BMW i3. You can all put your tin foil hats away now.
Rabie and wife Ruty Bakor enjoy their spoils at BMW of Boston
Rabie is no stranger to BMW EVs, though: he is one of the 700 BMW Electronauts to have participated in the ActiveE field trial. Rabie has been driving the precursor to the new BMW i brand since 2012, and he can happily retire the ActiveE in favor of the ridiculously good-looking BMW i3.
“Today marks a big day at BMW of North America. What started out as a dream for an innovative sustainable vehicle under the BMW i brand can now be found on streets across the U.S.,” said Ludwig Willisch, President & CEO, BMW of North America, in a statement.
The first BMW i3 enters the market as the first in what is anticipated to be a long line of sporty and efficient machines. The i3, which is comprised mostly of carbon fiber, generates 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque through a hybrid-synchronous electric motor and 22-kWh lithium-ion battery that can also deliver up to 80-100 miles of no-emission driving on a single charge.
The BMW i3 will begin rolling out nationwide with a starting MSRP of $41,350/$45,200 with range extender. Want to toy around with the i3 for yourself? Check out BMW’s configurator, which is now live over at their website. Trust us: it’s time well spent.
Really well spent. It’s that hotness, y’all.
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