BMW Megacity: electric cars on sale in 2013

New sub-brand of BMW will use carbon passenger cells.

BMW has released the first pictures of its Megacity Vehicle (MCV), which will be the world's first volume-produced car with a passenger cell made from carbon.

By producing the MCV with this material BMW says it can offset the extra 250-350kg typically found in battery-powered vehicles.

This so-called LifeDrive architecture concept consists of two horizontally separated, independent modules. The Drive module integrates the battery, drive system and structural and crash functions into a single construction within the chassis. Its partner, the Life module, consists primarily of a high-strength and lightweight passenger cell made from CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic).

CompleteCar.ie will attend a press conference on Monday in Munich to learn more about the new range.

Published on: July 2, 2010