German automaker BMW Group has reportedly increased the production of its electric car, i3 to address the growing demand for the model.
The company has increased the capacity of the Leipzig facility, where i3 is assembled, from 70 units per day to 100 units.
According to BMW production chief, Harald Krueger, the company has already produced 5,000 units of the i3 in 2014, and is expected to produce about 20,000 by the end of the year if same production rate is maintained.
BMW is also planning to build a second production facility, which would be jointly operated with SGL Carbon, to make more carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for body shell of the i3.
The vehicle is powered by an electric drive-train generating an output of 170hp and peak torque of 250Nm, with acceleration of 0-60kmph in 3.7sec and reaching a top speed of 150kmph.
Motor of the drivetrain is powered by the lithium-ion storage cells, which are placed in the car's under-floor section, offering a travel range of 130-160km when fully charged.
