After weeks of waiting our i3 has finally come back. The accident damage has been repaired so well that it looks like new!
Our compliments go to the Rugby Bodyshoppe for a job well done. It’ll be good to see the back of the courtesy car, a Lexus 300 hybrid, which was a rubbish drive compared to the i3.
In this video, Mat Watson and Rebecca Chaplin hit the roads of London in a BMW i3 for a challenge with a difference.
The pair took it in turns to drive some of the city’s busiest areas without pressing the brake pedal and attempted to get by just using the electric car’s regenerative braking alone.
Like many electric cars, the BMW i3 begins to recover energy as soon as you take your foot off the accelerator. When it’s accelerating the battery powers the wheels but when it’s braking the motor acts as a generator, charging the battery and gently bringing the car to a stop at the same time – if you’re on flat ground that is.
Each of would drive just over three miles and the person who used the brake pedal the least would win. Of course, they weren’t allowed to cause an accident by not braking so planning ahead and paying attention would be key!
London Fire Brigade has invested in a fleet of electric cars in a bid to reduce the impact of its vehicles on air quality in the capital.
The new fleet includes 52 ultra low emission BMWi3 ranger-extender model cars and a further five hybrid cars for fire officers attend emergency incidents and other Brigade business across the capital.
The i3 cars are LFB branded and fitted with blue lights and sirens. They can reach top speeds of 90 mph and go from 0 to 80 mph in seconds.
Charge points have been installed at 73 fire stations around the capital – following work to establish a network of charging stations during 2015.
Commenting on the new fleet, London Fire Commissioner, Ron Dobson, said:
“Officers often travel at speed across London, so it was essential the cars could stand up to the rigours of being a blue light vehicle, as well as having green credentials.
“I am proud that the Brigade is leading the move from diesel to electric, which will make a big difference to the air quality for Londoners.
“In our 150th year, while celebrating our past we’re also investing in the future and it’s vital that we adopt policies today that future generations will thank us for.”
Read more: Air Quality News
