The BMW i3 is a tremendous car. It is small, lightweight for an electric car and yet still sufficiently practical for a family. The point of this video though from Auto Express is to see if such a car can be managed around London without the need for braking (the i3 recharges as soon as the driver is not on the accelerator pedal).
For us at Car Articles this was a brilliant video that highlighted one important issue. Contrary to standard discussion on this site, that issue wasn’t how good or otherwise this car was. It was in fact the lack of noise made by the engine. We continue to be impressed by hybrid technology and especially EV cars that seem to simply just ‘swoosh’ around. They can almost creep up on you, as the BMW i3 does to a few unsuspecting drivers (and pedestrians) in this video. This brings us to a salient safety point.
Why not simply add to the legislation to ensure that all EV – and hybrids for that matter – produce a simulated engine sound of a particular volume? A vehicle travelling at 30 miles per hour will still injure and possibly kill, irrespective of the fuel used to travel from A-B. Engine and tyre noises are critical for some to discern that a vehicle is present. Of course there’s an argument for better observations but just look at this video to see how many times the horn is used. It makes for interesting viewing and provides food for thought.
That looks terrifying. I agree with the point about noise, its very important that the vehicle no matter if its a hybrid can be heard.