Electric Cars

A remarkable event has occurred in the U.S. automotive market: a brand-new first-generation BMW i3, a model officially retired from American sales four years ago, was recently purchased. This unexpected transaction, recorded in the third-quarter sales report, raises questions about how a vehicle no longer in production found a new owner in 2025.

This peculiar sale is not an isolated incident; similar occurrences have been noted in previous years. It is highly probable that a dealership, either in the U.S. or Canada, retained an unsold i3 unit, which was subsequently registered between July and September. This pattern has been observed before, with a solitary i3 sale in the previous year and nine units sold in 2022, totaling eleven new i3s sold in North America post-discontinuation, an interesting anomaly in sales data.

The original BMW i3, introduced in 2013, represented BMW's initial foray into mass-produced electric vehicles. Renowned for its distinctive design and advanced engineering, including a carbon fiber body and aluminum chassis, it remains a sought-after option in the used EV market. Its extended-range variant, equipped with a gasoline engine to alleviate range concerns, offered additional reassurance to early EV adopters. While pricing details for this recent sale are undisclosed, the i3's original MSRP ranged from $45,445 to $52,495. Looking ahead, BMW is set to release a new i3 model next year, built on the Neue Klasse platform, which will be a more conventional electric sedan with enhanced range, power, and charging capabilities, bearing little resemblance to its pioneering predecessor beyond the name.

The continuous emergence of new, albeit previously discontinued, vehicles into the market serves as a testament to the unforeseen paths that products can take, even after their official lifecycle concludes. This unique narrative underscores the persistent value and enduring demand for innovative automotive designs, reminding us that true ingenuity often finds its way to appreciation, regardless of market trends or timelines. It encourages a deeper look into the latent potential and lasting impact of pioneering creations in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and consumer choice.

Ferrari has officially revealed comprehensive details regarding its groundbreaking all-electric vehicle, the Elettrica, marking a pivotal moment in the luxury automotive brand's history. This announcement provided an in-depth look at the innovative engineering and advanced specifications that define Ferrari's first foray into the electric vehicle market, showcasing a commitment to developing core EV technologies internally rather than relying solely on external suppliers.

Unveiling the Elettrica's Performance and Core Specifications

Ferrari's highly anticipated Elettrica showcases a remarkable blend of high performance and cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. The vehicle's impressive specifications include a range exceeding 530 kilometers (approximately 330 miles) thanks to a robust 122 kWh battery pack. It achieves a 0-100 km/h acceleration in a mere 2.5 seconds, propelled by a quad-motor powertrain that generates over 1,000 horsepower. With a top speed of 310 km/h (186 mph), the Elettrica is designed to deliver the exhilarating driving experience synonymous with the Ferrari brand.

Beyond these headline figures, Ferrari has meticulously engineered every aspect of the Elettrica. The car features a sophisticated chassis with an optimal weight distribution of 47% front and 53% rear, a 2960 mm wheelbase, and a total weight of approximately 2300 kg. The front e-axle delivers 210 kW of power and 3500 Nm of torque at the wheels, while the rear e-axle boasts 620 kW and an astonishing 8000 Nm of torque. Both axles feature high-efficiency motors with power densities of 3.23 kW/kg and 4.80 kW/kg, respectively, achieving 93% efficiency. The battery pack consists of 210 cells arranged in 15 modules, offering a gross capacity of 122 kWh and supporting a maximum voltage of 880 V with a maximum recharge power of 350 kW. This comprehensive design underscores Ferrari's dedication to pushing the boundaries of electric performance and efficiency, while also ensuring serviceability through modular battery architecture.

Ferrari's In-House Electric Powertrain Innovation

The core philosophy behind the Elettrica's development centers on Ferrari's commitment to owning and advancing its electric vehicle technology. Unlike many manufacturers who integrate off-the-shelf electric powertrains, Ferrari has undertaken the ambitious task of designing and producing nearly all the major components in-house. This includes the intricate battery modules and packs, which are assembled from NMC pouch cells sourced from South Korea's SK, with a strong emphasis on safety, weight optimization, and performance. The layout of the cells is strategically designed to minimize inertia and lower the center of gravity, enhancing driving dynamics and ensuring an optimal weight distribution for peak performance.

Furthermore, Ferrari is manufacturing its own electric motors, drawing heavily on its extensive motorsport heritage and F1 experience dating back to 2009. These motors are engineered for incredibly high rotational speeds, with the front axle motor reaching 30,000 rpm and the rear motor hitting 25,500 rpm, enabling extreme compactness without sacrificing power. The motors utilize a sophisticated Halbach array configuration with segmented, surface-mounted permanent magnets for superior torque density and reduced weight. The stator technology, composed of ultra-thin silicon-iron laminations and Litz wire windings, ensures high efficiency and durability, even under high loads. Complementing this, Ferrari has developed its own silicon carbide (SiC) power inverters, achieving 93% efficiency and weighing only 9 kg. This integrated approach, combined with an advanced active electric suspension system and independent rear steering, allows for unparalleled control over the vehicle's dynamics, promising an exhilarating and precise driving experience that remains true to Ferrari's legacy of "driving thrills."