BMW Says New iX3 EV Crossover Is Not Heading To The US Market

BMW has canceled its plan to launch the BMW iX3, its first electric vehicle in years, in the US – following several other automakers focusing their EV supply in other markets.

When unveiling the BMW iX3 concept vehicle in 2018, the German automaker said that it’s going to be the first electric vehicle based on its fifth-generation electric powertrain technology, which is designed to enable longer electric range.

malba2367 - 3/9/2020 1:36:24 PM

+2 Boost

Almost every other automaker is at the mercy of the same 2 or 3 battery manufacturers for EV batteries. It was a a very smart move by Elon Musk to build his own battery packs from standard cells, and to have joint ventures to produce the cells, rather than to depend on an OEM for fully built packs.

malba2367 - 3/9/2020 1:40:04 PM

+2 Boost

This iX3 is largely a "compliance car" that is needed in China and the EU until they can get their competitive EVs into production.

atc98092 - 3/9/2020 2:09:58 PM

+2 Boost

They have huge incentives to sell them in Europe first, and with limited battery supplies they have to sell them where they get the biggest bang.

valhallakey - 3/10/2020 1:16:51 AM

+2 Boost

I did not see anything in the article stating that battery supply was part of the decision. I would say that it is a mistake unless it would not be competitive. In that case it is probably a smart move for now. Better to get it right the first time than to spend time explaining your non-competitive cars sitting on the lot and getting bad reviews.