BMWs futuristic i3 electric vehicle, going on sale in the U.S. next May, not only sports a streamlined design but also streamlines manufacturing. “It takes half the time to create the carbon-fiber body compared to a steel body,” says Daniel Schaefer, head of product concept at the auto maker’s Leipzig, Germany, plant where the 4-seat electric coupe will be assembled on a dedicated line along with the i8 extended-range version. The factory currently produces the BMW 1-Series hatchback and X1 cross/utility vehicle.
“We can build the entire (i3) in 20 hours vs. 40 hours for a conventional vehicle,” such as the 3-Series,” he says
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