BMW i3 vs Renault ZOE vs Chevy Bolt

Right now is an interesting time for plug-in hybrid buyers, as there are more options than ever before from many different companies. So plug-in customers have plenty of quality choices, with more than one good option in most different price brackets. These options open up a bit more in Europe, where plug-ins are more popular and there are more brands offering them that we don’t get here. For instance, in Europe, the BMW i3 can compete with the Renault ZOE, which is quite similar to the i3. But the i3’s biggest competition will likely be the Chevy Bolt (sold in Europe as the Opel Ampera-e). So which of the three cars is best?

World Auto Evolution puts together a series of comparison videos that compare the specs and stats of each car.

First up is a comparison of the BMW i3 and Renault ZOE. Both cars are similarly sized but the Renault has a slightly larger trunk, making it a bit more practical for most buyers. In terms of their electric powertrains, the BMW i3 packs a 33 kWh battery and the Renault has a 41 kWh battery. That allows the Renault to have a further range of 250 miles, compared to the BMW’s 190 miles (both according to the generous NEDC). However, the BMW i3 has more power and torque, boasting 170 hp and 184 lb-ft to the Renault ZOE’s 90 hp and 162 lb-ft. That makes the BMW i3 far faster.

In the end, both the BMW i3 and Renault ZOE were called winners, despite this not being a middle-school baseball game. World Auto gave the Renault the win for mass market and the BMW i3 the win for the premium market.

Then they compared the BMW i3 with the Chevy Bolt, which actually ended up beating the i3. Not only does the Chevy Bolt have more power and torque, 200 hp and 266 lb-ft, but it has a further range as well. With a much larger 60 kWh battery, the Bolt has an impressive 310 miles of range (again, according to the NEDC). The Bolt is also cheaper, considerably. So being cheaper, more powerful and having a far further range, the Bolt beats out the BMW i3 and could be the best plug-in hybrid hatchback on the market.

[Source: InsideEVs]

The article BMW i3 vs Renault ZOE vs Chevy Bolt appeared first on BMW BLOG

from BMW BLOG http://ift.tt/2klcaC6