BMW i3

BMW's electric four-seat hatchback has rear-hinged back doors. The interior is striking in its simplicity and style. The electric motor produces the equivalent of 170 hp, which makes this tall, narrow car feel quick. We tested it with the optional two-cylinder engine, which acts as an onboard generator to extend the range beyond the typical 75 miles to about 130 miles total. Charge times were about 4 hours with a 240-volt connection. The i3 is very energy-efficient when running on electric power but not so fuel-efficient when using the gas engine. Despite its tall stance, the i3 is very agile and easy to maneuver, but the ride is quite firm. The sudden deceleration when lifting off the accelerator pedal takes some getting used to. New for 2019 is a 120Ah, 42.2-kWh battery with a claimed 153-mile electric range, and a 181-hp i3s version.

BMW's i3 is built from the ground up, not a conversion. It is a rear-wheel-drive, four-seat hatchback with a pair of rear-hinged back doors. The electric drive produces the equivalent of 170 hp. An optional two-cylinder engine acts as a generator to extend the range beyond the 72 miles, to about 150 total. Charge times are 4.5 hours on 240-volt circuit, through the 7.4-kW onboard charger. The car uses an aluminum frame and carbon fiber structure to reduce weight. Despite its tall stance the car is very agile. It feels quick and easy to maneuver. The pronounced deceleration when lifting off the gas pedal takes some getting used to.