The BMW i3 vs Tesla – Who Wins?

The stakes are getting higher and higher these days when it comes to electric cars. The BMW i3 and the Tesla are going head to head in the race to make the best and most in demand electric car – whether they intend to or not. It may not have been the intent of either company to create the clash of smart cars, but it’s here and now the question has become: which is better?

When it comes to the BMW i3 vs. Tesla, there are a lot of factors getting added in – including the production process itself. After all, it does seem a little counterproductive to make an electric car to help the environment all while crafting it in the traditional way. BMW is proud to use various eco-friendly processes, such as hydropower, wind power, and the use of recyclable materials as resources in order to make the i3. Tesla, however, still only has a claim to fame as one of the main producers of an impressive electric car – without eco-friendly car production.

The BMW i3 Wins, Hands Down

That aside, both cars offer a lot to the consumer looking to drive one of the two smart cars. The BMW i3 currently runs at 80-100 miles, while the Tesla can do around 208. However, the BMW i3 is perfect for those who simply need a car for city driving. It recharges in about 3.5 hours, and it is also much cheaper than the Tesla. After the $7,500 federal tax credit, the i3 starts at $35,325 compared to the Tesla’s Model S at $63,570. Another huge difference? The BMW i3 is available now – and has been since December 2013. If you want a Tesla, you’ll have to get in line as the wait is currently around two months or longer.

So when it comes to needing a good electric car at an affordable price that you can buy today, the BMW i3 wins over the Tesla, hands down.