BMW unveils i3 made with materials from Moses Lake
Attendees of the SGL/BMW plant opening in Moses Lake examine a prototype frame for BMW's Megacity electric vehicle, which will utilize parts made from SGL carbon fiber.
NEW YORK - The spotlight was on Moses Lake as BMW recently introduced its all-new i3 electric car, built with carbon fiber produced in Grant County.
Gov. Jay Inslee attended the unveiling of the car in New York City Monday.
BMW also debuted the car simultaneously in London and Beijing, according to a company statement. The i3 will go on sale in the United States next year, with a starting price of about $41,000.
The automotive group uses carbon fiber produced at the BMW/SGL plant in Moses Lake to make its i-series line of cars. The i3 will be assembled in Leipzig, Germany.
According to BMW, both production facilities take advantage of hydro-electric, wind and solar energy.
Inslee said he is proud Washington plays such a pivotal role in the production of the i-series line.
"The City of Moses Lake, in the center of our state, is the perfect fit for the ultramodern and efficient SGL production plant," he said. "One-hundred percent of the energy required to produce carbon fibers for the i3 and i8 comes from low-cost, clean, renewable hydroelectric power generated at local dams."
Sustainable materials are also used for the i3's interior upholstery and trim, according to BMW.