Overview
- Roughly 30% of the sedan’s mass comes from secondary materials, including cast aluminum knuckles with 80% recycled content and wheel rims using about 70% secondary aluminum.
- Gen6 high-voltage battery cells use secondary cobalt, lithium and nickel, with renewable energy in electrode production, lowering CO2e per watt-hour by about 33% versus Gen5 cells.
- Design-for-circularity measures include a front bumper with 30% recycled plastic and fewer material types, seat-cover fabric made from 100% recycled PET, and textiles made entirely from recycled yarn.
- Recycled maritime plastic makes up about 30% of the engine-compartment cover and the front storage compartment, with components designed for easier dismantling at end of life.
- Series production is slated to start at Plant Munich in 2026 using renewable electricity, the site targets all-EV output by 2027, and the i3 debuts March 18 with Europe sales to follow and U.S. availability next year.