Just how recyclable is the BMW i3s?
Attention tree-huggers and EV fans – the BMW i3s is now available in Malaysia at all authorised BMW i dealerships. Mobility with zero emission does cost a fair bit of upfront money, RM278,800 to be exact (close enough to what was revealed during its unveiling a few months back) and what you get – other than the BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership Experience* - is not just a car that doesn’t pollute the air but also comes with minimal carbon footprint stemming from a very mindful production process.
It was even designed with recyclability in mind, resulting in a consistent percentage of 95 per cent. This is especially important for the few non-renewable materials used in the i3s build such as aluminium and copper.
The open-pored eucalyptus wood is a big part of the interior surfaces which itself is 80 per cent renewable. The wood is also grown and sourced responsibly, giving BMW the honour of being the first car manufacturer to use eucalyptus wood from 100 per cent certified responsible forestry management. It also doesn’t hurt that the wood is absolutely beautiful.
Petroleum-based plastic which is usually used as interior panels are replaced by plant-based ones. The plant used is Kenaf that is not only has strong fibres but also transforms a large amount of carbon dioxide into oxygen during its growing phase. BMW Group has trained almost 1,000 local kenaf farmers to ensure sustainable cultivation of this plant.
[Read more about the BMW i3s here]
Other eco-friendly materials used are leather which are naturally-tanned using olive leaf extracts, the latter obtained from south Europe and otherwise typically wasted in large scales as a by-product of olive harvesting. The fabric used as seat covers, floor linings, roof liners and foot mats are entirely 100 per cent recycled (34 per cent of that sourced from PET bottles)
At the end of their lifespan, much of the BMW i3s is recycled to better regulate its use of natural resources, while ensuring less environmental and economic waste. The BMW recycling and Dismantling Centre (RDC) in Munich recycles more than 7,500 vehicles a year.
* the BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership Experience includes:
- BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program
- BMW 2Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services
- BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
- The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App BMW White Card
- BMW Service Online
