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Recharge Wrap-up: BMW i8 markups declining, Nissan offering discounted Leaf lease buyouts

Zipcar has published the results of an independent study on "Urban Boomers." KRC Research surveyed city-dwelling, healthy adults aged 50 to 69, and found that they are fond of technology and are more active – but drive less – after moving to the city. Many still feel car ownership is important, and often don't get rid of a car they already own, but they find alternative forms of transportation important, too. Even though it is often thought of as a bigger draw for millenials, Zipcar feels that these findings indicate that Urban Boomers are an important demographic for carsharing companies. See the results of the study in the slideshow from Zipcar. Nissan is offering lease buyout credits of up to $5,000 for its Leaf EV. Depending on the region, 2012 and 2013 models get a Leaf Gross Payoff discount of up to $5,000, with 2011 models garnering up to $1,500 off. Some dealers may also offer an additional $1,500 discount. It's possible that Nissan wants to encourage lessees to purchase their Leafs after residual values of the car dropped by about six percent in May. Some potential long-term owners could also be concerned over battery life, or be tempted by the updated Leaf slated for the 2017 model year. Read more at Green Car Reports. Dealership markups for the BMW i8 are dwindling. Actual costs of the attractive plug-in hybrid are nearing sticker prices after high demand and short supply led many dealers to exact a higher price for the car. BMW recently announced it would double production of the i8 to help meet demand, which could be behind the declining markups. The i8 has a base MSRP of $136,500, plus $950 in destination fees. Read more at Green Car Reports. Featured Gallery 2015 BMW i8 in Petoskey, MI Related Gallery 2013 Nissan Leaf: First Drive View 15 Photos News Source: Slideshare, Green Car Reports, Green Car Reports via ZipcarImage Credit: Copyright 2015 AOL Green BMW Nissan Green Automakers Transportation Alternatives Ownership Electric recharge wrapup

BMW shows off 245-hp, hydrogen-powered 5 Series GT

With BMW's Innovation Days 2015 underway, the German luxury brand is showing off its latest piece of hydrogen-fuel-cell technology. Based in a 5 Series Gran Turismo, the system Í– co-developed with Toyota – promises to deliver on the promise of zero-emissions motoring, without the lengthy recharge times associated with plug-in electric vehicles. At the heart of BMW's latest FCV prototype is a new electric motor derived from the i sub-brand. It produces the equivalent of 245 horsepower, making it roughly comparable in output to the brand's latest 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder gas engines. It draws its fuel from a hydrogen fuel tank that sits between the axles. The BMW-patented storage system can hold enough compressed hydrogen to take the hunchbacked 5 Series 300 miles before refueling. BMW and Toyota first inked their FCV partnership back in 2013, with the goal of having "an initial group of approved components ready by 2020," and sales beginning at some point in the next decade. While Toyota has been touting its successes with hydrogen in the form of the new Mirai, this 5 Series marks the first time since the agreement was signed that the German company rolled out one of its hydrogen-powered cars to the public. Check out the 5 Series GT fuel-cell vehicle in the gallery up top, and then scroll down for the official press release from BMW. Long range, short refuelling times, zero emissions: Hydrogen fuel cell drive system points the way to the future of BMW eDrive technology. As part of its research and predevelopment work in the area of drive technology, the BMW Group has focused on the use of hydrogen as an energy source for more than 30 years now. In 2006 the first luxury sedan for everyday use to be powered by a hydrogen combustion engine was unveiled – the BMW Hydrogen 7. And more than 15 years ago the BMW Group also began to direct its spotlight onto hydrogen fuel cell drive systems. A constant stream of significant advances – in terms of energy efficiency, performance capability and everyday practicality – have likewise been made with this technology, which converts hydrogen into power for an electric drive system, rather than burning it inside the engine. The results of the research and development activities in the field of hydrogen fuel cell drive systems will be presented in driving demonstrations for the first time during the BMW Group Innovation Days 2015.

BMW releases complete pricing info on M3 and M4

When BMW unveiled the M3 and M4 at the Detroit Auto Show back in January, we told you that the new sportsters were starting at $62,000 and $64,200, respectively. That leaked info, though, only told a small part of the story for the new M cars. Now, we have the complete pricing sheet on the new coupe and sedan, direct from BMW.
The pricing intel that we had at the time was correct - prices start at $62,000 for four doors and $64,200 for two. Those prices don't include the $925 destination charge. Potential customers should also plan on spending an extra $550, as seven of the eight paint options are of the metallic variety. BMW's trademark Alpine White is the only no-cost paint option.
As for the cabin, customers will, interestingly, have the choice of a cloth/leather combination as standard. That's in addition to the standard suite of leather options. There are also extended leather and full leather options, for $950 and $3,500, respectively. There are three option packages available, covering all the extra goodies for the M3 and M4.