The BMW i3 The BMW i3 is the most preferred electric car in a new program implemented by the Seoul city government.
The city government said on Wednesday that the German car has been chosen by 297 out of 617 applicants for the program where it will offer a subsidy of W20 million (US$1=W1,107) per car for up to 182 electric cars.
Kia's Soul EV received 161 applicants and the SM3 ZE 81.
The i3 retails for between W57.5 million and W63.4 million, up to W28 million more than domestic electric cars.
The i3, which is BMW's first electric vehicle, boasts cutting-edge technology with its bodywork made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic, which is lighter than steel. The interior features recyclable materials such as pure wool cloth and eucalyptus wood.
"The i3 is so popular in foreign markets that it is in short supply. Consumers who are relatively well-off buy the car," a BMW staffer said.
