How the President of the BDI is displeased about his electric car

isElectric cars are the future – for months, this mantra has rang the republic from Berlin. There is no wonder, it could solve the umpteenth endless discussion on the bans of diesel in the air. The Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier (CDU) has recently made available a billion euros to build a battery production in this country. The political message is clear: the economy should finally do something.

One who has already started doing so is Dieter Kempf, President of the German Industry Federation (BDI). When he was approached by his Thursday association's annual press conference on the subject of electric cars and the lack of charging stations, he quickly became personal.

Because Kempf drives an electric car, a BMW i3. And since it does, he knows well why most people in the country prefer to stay away from this technique.

"No car for all situations"

"If I refuel at a charging station in Munich, I have to get electricity for at least seven euros," Kempf vented his displeasure. "But it's worth it only when the battery is almost empty." Later, on the sidelines of the event, he told of having been "brave" with his i3 from his hometown, Nuremberg, to Munich and back.

In the end, he was snorted at 80 meters behind the truck for – despite the built-in Range Extender – not staying. With the last piece of electricity he just did at home, Kempf said. The relaxed driving is different. Apart from the fact that the thrill has its price: almost 40,000 euros will cost a BMW i3 with Range Extender without extras.