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Electric Driving Range
97 mi
All-electric battery range
Electric Mode MPGe
109 MPGe
Combined electric efficiency
Gasoline Combined
35 MPG
Gas-only combined fuel economy
Annual Energy Cost
$650–2,150
EPA estimate @ 15,000 miles/yr
Laboratory Fuel Economy Certification

Executive Efficiency Findings

The 2018 BMW i3 plug-in hybrid delivers up to 97 miles of all-electric range rated at 109 MPGe, transitioning to an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined on gasoline once battery charge is depleted.

EPA Testing Standards: Ratings derived from official dynamometer laboratory tests under 40 CFR Part 600. Real-world fuel economy varies based on driving style, ambient temperature, cargo payload, and terrain.
Certified Powertrain Attributes
  • • Certified Configurations: 4 trim and powertrain permutation(s).
  • • Combined Rating Range: null MPG.
  • • PHEV Electric Range: Up to 97 miles (109 MPGe).
  • • Annual Energy Cost: $650–2,150 (15k mi/yr).
Electrification Analysis

2018 BMW i3 Powertrain & Efficiency Comparison

Factual efficiency differences across gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric variants

PLUG-IN 2 TRIMS

Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)

97 mi EV • 109 MPGe

Gasoline Combined: 35 MPG • Annual Cost: $2,150.

Dual Fuel / Battery
ELECTRIC 2 TRIMS

Battery Electric (BEV)

107–114 mi Range • 118 MPGe

Annual Energy Cost: $650–$2,150.

Zero Tailpipe Emissions
Certified Ratings Matrix

Official EPA Fuel Economy Ratings by Configuration (4)

Laboratory certification test values across engine, transmission, and drivetrain permutations

Configuration / Model Powertrain Drivetrain Transmission City Highway Combined EV Range Annual Fuel Cost CO2 (g/mi)
i3 (94Ah) Electricity Electric (BEV) Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (A1) 129 MPGe 106 MPGe 118 MPGe 114 mi $650 —
i3s (94Ah) Electricity Electric (BEV) Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (A1) 126 MPGe 99 MPGe 112 MPGe 107 mi $650 —
i3 (94Ah) with Range Extender Premium Gas or Electricity 0.6L Plug-in Hybrid Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (A1) 117 MPGe (36 MPG) 101 MPGe (33 MPG) 109 MPGe (35 MPG) 97 mi $2,150 —
i3s (94Ah) with Range Extender Premium Gas or Electricity 0.6L Plug-in Hybrid Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (A1) 117 MPGe (36 MPG) 101 MPGe (33 MPG) 109 MPGe (35 MPG) 97 mi $2,150 —
Operating Cost Economics

Standardized Energy Cost & Consumption Benchmarks

Standardized annual energy consumption and operating cost metrics based on 15,000 annual miles

ENERGY UNIT 25 MI

Fuel Cost per 25 Miles

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Based on $3.50 per gallon regular gasoline

ANNUAL TOTAL 15K MI

Annual Fuel Consumption

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Estimated annual energy units needed for 15,000 miles

5-YEAR VALUE SAVINGS

5-Year Fuel Cost vs Avg Vehicle

EPA Benchmark

Compared to the average new vehicle over 5 years

Search Intelligence

Quick Answers: EPA Fuel Economy, Electric Range & Energy Costs for the 2018 BMW i3

Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2018 BMW i3

What is the plug-in hybrid electric range of the 2018 BMW i3?

The 2018 BMW i3 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) delivers up to 97 miles of all-electric driving range before transitioning to hybrid gasoline operation.

In electric mode, efficiency is rated at 35 MPGe, switching to 0 MPG combined on gasoline.

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov Certified Ratings

What is the estimated annual fuel or energy cost for the 2018 BMW i3?

Using AutoUtility's standardized operating cost model, estimated annual fueling and energy costs range between $650 and $2,150 for the 2018 BMW i3.

Calculated under AutoUtility's standardized methodology (15,000 miles per year, 55% city / 45% highway driving, $3.50/gallon regular gasoline, $0.16/kWh electricity) using official EPA dynamometer consumption ratings.

Source: AutoUtility Operating Cost Model (EPA-Certified Baseline)
Official US Government Data Provenance

Fuel economy ratings, electric range figures, and energy cost estimates on this page are retrieved directly from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (FuelEconomy.gov) certified vehicle database under 40 CFR Part 600.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.