As we were reminded earlier this week, BMW has been working on electric cars for four decades now beginning with the 1602 Electric in 1972, and next year, it will introduce its first series production EV in the form of the all-new i3 five-door supermini.

At the recent LA Auto Show, BMW displayed a three-door concept version of the sub-compact model named the i3 Coupe, and it is this car that CarScoop reader Alfred H. spotted on the road this week.

“I was walking home from dinner in Downtown Los Angeles this evening and saw the new BMW i3 Concept parked on the street, possibly getting ready for a photo shoot?” Alfred told us.

“I know the i8 Concept has been getting a lot of attention lately (most recent appearance here at the LA AUTO SHOW), but haven’t really heard much about the i3,” he added.

Well Alfred, the i3 features a lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic body construction and in five-door trim, it will be offered in a pure electric version as well with a an optional range-extender engine that will act much in the same way as the Chevrolet Volt’s powertrain providing power to charge the batteries.

Officially, BMW says it has yet to make a decision on the production of the three-door i3 Coupe. Unofficially, sources from within the company have said that aside from the coupe, Munich is also considering a convertible model for the series.

Thanks to Alfred H. for the scoop!

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