BMW electric cars are 'bookends'

"But about 50 per cent will have some form of electric interface such as plug-in hybrids," he says.

BMW will launch the i3 compact EV and i8 plug-in hybrid sports car in 2013. Robertson says hydrogen power is "on the backburner" and predicts internal combustion engines (ICE) will still play "a huge role".

"That is why we are developing energy efficient internal combustion engines," he says. The take-up of EVs will be dependent on several factors such as government incentives and the Chinese market, says Robertson who recently visited Australia. "Incentives take time. I'm not disappointed by the lack of incentives (in Australia) yet," he says.

The big trigger for change to electric power will rely on what the world's biggest car market, China, does. "The Chinese government is being very aggressive about alternative powertrains," he says. "This will potentially speed up the take-up of EVs."

Robertson says the i3 and i8 will be "bookends" to BMW's alternate powertrain products and will arrive in Australia at the end of 2013. He could not confirm what other models would be in the "i" range, but confirms the price for the i8 will be about $300,000.

He has no estimate on the i3 pricing. "The technology is expensive. We will decide on pricing in the next 18 months," he says.

While most EVs are being leased to governments and big corporations, Robertson says the i3 and i8 will be mass-produced for the public. "We're looking at various means of ownership," he says. Both vehicles will make extensive use of strong, lightweight and expensive carbon fibre.

While carbon fibre is expensive, Robertson says it weighs less so the battery does not have to be as big, which is a cost saving. "BMW was the first to use carbonfibre in high volume on a large scale," he says. "The whole process of manufacturing will change with carbon fibre.

"There is no conventional pressing, welding or painting shops." Robertson says the limited range of 120-150km is no hurdle and is "appropriate" to Australians living in cities.