The i3 has a range of 113-177km on a three-hour charge, and its novel design also allows drivers to use the same pedal to accelerate or brake (push down when moving forward, lift when braking), which should improve energy efficiency. And with so-called range anxiety still the No. 1 reason people don’t buy electric cars, BMW is spearheading efforts to reassure customers, including an optional gasoline engine that can charge a car’s battery in an emergency and a program to temporarily lend owners a gasoline-fueled vehicle for longer trips.