Downtown Austin Chosen to Premiere BMW’s First Electric Vehicle

Due to its fast-growing economy and green-minded populace, the Music Capital of the World has been chosen as one of only five U.S. cities to premiere an elite BMW electric vehicle showroom. The BMW showroom will stand in the popular 2nd Street District of downtown Austin, Texas.

“Austin is being mentioned in the same breath as New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco by BMW North America,” lauded Steve Late, President of BMW of Austin.

Brainchild of BMW’s mission to provide a completely sustainable, all-electric city vehicle, the BMW i3 remains true to the moniker of the Ultimate Driving Machine. Its compact size, sharp turning radius, and agile handling enable it to easily maneuver on city streets, while short front and rear overhangs make parking in tight spaces easier.

Redevelopment of Austin’s 2nd Street District, which led to an Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council, caught BMW’s eye. It not only helped reestablish downtown ATX as a retail destination, but lured major employers downtown and created a pedestrian-friendly hub. The success of the district also spurred nine major downtown residential projects beyond the six-block district and increased the number of downtown residential units from just over 2,000 12 years ago to over 6,400 today, with another 1,950 units under construction.

Another factor in BMW’s choice of ATX was Austin Energy’s national leadership in promoting and supporting the adoption of electric vehicles by consumers. “Austin is already the second largest market in registrations of electric and hybrid cars,” Late explains. “The leading edge support that our city and Austin Energy have built with their infrastructure embraces this concept,” Late explained.

BMW also cited Austin Energy’s Plug-In EVerywhere network. In Austin, an electric-vehicle owner never has to drive over five miles to find an electric vehicle charging station. When visiting a home in the Tarrytown neighbohood, for example, vehicles can plug-in at Howson Branch Library. After taking the kids out for homemade ice cream after an Eanes ISD event, EVs can plug in right off Westbank Drive (Chase Escalade Center). Austin has over 160 charging stations at public places, restaurants, retail locations, hospitals, schools, and colleges all over town!

“Austin’s commitment to electric vehicles is demonstrated by strong market growth supported by a robust and affordable charging network powered by 100% renewable energy,” said Karl Popham, Austin Energy’s Manager of Electric Vehicles and Emerging Technologies. “I believe BMW’s decision to choose Austin as a premier city to debut their new plug-in car is a smart move.”

Is it time for your own smart move? The Austin REALTORS® at Regent Property Group believe in green living and welcome BMW’s electric luxury vehicle to its new Austin home. We help luxury home-buyers stay on top of the latest in ATX real estate trends, from creekside homes in Barton Creek West to elite lakeside condos.