Oracle Team USA has received four all-electric BMW i3 cars for team members to use in Bermuda.
The island’s BMW dealership, Ultimate Motors, presented the cars to the team on Monday afternoon in a ceremony at the team base in Bermuda.
“The BMW i3 represents exciting, efficient, electric mobility, with the capacity to travel from Hamilton to Dockyard at least 10 times without having to re-charge. And 0-100 kph in 7.2 seconds,” said David Gibbons, chairman of Ultimate Motors in Bermuda.
“The partnership between Oracle Team USA and BMW brings together speed and efficiency, technology and art, aerodynamics and aeronautics, strength and athleticism, responsiveness and agility. All of these attributes have been captured in the BMW i3, in the Oracle Team USA race boats and in the athletes that race them.”
Jimmy Spithill, the skipper for Oracle Team USA, said the cutting-edge technology of BMW as demonstrated in its electric vehicles was a competitive advantage for his team.
“The first time we won the America’s Cup in 2010 was with the support of BMW as a technology partner and it’s great to have that behind us again in this campaign,” Spithill said. “The amount of innovation and technology that goes into these cars is proof what they can contribute to the team.”
Grant Simmer, the General Manager for Oracle Team USA agreed the team was benefitting from BMW expertise and was excited by the sustainable aspect of the BMW i3.
“We have a technical relationship with BMW where we’re working on a number of areas that are helping the design of our America’s Cup Class yachts, in particular on the aerodynamics,” said Grant Simmer, the General Manager of Oracle Team USA.
“In regards to the BMW i3, we’re very pleased to see their commitment to sustainability and electric vehicles. We believe it’s a very good fit for Bermuda and we’re looking forward to driving them. They’re cool cars!”
Premier Michael Dunkley was also on hand for the ceremony, and said: “I’m delighted that Ultimate Motors along with Oracle Team USA has taken this sustainable initiative.
“We’re proud of all that you’ve done to leave a positive impact on the community. Today, protecting our carbon footprint and sustainability is critical. I’m positive that this will help us push forward on sustainability. Thank you for your commitment.”
– Photos above courtesy of Sam Greenfield
