The first ever all-electric BMW i3 shipped to the U.S. has been delivered to Charles Rabie, a professor at Tufts University in Boston, Mass.
More i3s are expected to arrive in America over the next few weeks, with a starting price of $41,350, according to Boston.com.
The i3 is the German auto manufacturer's first all-electric vehicle and includes a 22-kilowatt lithium-ion battery that has a range of 80 to 100 miles.
The vehicle also has a 170-horespower electric motor with 184 lb-ft of torque, TechHive reported.
The i3 was first unveiled at the New York Auto Show last year, and has gained attention due to its unique appearance, which is different from other BMW vehicles.
Rabie is a supporter of electric vehicles, and has reportedly been driving the BMW ActiveE since 2012, BMW wrote in its blog. Ashlan Gorse Cousteau, former E! Entertainment leading correspondent from Los Angeles, was also one of the first people in the U.S. to receive the vehicle.
"Today marks a big day at BMW of North America - what started out as a dream for an innovative sustainable vehicle under the BMW brand can now be found on streets across the U.S.," said Ludwig Willisch, president and CEO of BMW North America.
The car is designed to be agile and fun to drive, and is well suited for urban areas.
Rabie shared his gratitude when asked about being the first U.S. customer to receive the i3, Boston.com reported.
"I like the fact that we get to make a contribution," he said. "A lot of people talk about helping the environment. We're lucky that we can do something about it."
Rabie added that he would like to see Massachusetts help electric cars like i3 become more popular.
"I'd like to see more incentives from cities, municipalities, and the state to use these types of cars," he said.
