Reimagine the Electric Vehicle With the BMW iVision Circular

The BMW iVision circular is entirely recyclable—and made up of recyclable materials, too. Although it may not hit the market until 2040, it looks like the future of sustainable vehicles is on the way.
Written by Tom Hindle
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
BMW has revealed a new concept car and it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. The BMW iVision Circular is a sleek subcompact
electric vehicle
with plenty of high-tech features. However, the most unique feature of this 2040 concept vehicle may be the fact that the whole thing is recyclable. As in, 100% recyclable! Not only that but much of the vehicle is also made from recycled materials.
The futuristic hatchback was on display at the 2021 IAA auto show in Munich, showing the world what BMW thinks the sustainable luxury vehicles of the future will look like. Even the car's name is a nod to BMW's goal of circular manufacturing, where everything used in the car is recycled multiple times.
The futuristic BMW iVision is entirely recyclable.

Where do the parts for the BMW iVision Circular come from?

According to the
BMW
website, a mixture of recycled aluminum and steel forms the body of the Circular. The anodized aluminum front end is finished in an attractive light golden bronze. It blends beautifully into the deep blue rear end made from heat-treated steel. The bottom trim pieces are marbleized recycled plastic. 
The wheels are recycled aluminum while the blue-tinged tires are made from sustainably-harvested natural rubber. The windows are made from recycled glass with graphic display possibilities. 
The futuristic EV is powered by a solid-state battery made almost entirely from recycled materials. Solid-state batteries are more compact than lithium-ion batteries and can hold more charge. They are also expected to be easily recyclable. This makes them an ideal choice for BMW's Circular concept car.
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The BMW iVision Circular's high-tech features

MORE: What if Your Car Could Read Your Mind?
An article in
Car and Driver
highlights some of the car's
high-tech features
, such as a 3D-printed steering wheel and a unique crystal interface where you would normally expect to find a center console. Digital surfaces replace the trim around the side windows, as well as the kidney grille that emulates BMW's iconic look. 
Inside, an informative head-up display stretches across the entire lower part of the windshield. Each of the back seats features a dedicated sound zone that lets each passenger enjoy their own choice of music.
The entire vehicle is held together with press studs and other quick-release fasteners rather than composites and bonded materials. That makes it more environmentally friendly and easier to break down for recycling.

The Circular's interior looks just as amazing as its exterior

MORE:
The soothing interior color scheme consists of a very pale mint green floor with the same color on the door panels. The front seats have a lounge chair vibe complemented by their replaceable, recycled fabric covering in a light violet color. 
The interior accents carry the exterior's golden bronze color inside. A recycled glass roof lets plenty of light inside, so you can properly admire everything the interior has to offer.
Continuing the glass theme, a glass iDrive Controller from a defunct BW iXM acts as a lamp on the C-pillar. The interior also features 3D-printed crystal displays on the dashboard, as well as the twin touchpads on the steering wheel and in several other locations.

Cars of the future will still need insurance

BMWs currently contain 30% recycled/reused material. The company plans to increase that amount to 50% and beyond—until they hopefully reach their goal of 100% with the futuristic Circular.
Even if your future car is composed entirely of recycled materials, you'll still want adequate insurance on it. Fortunately,
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