It was also $50k for a car that only got 120-150mi of range. It was a joke car. The reason it didn’t sell well is because it was a compliance car, not because it didn’t innovative. If it had a reasonable range (say, Chevy Bolt 200-250ish) in all electric for the same price, I bet it would have sold much much better.
On the up side i3 are great second hand bargain at current ~$5K price point.
I have an i3 though and the range is perfect for my use. Town, school, office etc. I just put it on charge when I get back, or the next day.