BMW is increasing the cell capacity and energy content of the high-voltage batteries in the BMW i3. The range of the electric car will increase to between 285 and 310 kilometres based on the WLTP cycle.
New batteries will extend the range of the BMW i3 and i3s.
BMW
Since the BMW i3's market launch in late 2013, BMW has doubled the storage capacity of the high-voltage battery in the i3. According to BMW's calculations, the electric car's real-world driving range is now 260 kilometres. The new BMW i3 and i3s models will be available from November 2018.
The lithium-ion batteries in the BMW i3 consist of eight modules, each with twelve storage cells. The batteries remain the same size but have an increased capacity of 120 Ah and a gross energy content of 42.2 kWh. The car is still powered by a 125-kilowatt (170 hp) electric motor. The range has increased by almost a third compared to its predecessor. The BMW i3 now covers a distance of 285 to 310 kilometres under the WLTP cycle, while the sportier i3s model covers a distance of 270 to 285 kilometres.
BMW i3s available with sport package
The vehicle can be recharged to 80 percent in around 15 hours from a socket with a charging capacity of 2.4 kilowatts. With a BMW i WallBox, three-phase fast charging with an output of 11 kilowatts is possible, shortening the process to 3.2 hours. With the Rapid 50 kW DC charger, it should only take 42 minutes.
In addition, the BMW i3 now comes in new exterior and interior colours and optional "Matrix" adaptive LED headlamps for high beam. A sport package will be available for the BMW i3, with a lowered sports suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels.