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BMW is launching an updated version of its i3 electric car with a new battery and significantly increased range.
The i3 94Ah will replace the current 60Ah versions of both the standard i3 and the i3 Range Extender, models described by BMW as the world’s first premium cars designed from the start as electric vehicles.
The lithium-ion battery pack in the new models remains at the same size as its predecessor but each cell offers much greater storage density, giving the pack a capacity of 33kWh and increasing the car’s range by more than 50 per cent.
An i3 battery consists of eight modules, each with 12 cells, and the improvements have been achieved by further refinement of the internal packaging, including adding more electrolyte material.
The battery powers a hybrid synchronous electric motor developed specifically for the i3, with a 170 bhp output and 250Nm of torque, all available from the moment the car pulls away.
BMW is quoting a full electric range for the new models of 195 miles in everyday driving, while retaining the 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds (8.1 seconds for the range-extender version). According to the car’s designers this range can be achieved while using electrical accessories such as the air conditioning or heating.
The coolant in the air conditioning is also employed in keeping the temperature of the battery pack low, while the optional heating system can also be used to warm the battery, ensuring it is at its most effective operating temperature of 20 deg C before the car moves off.
Prices for the i3 start from £27,830, including the Government’s £4,500 ‘plug-in’ grant. The Range Extender model costs from £30,980 – this model includes a small petrol engine of 38hp, powering a generator to recharge the battery if required and extending the car’s range by 81 miles. Its CO2 emissions figure is quoted at 12g/km, one gram less than the previous i3 Range Extender.
BMW’s efforts to attract customers to the i3 extends to offering an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the battery.
The updated i3 models will be available from July, and will also offer new options, including the Protonic Blue exterior colour formerly reserved for the i8 sports car, and a range of interior trims.
