Photo: BMW
The i3 was the second and, to date, last model launched as part of BMW's "i" project. This independent division was supposed to deal with technology advancements in both electrified powertrains and lightweight materials, but after the i8 hybrid sports car and i3 all-electric city car, its activity came to an abrupt end.
Even now, four years after its launch, the i3 is still BMW's only battery-powered model, and not even every i3 is a zero emissions vehicle since some of them are equipped with the optional range-extending gasoline engine.
That was BMW's solution for those who wanted to cover longer distances in their i3s, and even though it didn't go well with the EV enthusiasts, it does make some sense. Since the odd-looking BMW is quintessentially an urban car, it doesn't really need that big of a range. For most city dwellers, 100 miles is more than enough to cover their daily needs, and the i3 offered than that.
The initial version had a NEDC-rated range of 118 miles (190 km), but a 2016 upgrade saw that jump to 186 miles (300 km) by the same lenient standard. In any case, the real-world maximum range was well over 100 miles, but it still fell way short of its competition.
Now, BMW Blog reports, quoting an undisclosed source, that the EV is going to receive another buff to its battery and range the coming year. They say the capacity should increase to about 42.5 kWh, putting the i3 on par with the Renault ZOE in terms of battery size. The French EV is good for 248 NEDC miles (400 km), which means the BMW should reach similar numbers, more or less.
The interesting fact (or you can call it surprising) is that BMW is fresh off showing the updated i3 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, a facelift that will launch by the end of this year. That means the alleged battery revision will not coincide with the launch of the facelifted version, making buying an i3 right now a questionable decision. That is, of course, unless you're fine with what it offers and the larger battery doesn't bring a hike in the EV's price as well.
That was BMW's solution for those who wanted to cover longer distances in their i3s, and even though it didn't go well with the EV enthusiasts, it does make some sense. Since the odd-looking BMW is quintessentially an urban car, it doesn't really need that big of a range. For most city dwellers, 100 miles is more than enough to cover their daily needs, and the i3 offered than that.
The initial version had a NEDC-rated range of 118 miles (190 km), but a 2016 upgrade saw that jump to 186 miles (300 km) by the same lenient standard. In any case, the real-world maximum range was well over 100 miles, but it still fell way short of its competition.
Now, BMW Blog reports, quoting an undisclosed source, that the EV is going to receive another buff to its battery and range the coming year. They say the capacity should increase to about 42.5 kWh, putting the i3 on par with the Renault ZOE in terms of battery size. The French EV is good for 248 NEDC miles (400 km), which means the BMW should reach similar numbers, more or less.
The interesting fact (or you can call it surprising) is that BMW is fresh off showing the updated i3 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, a facelift that will launch by the end of this year. That means the alleged battery revision will not coincide with the launch of the facelifted version, making buying an i3 right now a questionable decision. That is, of course, unless you're fine with what it offers and the larger battery doesn't bring a hike in the EV's price as well.
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