BMW has revealed an updated version of its i3 electric car for 2016, which features a larger battery that significantly increases the vehicle’s range to 195 miles.
The new 94Ah battery for the i3 replaces the 60Ah used in earlier models and has a boosted capacity of 33kWh. Both the fully-electric i3 and Range Extender versions (supported by a 647cc two-cylinder petrol engine) will receive the new, more powerful battery.
BMW will launch the updated i3 in July this year, and production of models with the older 60Ah battery will be discontinued round about the same time.
Competitive range
The improved projected travel range of 195 miles for everyday travel is about double what the i3 has boasted previously. Furthermore, the new range is noticeably more than major rivals like the 30kWh Nissan LEAF, which has an official range of 155 miles, and the 149 miles total offered by the Renault ZOE.
The updated 168bhp i3 also takes just 7.3 seconds to cover the zero to 62mph sprint, or 8.1 seconds in the heavier Range Extender guise. Bear in mind though that the car’s maximum range will be reduced if drivers push the i3 to its full performance potential.
Intriguingly though, BMW does say that the i3’s new 195 mile range can be achieved even if you use the car’s air conditioning or heating while driving. BMW also says the updated i3 is faster to charge too, thanks largely to the fact a DC rapid charge system comes as standard.
Less CO2 from Range Extender
BMW has also revealed that the i3 Range Extender - which uses its small petrol engine to add an extra 81 miles to the car’s range when the batteries are flat - now emits 1g/km less of CO2 than before even with the extended electric range. That means just 12g/km of CO2 is emitted by the i3 Range Extender.
Pricing for the updated, battery-upgraded BMW i3 starts at £27,830 for the fully-electric model and £30,980 for the Range Extender. Both prices take into account the £4,500 OLEV Grant for low emission vehicles which i3 models are eligible for.
