BMW i3 comes back with new strengths and better on-road behavior
BMW i3 comes back with more strength via the new model added to the range. The new variant will be offered next year and it will deliver to its future drivers more than 50% increased battery capacity. To go into details, the 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah) has a capacity of 33 kilowatt hours (kWh). This is due to the higher energy density of the lithium ion cells.
But despite the increased energy range, the dimensions of the battery have remained the same. In fact, the team at BMW i has worked very hard to make this possible. As an example the brand says that if one drives the new Battery Electric BMW i3 in everyday conditions, in varying weather and with the air conditioning or heating turned on, the EV achieves a range of up to 114 miles combined (hwy/city).
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In terms of performance however, nothing has been changed. The figures of the 170 hp AC synchronous electric motor remain almost the same. Precisely, the motor propels the BMW i3 from 0 to 60 mph in just over 7 seconds. The expected EPA electricity consumption is of 27 kWh/100mi.
What is more, the new i3 will feature also 94 Ah battery. If the driver needs additional range, then he or she can equip their BMW with the Range Extender, which switches the 2-cylinder gasoline engine once the battery is depleted to 6.5% state of charge. In addition, in this state it keeps the charge level of the battery constant while driving and delivers an additional range thanks to a 25% larger fuel tank (2.4 gallons).
At last, but not least, also new for the BMW I family is the introduction of the BMW Home Charger Connect. This is a residential charging station designed for comfortable and fast home charging with additional connected functions.
2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah) will be announced closer to its market launch.
Source: BMW
