SCOTT27
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The BMW i3 (I01) was the first mass-produced zero emissions vehicle by BMW, and part of its i sub-brand. Successor: BMW 3 Series (G28 BEV) (nameplate only). Production: 2013-2022.
nikola1984
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According to Ian Robertson, BMW AG board member for sales and marketing, BMW will increase the i3’s range this year. This summer, the lithium ion battery pack of the compact EV will be improved, “which puts it into a much more usable range,” Robertson said. The sales chief refrained from giving a specific figure, but a source told BMWBLOG that BMW will refresh its i3 electric car with a higher energy density battery.
The current model consists of 8 x 2.7 kWh packs cells – each containing 12 x 3.75 volt, 60 Ah actual cells – wired in series for a nominal capacity of 21.8 kWh, 360 volts, of which 18.8 kWh are usable. The new battery is expected to have a 94Ah battery and the higher energy density will give the i3 an expected range of 120 miles.
The improved battery would give the i3 a better range than the Nissan Leaf which can go up to 107 miles on a single charge, yet it will still shy away from the 200 miles touted by the recently unveiled Chevy Bolt.
BMW sold 24,057 i3s worldwide last year, an increase of 50 percent from 2014. In the United States, BMW sold 11,024 i3s, up from 6,092 in 2014. Around 65 percent of those were with the range extender.
The current model consists of 8 x 2.7 kWh packs cells – each containing 12 x 3.75 volt, 60 Ah actual cells – wired in series for a nominal capacity of 21.8 kWh, 360 volts, of which 18.8 kWh are usable. The new battery is expected to have a 94Ah battery and the higher energy density will give the i3 an expected range of 120 miles.
The improved battery would give the i3 a better range than the Nissan Leaf which can go up to 107 miles on a single charge, yet it will still shy away from the 200 miles touted by the recently unveiled Chevy Bolt.
BMW sold 24,057 i3s worldwide last year, an increase of 50 percent from 2014. In the United States, BMW sold 11,024 i3s, up from 6,092 in 2014. Around 65 percent of those were with the range extender.
nikola1984
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BMW will boost the range of its i3 electric car by about half for the 2017 model year.
This summer, the lithium ion battery pack of the compact EV will be improved, "which puts it into a much more usable range," Ian Robertson, BMW AG board member for sales and marketing, told Automotive News at the Detroit auto show.
BMW doesn't have the exact figure yet, but a 50 percent increase means about 120 miles on a single charge, up from the current 81 miles. The i3 will get other improvements, which BMW has not yet disclosed.
The improved battery would give the i3 a better range than the Nissan Leaf, the top-selling electric car in the world, which can go up to 107 miles on a single charge.
But it will pale in comparison to that of the upcoming Chevy Bolt, which will have a range of 200 miles and cost less than $30,000 after federal tax credits.
The i3 went on sale in the U.S. in the spring of 2014 and has a base price of $43,350 including shipping. A model with a range extender is also available -- with about double the range -- and starts at $47,200 including shipping. Those prices are before tax credits.
BMW sold 24,057 i3s worldwide last year, an increase of 50 percent from 2014.
In the United States, BMW sold 11,024 i3s, up from 6,092 in 2014.
Nearly 60 percent of those were with the range extender.
Range Boost for 2017 BMW i3 !
This summer, the lithium ion battery pack of the compact EV will be improved, "which puts it into a much more usable range," Ian Robertson, BMW AG board member for sales and marketing, told Automotive News at the Detroit auto show.
BMW doesn't have the exact figure yet, but a 50 percent increase means about 120 miles on a single charge, up from the current 81 miles. The i3 will get other improvements, which BMW has not yet disclosed.
The improved battery would give the i3 a better range than the Nissan Leaf, the top-selling electric car in the world, which can go up to 107 miles on a single charge.
But it will pale in comparison to that of the upcoming Chevy Bolt, which will have a range of 200 miles and cost less than $30,000 after federal tax credits.
The i3 went on sale in the U.S. in the spring of 2014 and has a base price of $43,350 including shipping. A model with a range extender is also available -- with about double the range -- and starts at $47,200 including shipping. Those prices are before tax credits.
BMW sold 24,057 i3s worldwide last year, an increase of 50 percent from 2014.
In the United States, BMW sold 11,024 i3s, up from 6,092 in 2014.
Nearly 60 percent of those were with the range extender.
Range Boost for 2017 BMW i3 !
Rainer271
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Here is the BMW i3 Tuxedo Blue by Mr Porter
BMW in partnership with UK menswear retailer MR Porter has developed a limited edition of the BMW i3 electric vehicle. This is the first automotive partnership for the online men’s retailer as it focuses on expanding its men’s range.
MR PORTER has decided to give the i3 its very own spin as part of this collaboration starting with an exclusive exterior color – Tuxedo Blue. The rich, dark blue adds a premium look to the i3 which is currently offered standard in Capparis White, Ionic Silver, Solar Orange, Fluid Black, Platinum Silver and Mineral Grey. The design teams from Mr Porter and BMW i also created a Capparis White accent running along the chassis of the car, while the interior was designed in a dark oak wood in a range of tones and grains. Floor mats feature white stitching details and Dalbergia brown piping.
The wood-dressed dashboard features a “Mr Porter” engraving. Another “Mr Porter” badge can be found on the front fenders.
The BMW i3 also comes with a Mr Porter essentials travel kit, which includes a BMW leather holdall bag and a Leica C camera. In addition, the car will be stocked with exclusive items including a Lock & Co. bowler hat, Cutler and Gross sunglasses, a black-and-white London Undercover umbrella and a bespoke edition of Phaidon City Guide Books.
The retail price is 39,000 pounds or $56,365. The BMW i3 cars will be available for purchase in the UK exclusively on mrporter.com on Feb. 18.
Source: BMWBlog
BMW in partnership with UK menswear retailer MR Porter has developed a limited edition of the BMW i3 electric vehicle. This is the first automotive partnership for the online men’s retailer as it focuses on expanding its men’s range.
MR PORTER has decided to give the i3 its very own spin as part of this collaboration starting with an exclusive exterior color – Tuxedo Blue. The rich, dark blue adds a premium look to the i3 which is currently offered standard in Capparis White, Ionic Silver, Solar Orange, Fluid Black, Platinum Silver and Mineral Grey. The design teams from Mr Porter and BMW i also created a Capparis White accent running along the chassis of the car, while the interior was designed in a dark oak wood in a range of tones and grains. Floor mats feature white stitching details and Dalbergia brown piping.
The wood-dressed dashboard features a “Mr Porter” engraving. Another “Mr Porter” badge can be found on the front fenders.
The BMW i3 also comes with a Mr Porter essentials travel kit, which includes a BMW leather holdall bag and a Leica C camera. In addition, the car will be stocked with exclusive items including a Lock & Co. bowler hat, Cutler and Gross sunglasses, a black-and-white London Undercover umbrella and a bespoke edition of Phaidon City Guide Books.
The retail price is 39,000 pounds or $56,365. The BMW i3 cars will be available for purchase in the UK exclusively on mrporter.com on Feb. 18.
Source: BMWBlog
SCOTT27
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Its a trendy online gents consumer store.
Rainer271
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Crash Test: BMW i3 vs Cadillac CTS
Typically, when the IIHS or Euro NCAP tests two cars safety capabilities against each other’s, it’s a test of two cars crashing into the same object, independently, and seeing which car fared better. However, in this case, we’re taking a look at how two cars performed after accidentally crashing into each other. Fun.
InsideEVs has an interesting story about a BMW i3 owner who was rear-ended by a driver in a Cadillac CTS moving at a very serious rate of speed. Now, considering that the second-gen CTS weights almost 1,000 pounds more than a BMW i3 and that the CTS was moving fast enough to hurl the i3 173 feet upon impact, you’d expect the Cadillac to have one the battle. If that’s what you expect, you’d actually be wrong.
See, the BMW i3 uses a CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) passenger cell that is made from one single piece. Attached to this passenger cell are the aluminum subframes that hold the wheel carriers and what not. So there aren’t many parts of the i3 that are welded, riveted or bonded together, making its structure very stiff. CFRP is also stronger than steel.
The i3 also has a large advantage over any gasoline or diesel powered car, as there aren’t any engines or transmission or exhaust pipes. There also aren’t any oil pans, radiators, coolant tanks or fuel tanks. Being that there’s a considerable lack of mechanics in an electric vehicle like the i3, automakers have a lot of space to build in a lot more safety equipment, like crumple zones and impact absorbers. This allows EVs to be much safer and one of the reasons why the Tesla Model S crushed the IIHS safety tests when they first tested it.
So when the CTS slammed into the back of the i3, yes the i3 was sent flying forward 173 feet but was barely damaged in comparison to the CTS. The rear bumper was smashed up, but the hatch was still able to power open via the remote. All the doors still opened perfectly, because there can’t be any body flex due to the single piece carbon fiber passenger tub. Some interior bits, like the seat backs and and center arm rest were broken due to impact, but the structure of the car was completely intact, thus saving the passenger’s life. The driver of the i3 walked away with nothing more than a stiff neck, while the CTS driver was taken away in an ambulance. The CTS was also clearly totaled, as the front end looked like origami.
This just goes to show how strong and rigid carbon fiber passenger cells are and that, despite its small size and light weight, the i3 is far stronger than it looks. So if anyone out there is considering a BMW i3 but is on the fence due to safety concerns for their family, as the car is so small, fear not. The BMW i3 was hit so hard that it was hurled 173 feet, or more than half of an American Football field, and the passenger had only a sore neck the following day. That’s impressive in any car, nevermind a sub-3,000 lb electric hatchback. You think SUVs are safe? Wait ’til they take on the i3.
[Source: InsideEVs] / BMWBlog
Typically, when the IIHS or Euro NCAP tests two cars safety capabilities against each other’s, it’s a test of two cars crashing into the same object, independently, and seeing which car fared better. However, in this case, we’re taking a look at how two cars performed after accidentally crashing into each other. Fun.
InsideEVs has an interesting story about a BMW i3 owner who was rear-ended by a driver in a Cadillac CTS moving at a very serious rate of speed. Now, considering that the second-gen CTS weights almost 1,000 pounds more than a BMW i3 and that the CTS was moving fast enough to hurl the i3 173 feet upon impact, you’d expect the Cadillac to have one the battle. If that’s what you expect, you’d actually be wrong.
See, the BMW i3 uses a CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) passenger cell that is made from one single piece. Attached to this passenger cell are the aluminum subframes that hold the wheel carriers and what not. So there aren’t many parts of the i3 that are welded, riveted or bonded together, making its structure very stiff. CFRP is also stronger than steel.
The i3 also has a large advantage over any gasoline or diesel powered car, as there aren’t any engines or transmission or exhaust pipes. There also aren’t any oil pans, radiators, coolant tanks or fuel tanks. Being that there’s a considerable lack of mechanics in an electric vehicle like the i3, automakers have a lot of space to build in a lot more safety equipment, like crumple zones and impact absorbers. This allows EVs to be much safer and one of the reasons why the Tesla Model S crushed the IIHS safety tests when they first tested it.
So when the CTS slammed into the back of the i3, yes the i3 was sent flying forward 173 feet but was barely damaged in comparison to the CTS. The rear bumper was smashed up, but the hatch was still able to power open via the remote. All the doors still opened perfectly, because there can’t be any body flex due to the single piece carbon fiber passenger tub. Some interior bits, like the seat backs and and center arm rest were broken due to impact, but the structure of the car was completely intact, thus saving the passenger’s life. The driver of the i3 walked away with nothing more than a stiff neck, while the CTS driver was taken away in an ambulance. The CTS was also clearly totaled, as the front end looked like origami.
This just goes to show how strong and rigid carbon fiber passenger cells are and that, despite its small size and light weight, the i3 is far stronger than it looks. So if anyone out there is considering a BMW i3 but is on the fence due to safety concerns for their family, as the car is so small, fear not. The BMW i3 was hit so hard that it was hurled 173 feet, or more than half of an American Football field, and the passenger had only a sore neck the following day. That’s impressive in any car, nevermind a sub-3,000 lb electric hatchback. You think SUVs are safe? Wait ’til they take on the i3.
[Source: InsideEVs] / BMWBlog
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A structure absorbs and dissipates energy via deformation. An ultra stiff chassis isn't necessarily a safe chassis.
Every time someone uses the word strong to describe a structure and it's deformability it really enrages me.
Rigidity and deformability are not exactly opposite things.
Rainer271
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BMW i3 facelift adding two additional versions
2017 model year for the BMW i3 will bring two new versions bringing the total number of the variants to four.
We’ve already heard BMW is preparing technology updates for the eco-friendly i3 and now a new report indicates the Bavarian company will actually expand the model’s portfolio to four versions. Currently, the i3 is available as a fully electrical vehicle and as an internal combustion engine-supported hybrid machine.
According to BimmerToday, these two will be joined by two new versions with the same pure electric and hybrid powerplants using larger capacity batteries. This means the automaker will still be offering the current i3 with 60-Ah batteries, while customers will also be able to select a 94-Ah battery pack.
The facelift will also bring new software and better electronics for the EV, which is rumored to receive a boost in the range to about 120 miles (193 kilometers) from the current 80-mile (129-km) range.
The official premiere of the refreshed i3 is expected later this year and the Paris Motor Show in early October seems like a possible venue for the debut. Sales are likely to begin before the end of the year as BMW will try to surpass the 24,057 sales of the model in 2015.
Source: BimmerToday via BMW Blog
2017 model year for the BMW i3 will bring two new versions bringing the total number of the variants to four.
We’ve already heard BMW is preparing technology updates for the eco-friendly i3 and now a new report indicates the Bavarian company will actually expand the model’s portfolio to four versions. Currently, the i3 is available as a fully electrical vehicle and as an internal combustion engine-supported hybrid machine.
According to BimmerToday, these two will be joined by two new versions with the same pure electric and hybrid powerplants using larger capacity batteries. This means the automaker will still be offering the current i3 with 60-Ah batteries, while customers will also be able to select a 94-Ah battery pack.
The facelift will also bring new software and better electronics for the EV, which is rumored to receive a boost in the range to about 120 miles (193 kilometers) from the current 80-mile (129-km) range.
The official premiere of the refreshed i3 is expected later this year and the Paris Motor Show in early October seems like a possible venue for the debut. Sales are likely to begin before the end of the year as BMW will try to surpass the 24,057 sales of the model in 2015.
Source: BimmerToday via BMW Blog
D
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What ? The current I3 EV only offer 130 km autonomy ?
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nikola1984
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2017 BMW i3 Gets 50% Range Increase, Arrives In July
BMW i | April 28th, 2016 by Horatiu Boeriu 0
BMW UK sent out two special mailers to interested BMW i3 consumers and current owners confirming that the 2017 BMW i3 will get a 50 …
BMW UK sent out two special mailers to interested BMW i3 consumers and current owners confirming that the 2017 BMW i3 will get a 50 percent range increase. “Before the official announcement, we wanted you to be the first to know that, from July, the BMW i3 will be available with a new, higher capacity lithium-ion battery, so you can travel up to 50%* further on one charge,” the ad said. BMW also states you can pre-order now to get the new edition of the car in the Fall.
The increase in range is achieved through a higher density battery, but those information are under wraps until next week. The current BMW i3 BEV has a range of 81 miles/130 km, while the REx delivers 72 miles/115 km. The new model should deliver close to 124 miles / 200 km.
Early inquiries to dealers in the UK suggest the larger battery option costs an additional £1350 ($1,950 USD), which is pretty reasonable – and also includes DC fast charging. The 2017 edition sees the deletion of the “Solar Orange” color option, replaced with “Protonic Blue.“
[Source: InsideEVs]
TAGS: 2017 BMW i3
BMW i | April 28th, 2016 by Horatiu Boeriu 0
BMW UK sent out two special mailers to interested BMW i3 consumers and current owners confirming that the 2017 BMW i3 will get a 50 …
BMW UK sent out two special mailers to interested BMW i3 consumers and current owners confirming that the 2017 BMW i3 will get a 50 percent range increase. “Before the official announcement, we wanted you to be the first to know that, from July, the BMW i3 will be available with a new, higher capacity lithium-ion battery, so you can travel up to 50%* further on one charge,” the ad said. BMW also states you can pre-order now to get the new edition of the car in the Fall.
The increase in range is achieved through a higher density battery, but those information are under wraps until next week. The current BMW i3 BEV has a range of 81 miles/130 km, while the REx delivers 72 miles/115 km. The new model should deliver close to 124 miles / 200 km.
Early inquiries to dealers in the UK suggest the larger battery option costs an additional £1350 ($1,950 USD), which is pretty reasonable – and also includes DC fast charging. The 2017 edition sees the deletion of the “Solar Orange” color option, replaced with “Protonic Blue.“
[Source: InsideEVs]
TAGS: 2017 BMW i3
D
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The rex delivers 150 miles not 115. It's called rex for a reason.
Officially confirmed on bmw website:
Munich. BMW i is expanding the model range of its compact electric car, the BMW i3 and from summer will be offering a version with significantly increased battery capacity. The BMW i3 (94 Ah) has a capacity of 33 kilowatt hours (kWh) thanks to the higher storage density of the lithium ion cells. The battery dimensions remain unchanged with over 50 per cent range increase in the standard NEDC cycle which equals 300 kilometres instead of 190 kilometres. Even in everyday use, in bad weather conditions and with the air conditioning or heating turned on, 200 kilometres of range can be achieved on one full battery charge. The driving performance figures of the 125 kW/170 hp hybrid synchronous electric motor remain virtually unchanged. The motor propels the BMW i3 from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. This makes the BMW i3 both the sportiest and most efficient electric vehicle in its segment with an electricity consumption of 12.6 kWh/100 km (NEDC). The BMW i3 with 60 Ah battery, which has been on the market for two years, remains part of the model range. In addition, the model variant with Range Extender will still be available for both battery versions. The 2-cylinder petrol engine keeps the charge level of the battery constant while driving provides an additional range of 150 kilometres (BMW i3 (94 Ah)/BMW i3 (60 Ah): combined fuel consumption 0.6./0.6l/100 km; combined electricity consumption: 11.3/13.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 12/13 g/km)*. This broadens the model range of the best-selling premium electric vehicle in its segment worldwide to four versions. With the introduction of the BMW i3 (94 Ah), BMW i also offers new and more powerful charging stations for home garage use as well as new equipment options. Additionally, customers can have their first-generation battery retrofitted as part of a special retrofit programme and have the new battery type installed – this is made possible thanks to the modular and flexible design of the BMW i3.
Munich. BMW i is expanding the model range of its compact electric car, the BMW i3 and from summer will be offering a version with significantly increased battery capacity. The BMW i3 (94 Ah) has a capacity of 33 kilowatt hours (kWh) thanks to the higher storage density of the lithium ion cells. The battery dimensions remain unchanged with over 50 per cent range increase in the standard NEDC cycle which equals 300 kilometres instead of 190 kilometres. Even in everyday use, in bad weather conditions and with the air conditioning or heating turned on, 200 kilometres of range can be achieved on one full battery charge. The driving performance figures of the 125 kW/170 hp hybrid synchronous electric motor remain virtually unchanged. The motor propels the BMW i3 from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. This makes the BMW i3 both the sportiest and most efficient electric vehicle in its segment with an electricity consumption of 12.6 kWh/100 km (NEDC). The BMW i3 with 60 Ah battery, which has been on the market for two years, remains part of the model range. In addition, the model variant with Range Extender will still be available for both battery versions. The 2-cylinder petrol engine keeps the charge level of the battery constant while driving provides an additional range of 150 kilometres (BMW i3 (94 Ah)/BMW i3 (60 Ah): combined fuel consumption 0.6./0.6l/100 km; combined electricity consumption: 11.3/13.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 12/13 g/km)*. This broadens the model range of the best-selling premium electric vehicle in its segment worldwide to four versions. With the introduction of the BMW i3 (94 Ah), BMW i also offers new and more powerful charging stations for home garage use as well as new equipment options. Additionally, customers can have their first-generation battery retrofitted as part of a special retrofit programme and have the new battery type installed – this is made possible thanks to the modular and flexible design of the BMW i3.
Rainer271
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WORLD PREMIERE: 2017 BMW i3 debuts higher-density battery
By far and away, the largest criticism of the BMW i3 has been its range. Aside from its 80 mile or so range, the BMW i3 is a brilliant car and one that’s been pretty universally praised for its driving dynamics, spacious interior and funky design. It’s a car that has stood out among the sea of boring Nissan Leafs and Chevrolet Volts. However, many people still can’t get past the fact that its range is meant more for cramped cities than anything else.
Well, BMW has remedied that a bit for this coming year. For 2017 models, the BMW i3 will now feature a higher-density 94 Ah battery, compared to the previous i3’s 60 Ah battery, that will provide the i3 a range of around 114 miles, with maybe ever more if all the A/C and heating systems are turned off and the car is in ECO Pro+ mode.
This new 94 Ah battery has a capacity of 33 kWh (kilowatt hours), thanks to a higher density of the lithium-ion cells. Yet, despite the added capacity, the battery hasn’t increased in size at all, meaning it fits perfectly into the same battery tray as the previous-gen i3’s.
BMW i3 Protonic Blue
The high-voltage battery of the BMW i3 consists of eight modules with twelve storage cells each and its capacity has increased by more than 50%. BMW worked with Samsung to increase the capacity by optimizing the cell-internal packages with more electrolyte and adapting the active material. Of the overall 33 kWh, 27.2 kWh can be effectively used. This compares to the previous battery’s 22 kWh, of which only 19 kWh could efficiently be used. All this is fancy smart talk for the battery being about the same size, but being able to provide a longer range.
The only real downside of this new battery change, if you can call it a downside, is that there’s a bit of a weight penalty. The higher-density battery is exactly that, higher in density, so the new BMW i3 weighs in at 2,961 lbs for the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and 3,234 lbs for the REx (Range Extender) model. However, despite the slight bump in weight, the new BMW i3 is still rated for 0-60 mph in just over 7 seconds and still manages 114 miles of range. This makes it the fastest EV in its segment, as well as the lightest. In fact, the BMW i3 achieves a 5.1 second time for accelerating from 50 to 75 mph, which is great for an EV.
With the introduction of the new 94 Ah battery, BMW gives i customers the opportunity of retrofitting their purely electric BMW i3 (60 Ah) with the new 33 kWh battery as part of a high-voltage retrofit program This program is available in selected markets. We’ve learned that the US market will likely not offer this option. The 22 kWh batteries traded-in by customers are used to build stationary storage battery modules thus starting their second life.
In terms of charging, the added density of the battery does increase recharge time just a bit. Using a Level 2 charger, the 33 kWh battery takes about 4.5 hours to charge from flat, an hour more than the 3.5 hours of the 22 kWh battery in the original i3. Small price to pay for the added range. However, the BMW i3 is equipped with future-proof 50 kW DC fast charging which can recharge the battery a minimum of 80 percent in less than 40 minutes. This is a bit slower than the previous model, which would do 80 percent in just 25 minutes on 50 kW, but the new model is still achieving 2.5 mi/min, which is very good. The new BMW i3 will also still come with the Occasional Use Cable.
REx models, with their two-cylinder gasoline range extending engine, will also be receiving a range bump, as they will be fitted with a larger 2.4 gallon gas tank this time around. This range extender will kick in whenever the battery reaches a range lower than 6.5 miles. With over 100 miles of range from the battery, it’s likely that the need for this model decreases significantly and those that do purchase the REx will likely only use it for long journeys, never really needing to ever tap into it. It does come with a slight 270 lb weigh penalty, however, which slows the car down a bit, causing an 8.0 second 0-60 mph time.
Battery size isn’t the only new addition to the i3, however. New paint colors will be available, including the new Protonic Blue Metallic color, previously only available on the BMW i8. Capparis White and Fluid Black sum it up for the non metallic colors, while the other metallic options are Mineral Grey, Platinum Silver and Ionic Silver.
A new Deka World will be added to the i3’s collection of “World” trim levels, which will include a a lightweight dark cloth fabric. The Tera World will now get a new trim option of Dark Oak Wood to go with the Light Eucalyptus Wood option. These two trims will also be available with the Giga World.
However, the big news comes for the US model BMW i3, which will now be available with an electric moonroof. American BMW i3 fans have been complaining about the i3’s lack of a moonroof option in the US since its launch and they finally get their wish. Other standard equipment will include Dynamic Cruise Control, LED Headlights, Navigation Business System, as well as Driving Dynamic Control and Park Distance Control.
Later this year, BMW i will also be offering the new BMW Home Charger Connect, a residential fast-charging station for the i3, as well as any other plug-in BMW. The new BMW Home Charger Connect features a new, sleeker design and can charge the i3’s battery in around 4.5 hours. It will also come with WiFi and feature innovative charging services that can be accessed remotely.
The new BMW i3 isn’t a drastic departure from the previous model, adding only a few new features and some added range. But those few things take the BMW i3 from a good EV to a great one. Now it has a range of over 100 miles, more than enough for anyone in its target audience, it has the moonroof option so many fans were asking for and it has some cool new color and trim options as well. The BMW i3 has become a better, more well-rounded car than it was prior to this update and it should help stifle some of the criticism towards it. Is the i3 the perfect EV overall? No, probably not. But is the BMW i3 the perfect EV for the sort of customer BMW i is marketing it toward? Yes, absolutely. Especially now.
Source: BMWBlog
By far and away, the largest criticism of the BMW i3 has been its range. Aside from its 80 mile or so range, the BMW i3 is a brilliant car and one that’s been pretty universally praised for its driving dynamics, spacious interior and funky design. It’s a car that has stood out among the sea of boring Nissan Leafs and Chevrolet Volts. However, many people still can’t get past the fact that its range is meant more for cramped cities than anything else.
Well, BMW has remedied that a bit for this coming year. For 2017 models, the BMW i3 will now feature a higher-density 94 Ah battery, compared to the previous i3’s 60 Ah battery, that will provide the i3 a range of around 114 miles, with maybe ever more if all the A/C and heating systems are turned off and the car is in ECO Pro+ mode.
This new 94 Ah battery has a capacity of 33 kWh (kilowatt hours), thanks to a higher density of the lithium-ion cells. Yet, despite the added capacity, the battery hasn’t increased in size at all, meaning it fits perfectly into the same battery tray as the previous-gen i3’s.
BMW i3 Protonic Blue
The high-voltage battery of the BMW i3 consists of eight modules with twelve storage cells each and its capacity has increased by more than 50%. BMW worked with Samsung to increase the capacity by optimizing the cell-internal packages with more electrolyte and adapting the active material. Of the overall 33 kWh, 27.2 kWh can be effectively used. This compares to the previous battery’s 22 kWh, of which only 19 kWh could efficiently be used. All this is fancy smart talk for the battery being about the same size, but being able to provide a longer range.
The only real downside of this new battery change, if you can call it a downside, is that there’s a bit of a weight penalty. The higher-density battery is exactly that, higher in density, so the new BMW i3 weighs in at 2,961 lbs for the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and 3,234 lbs for the REx (Range Extender) model. However, despite the slight bump in weight, the new BMW i3 is still rated for 0-60 mph in just over 7 seconds and still manages 114 miles of range. This makes it the fastest EV in its segment, as well as the lightest. In fact, the BMW i3 achieves a 5.1 second time for accelerating from 50 to 75 mph, which is great for an EV.
With the introduction of the new 94 Ah battery, BMW gives i customers the opportunity of retrofitting their purely electric BMW i3 (60 Ah) with the new 33 kWh battery as part of a high-voltage retrofit program This program is available in selected markets. We’ve learned that the US market will likely not offer this option. The 22 kWh batteries traded-in by customers are used to build stationary storage battery modules thus starting their second life.
In terms of charging, the added density of the battery does increase recharge time just a bit. Using a Level 2 charger, the 33 kWh battery takes about 4.5 hours to charge from flat, an hour more than the 3.5 hours of the 22 kWh battery in the original i3. Small price to pay for the added range. However, the BMW i3 is equipped with future-proof 50 kW DC fast charging which can recharge the battery a minimum of 80 percent in less than 40 minutes. This is a bit slower than the previous model, which would do 80 percent in just 25 minutes on 50 kW, but the new model is still achieving 2.5 mi/min, which is very good. The new BMW i3 will also still come with the Occasional Use Cable.
REx models, with their two-cylinder gasoline range extending engine, will also be receiving a range bump, as they will be fitted with a larger 2.4 gallon gas tank this time around. This range extender will kick in whenever the battery reaches a range lower than 6.5 miles. With over 100 miles of range from the battery, it’s likely that the need for this model decreases significantly and those that do purchase the REx will likely only use it for long journeys, never really needing to ever tap into it. It does come with a slight 270 lb weigh penalty, however, which slows the car down a bit, causing an 8.0 second 0-60 mph time.
Battery size isn’t the only new addition to the i3, however. New paint colors will be available, including the new Protonic Blue Metallic color, previously only available on the BMW i8. Capparis White and Fluid Black sum it up for the non metallic colors, while the other metallic options are Mineral Grey, Platinum Silver and Ionic Silver.
A new Deka World will be added to the i3’s collection of “World” trim levels, which will include a a lightweight dark cloth fabric. The Tera World will now get a new trim option of Dark Oak Wood to go with the Light Eucalyptus Wood option. These two trims will also be available with the Giga World.
However, the big news comes for the US model BMW i3, which will now be available with an electric moonroof. American BMW i3 fans have been complaining about the i3’s lack of a moonroof option in the US since its launch and they finally get their wish. Other standard equipment will include Dynamic Cruise Control, LED Headlights, Navigation Business System, as well as Driving Dynamic Control and Park Distance Control.
Later this year, BMW i will also be offering the new BMW Home Charger Connect, a residential fast-charging station for the i3, as well as any other plug-in BMW. The new BMW Home Charger Connect features a new, sleeker design and can charge the i3’s battery in around 4.5 hours. It will also come with WiFi and feature innovative charging services that can be accessed remotely.
The new BMW i3 isn’t a drastic departure from the previous model, adding only a few new features and some added range. But those few things take the BMW i3 from a good EV to a great one. Now it has a range of over 100 miles, more than enough for anyone in its target audience, it has the moonroof option so many fans were asking for and it has some cool new color and trim options as well. The BMW i3 has become a better, more well-rounded car than it was prior to this update and it should help stifle some of the criticism towards it. Is the i3 the perfect EV overall? No, probably not. But is the BMW i3 the perfect EV for the sort of customer BMW i is marketing it toward? Yes, absolutely. Especially now.
Source: BMWBlog
nikola1984
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BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, abbreviated as BMW is a German multinational
manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
The company was founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, which it produced
from 1917 to 1918 and again from 1933 to 1945.
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
