BMW continues investing in its electric cars and announces to come in 2019 with an upgraded batter for its BMW i3 version. Compared to the previous version, that would mean a 30% increase in the maximum autonomy. Other improvements will be put on the model as well.
While I think that any increase in the autonomy is a good sign, I am still wondering how come they couldn't succeed to surpass their competitors like the Chevy Bolt and the Tesla Model S, Model X and Model 3 vehicles. And not to forget about he the Nisan Leafy while still goes over the BMW i3. The question that arises is if this would be enough to keep the BMW i3 as a top seller in the new year considering the other EV competitors which also promise to launch newer versions with increase autonomy.
When first produced in 2013, BMW i3 had a 22.6-kilowatt hour battery pack capable of 60 ampere hours (Ah) of batteries. That would mean a range of 81 miles, based on the EPA estimates. Later on in 2016, the enhanced model came with an increased power which grew to 33 kwh of gross energy (94 amp hours). That meant an autonomy of about 115 miles under the same EPA estimate.
Now we are promised that with the the 2019 model, the BMW i3 will have 120 Ah batteries in a 42.2-kWh-battery pack. That will translate into an autonomy of 153 miles on a single charge. Based on the producer saying the upgraded battery will be installed on both i3 and i3s models, while the pricing was not pronounced. We can at most refer to the current price which is $45,000 for the base model.
The production will start in November 2017 and the new models they will keep the current power engine of a 170-horsepower electric motor that takes you from 0 to 60 miles/per hour in 7.2 seconds. The sport version i3s will have a 181-horsepower motor that can get you from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds.
Other improvements that will be brought with the 2019 version are the following:
- a new exterior color called Jucaro Beige metallic
- adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams.
- wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot that can accommodate up to 10 devices
- sport package to include black wheel arch surrounds and a suspension with specific dampers, springs and stabilizers, lowered suspension, a widened track and 20-inch light alloy wheels.
Always good to hear for advancements in the electric industry to which I personal adhere to. This is the next evolution step and just whiling for it to be faster adopted. Only if the economy would support the new technologies...