cars news 10: BMW i3 to Extend Range With New Lithium-Ion Battery Pack

The BMW i3 electric vehicle launched back in 2013 for the 2014 model year, offering a range between 80 and 100 miles, along with the option of a 60-mile range-extending 34-hp 650-cc twin-cylinder engine. Compared to some other electric vehicles on the road like the Tesla Model S, the range was lacking.

Now, BMW will reportedly update the i3’s battery pack to give the electric vehicle a better range. Sources close to the automaker told Autocar that the drivetrain has been optimized. The i3 will utilize the same 22-kWh lithium-ion battery, but now it will offer more than 124 miles of real-world driving range thanks to better power density.

In addition to the optimized lithium-ion battery, BMW will also give the i3 an upgraded electronics package with new software mapping for the battery cooling system and electric motor. The slightly increased range might not be enough to quell range anxiety for some, but for those customers BMW still offers the optional range extender. BMW will pair it with the updated battery pack.

While the new pack will be on all i3 models moving forward, current BMW i3 customers will have the option to retrofit it on their older i3 models.

Source: Autocar