BMW i3 (94 Ah) Boasts Of A Higher Battery At The Same Size
Normally, a battery with a bigger capacity occupies more space than one with lower figures, which usually means having to adjust physical designs to accommodate the larger packs. BMW, however, has managed the rare feat of cramming higher capacity batteries in the same amount of space. That's what the 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah) boasts of. Don't let the rather unusual name fool you. The BMW i3 (94 Ah) takes all the great things about the previous BMW i3 and takes it further, literally, with a 94 Ah, 33 kWh battery, all the way up to a 114 mile range.
The new BMW i3 boasts of a more than 50% increase in battery capacity, now at 94 Ah compared to the 60 Ah of the previous model. This new high voltage battery is composed of 8 modules, each with 12 storage cells. Despite the increase in capacity, the batteries do not increase in size compared to their older counterparts, thanks to some crafty chemical and engineering techniques that optimize cell packaging that crams more electrolytes in each. The same 3 phase AC synchronous electric motor drives the BMW i3 (94 Ah), which means the same 170 hp output. But with more battery, the electric car can go the extra mile, quite literally, up to 114 miles. The new BMW i3 goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 7 seconds, making it the sportiest EV yet.
But if even more is needed, the BMW i3 has range extender model outfitted with the same 94 Ah battery. Working in tandem with the electric motor is a 650 cc 2-cylinder gasoline engine located above the rear axle. The 2.4 gallon fuel tank is a 25% increase from the previous range extended BMW i3. This gives an additional 38 hp of power. When the electric motor's charge reaches 6.5%, the gasoline engine automatically kicks in and keeps the battery charge constant.
The BMW i3 comes with standard features including Automatic climate control, Dynamic Cruise Control, LED Headlights, HD Radio, DC Fast Charging, Navigiation Business System, BMW Assist and BMW Teleservices. The optional Navigation System Professional, with Connected Drive services, however, might be too useful to pass. Its range assistant automatically determines if the destination will be quite beyond the supported range of the car, based on the planned and current routes. It will then suggest to more efficient ECO PRO or PRO+ modes as well as more efficient routes.
BMW is also launching a new BMW Home Charger Connect that offers comfortable and fast charging at home the moment you connect it and the car together with the charging cable. It can fully charge the BMW i3 (94 Ah) in just 4.5 hours. The charger is operated via an LED interface but it also comes with Wi-Fi for remote access.
The BMW i3 (94 Ah) will be available in varying colors, including the metallic Protonic Blue which was previously exclusive in the US to the BMW i8. Other metallic options include Mineral Grey, Platinum Silver, and Ionic Silver. For those who prefer a less metallic sheen, there is Capparis White and Fluid Black to choose from. Pricing for the 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah) will be revealed closer to launch.