PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
The new BMW i3 94Ah
Mon Oct 10 14:01:00 CEST 2016 Press Kit
• The new battery delivers an improved range of up to 195 mile in the standard NEDC cycle • Improved power consumption at 12.6kWh/100km and reduced CO2 emissions. • Unchanged battery dimensions and no structural changes necessary. • Generates an output of 170hp and from zero to 62mph in just 7.3 seconds. • DC Rapid Charge now available as standard. • Prices start at £27,830* and is available from July 2016.
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Chris Overall
BMW Group
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The BMW i3 is the world’s first premium car designed from the ground
up to be powered by an electric drive system. The result is a vehicle
that embodies BMW’s commitment to driving pleasure without compromise.
Since the launch in November 2013 the BMW i3 has gone from strength to
strength winning various accolades including UK Car of the year 2014
and Green Car of the Year by WhatCar? Now, the success story is set to
continue with the introduction of the 94Ah battery on both the BMW i3
and the BMW i3 Range Extender models.
The BMW i3 94Ah replaces the current 60Ah model and has a
capacity of 33kWh thanks to the higher storage density of the lithium
ion cells. The battery dimensions remain unchanged with more than a 50
per cent range increase in the standard NEDC cycle, this equals a
range of 195 miles. The motor propels the BMW i3 from zero to 62mph in
just 7.3 seconds (BEV) making the BMW i3 both the sportiest and most
efficient electric vehicle in its segment.
The latest in innovative battery technology.
The
high-voltage battery in the BMW i3 consists of eight modules (each
with 12 individual cells), and its capacity has increased
significantly without any changes in structure or exterior dimensions.
By optimising the cell-internal packages with more electrolyte and
adapting the active material, BMW has succeeded in increasing cell
capacity to 94Ah and overall battery energy to 33kWh.
The lithium-ion cells used in the battery are particularly
notable for their high energy density and impressive cycle life: they
are designed to perform their energy storage function over the
vehicle’s entire lifespan.
The coolant of the air conditioning system is responsible for
cooling the high-voltage battery very effectively. An optional heating
system can also be used to heat the battery to ensure the optimum
operating temperature of 20°C before starting off. The battery has
been designed to last for the car’s entire service life. Customers
receive an 8-year or 100,000 mile warranty on the battery.
The electric drivetrain: Optimised performance delivery, more
efficient drive.
The hybrid synchronous electric
motor, developed and produced specially for use in the BMW i3,
generates an output of 170hp and provides maximum torque of 250Nm from
the moment the car pulls away.
Model |
| Power Hp | Torque Nm | 0 – 62mph Seconds | Top Speed Mph | Range (miles) | CO2 Emissions g/km |
BMW i3 | £27,830** | 170 | 250 | 7.3 | 93 | 195 | 0 |
BMW i3 Range Extender | £30,980** | 170 | 250 | 8.1 | 93 | 276 | 12 |
**With £4,500 OLEV Government grant.
Thanks to an average power consumption of 12.6kWh/100km (in the
New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) for the BMW i3 and 11.3kWh/100km for
the BMW i3 Range Extender, the efficiency of the motor plays a key
role in optimising the car’s range to 195 miles. The BMW i3 is thus
the most economical electrically powered car of its size and output
class. With significant benefits available from low charging tariffs,
the low cost per mile would equate to running a diesel engine and
achieving 470.8mpg.
The emissions of the BMW i3 94Ah with Range Extender amounts to
12g/km, a 1g/km reduction in comparison to the previous model while
the exclusively electrically powered BMW i3 produces zero emissions locally.
The power density of the electric motor, weighing around 50kg,
sets a new benchmark for electric vehicles. But the new engine is
about more than simply numbers: with its smooth running, minimal
vibration and low noise levels, it offers a uniquely calm driving experience.
When it comes to the driving attributes of the i3, BMW engineers
have achieved a perfect balance of vehicle weight, performance and
range. In addition to this, the new model also benefits from improved
efficiency and DC Rapid-charge as standard. AC charging is now
multi-phase allowing charging of 3.7, 7.4 or 11 kW, this represents a
50 percent increase compared to the previous BMW i3 60Ah. This means
the charging time for the BMW i3 (94Ah) is less than three hours, in
spite of the significantly larger battery capacity. The new BMW i3
94Ah can also be charged at home using a standard three-pin plug or by
specifying a BMW i Wallbox.
Range Extender for even greater range.
The Range
Extender delivers a maximum output of 38hp and powers a generator in
order to produce electricity. It operates on a needs-based and highly
efficient principle. As soon as the charging level of the lithium ion
batteries drops to a certain level, the Range Extender kicks in to
keep the charging level constant thus extending the range by 81 miles.
Fitting the car with the Range Extender has no influence on the
available luggage volume: the nine-litre fuel tank is installed in the
front section. The luggage compartment volume remains unchanged at 260
litres and can be extended to 1,100 litres with the rear seats folded down.
New options, greater personalisation.
The BMW i3
94Ah will be instantly recognisable in the colour Protonic Blue with
its Frozen Grey metallic highlight, which is available exclusively for
this model. Previously, this paintwork was reserved for the BMW i8
hybrid sports car, but is now also available for the BMW i3.
Allowing for greater personalisation for owners, the Interior
trims are now available as separate options and are available across
all four Interior worlds, this includes Loft, Lodge, Suite and new
Atelier interior world which comes as standard on the new BMW i3 94Ah
model. The Atelier Interior world features Neutronic cloth in Aragats
Grey with BMW i Blue highlights on the front seats and black leather
steering wheel.
The new elegant dark oak trim is a standard equipment in the
Suite interior design. In all other interior designs the Dark Oak wood
trim and the eucalyptus wood trim are available as options. The
materials used are a mix of naturally treated leather, wood and wool
as well as other renewable raw materials. These make the sustainable
premium character of the BMW i3 both visible and tangible.
Production and sustainability beyond the life of the
car
The manufacturing procedure and lifespan of the BMW
i3 has been carefully considered, with sustainability at the forefront
of thinking. Regenerative energy is used at all four BMW i plants
across the globe, with 50 per cent less water consumed and 70 per cent
less energy than in a conventional automotive facility.
The carbon fibre required is produced at the BMW SGL Moses Lake
plant in Washington State, which is completely powered by
hydro-generated electricity. Construction of the CFRP architecture at
Landshut, general assembly at Leipzig and recycling at Wackersdorf
(all in Germany) are all powered by 100 per cent wind turbine energy.
Ends
The BMW Group
With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and nearly 137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2015 was approximately € 9.22 billion on revenues amounting to € 92.18 billion. As of 31 December 2015, the BMW Group had a workforce of 122,244 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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Lauren Prema BMW Media Relations Executive
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Email: Lauren. Prema@bmw.co.uk
Gavin Ward BMW Media
Relations Manager
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Tel: 07815 378190
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Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk