The new 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah): More range paired to high-level dynamic performance:

Richmond Hill, ON. … BMW Canada Inc. is pleased to introduce the 2017 BMW i3 compact electric car, featuring an upgraded battery pack with 50% increased capacity.

The 2017 BMW i3 with the new 94 Ampere-hour (Ah) battery has a capacity of 33 kilowatt hours (kWh) thanks to the higher energy density of the lithium ion cells. The battery dimensions remain unchanged while still offering a significant range increase. In everyday conditions, the new Battery Electric BMW i3, in varying weather conditions and with the air conditioning or heating turned on, can achieve a range of up to 200 kilometres combined (hwy/city)*, as verified by independent BMW testing cycles**.

The 2017 BMW i3 will continue to be available in a Range Extender variant which will also feature the new 94 Ah battery. When equipped with the Range Extender, if the driver requires additional range, the 2-cylinder gasoline engine is switched on once the battery is depleted to 6.5% state of charge and keeps the charge level of the battery constant while driving, providing an additional range of up to 150 km, thanks to a 25% larger fuel tank (9 litres).

The 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah) arrives at Canadian BMWi Retailers in September with the following MSRPs:

BMW i3 94 Ah BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle  - $46,900

BMW i3 94 Ah REX with Range Extender      - $51,500

The pricing includes standard DC charging, previously a $750 option.

* Preliminary test results for BMW i3 94 Ah BEV. Range achievable according to BMW range testing cycle under everyday conditions in city environment, 20°C, heating/air conditioning,   preheating, COMFORT driving mode. Range dependent on a number of factors.

** Final Environment Canada figures still pending.

The driving performance figures of the 170 hp AC synchronous electric motor remain virtually unchanged. The motor propels the BMW i3 from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds. This makes the 2016 BMW i3 both the sportiest and most efficient electric vehicle in its segment with an expected EPA electricity consumption of 12.6 kWh/100 km (NEDC).

With the introduction of the 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah), BMW i now also offers a new BMW Home Charger Connect, a residential charging station designed for comfortable and fast home charging featuring additional connected function.

Higher storage density of the lithium ion battery cells.

The BMW i3 (94 Ah) sets a new benchmark in its segment with 94 ampere hours (Ah) cell capacity, 33 kWh total battery energy, and an electric range of up to 200 km combined (hwy/city)1 on one full battery charge.

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% without any changes in exterior dimensions. By optimizing the cell-internal packages with more electrolyte and adapting the active material, BMW and Samsung SDI have succeeded in increasing cell capacity to 94 Ah and overall battery energy to 33 kWh of which 27.2 kWh can be effectively used. The previous battery of the BMW i3 (60 Ah) produced 22 kWh (gross)/19 kWh (net).

The lithium ion cells used set themselves apart in the competitive field by achieving a special balance between high energy density, cycle stability and safety in the case of an accident. The high-voltage battery also has an advanced thermal management system that keeps the battery operating in the optimal temperature range, which further enhances performance. For example, the coolant of the air conditioning system is responsible for cooling the high-voltage battery very effectively, while a heating system can also be used to warm the battery to ensure the optimal operating temperature before starting off. The High-voltage battery is covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty