BETTER PARTS300 km pure electric
Munich, may 2, 2016
The most electric cars had so far reaches to the 150 kilometres. That is too little for the day trip, for example from Munich into the mountains or from Stuttgart to Lake Constance. But now the ranges rise: Tesla promises at the model 3 stately 350 kilometres, Opel with the Ampera e 320 kilometers. But both cars come no earlier than 2017 on the market until then the electric premium could be expired already. BMW uses the situation and presents a new version of the i3 high range, which will be available from summer 2016.
Same battery dimensions, but more energy
The BMW i3 (94 AH) according to the bulky model name should in the EU standard cycle 300 instead of the previous 190 kilometers range offer something. 200 km to be achieved even in adverse weather conditions and use of air-conditioning or heating. This is made possible due to the higher energy density of lithium-ion cells produced by Samsung SDI. To do this, the internal package has been optimized. The batteries have the same dimensions as in the normal i3, but store more energy per unit volume: 94 amp-hours (AH) or 33 kilowatt hours (kWh) gross instead of 60 AH and 22 kWh. A revised electric motor control as well as tyres with lower rolling resistance reduces also the power consumption of 12.9 12.6 kWh per 100 km.
Hardly worse performance
The 170 PS strong electric motor remains unchanged. Through to 40 on 1,320 kilograms increased curb weight takes the standard Sprint to 100 with 7.3 seconds a tenth of a second that is likely the customers hardly disturb. The top speed is limited as at the first i3 to 150 km/h.
i3 (60 AH) and remain range-extender versions
The BMW offered since 2014 i3 with 60 Ah large energy storage remains in the program. For both versions of the battery, there will be a model with range extender also continue. Here, a 650 CC large two-cylinder gasoline engine with 38 HP maintains the battery while driving and thus ensures 150 km extra range. Thus widens the range of models on four versions.
Improved fast-loading
A higher battery capacity would mean normally a correspondingly longer charging time. Therefore, quick loading with alternating current was further developed. This performance is now 11 instead of 7.4 kilowatt and three-phase instead of single phase load. So the load time as the well-known model is less than three hours. The load to the mains socket in the jargon is often called "Granny-Laden" not faster: it takes due to the larger battery now ten instead of eight hours. The third recharge possibilities is a quick charge with 50 kW DC. Then the battery cells are again in less than 40 minutes at least 80 percent of their capacity filled up the first i3 model it takes 25 minutes.
Only 1,200 euro
The new i3 model 36.150 euros, tolerable 1,200 euros more than at the i3 (60 AH). Also the corresponding range-extender model of the new i3 is more expensive for the same amount (94 AH), is to have for 41.150 euro. Customers who have already an i3, can convert your vehicle to the new type of battery. (sl)