The BMW i3, the German automaker's response to the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Bolt, is rumored to be scheduled for a battery upgrade in its 2017 iteration. The upgrade, which would involve the installation of a higher energy density battery, will ultimately increase the green car's driving range, according to The BMW Blog.
What is quite unique about the alleged upgrade is the fact that it will not be available for the 2016 model only, it will also be offered for those who have purchased their vehicles when it first came out back in 2013.
Currently, the BMW i3 is equipped with eight 2.7 kWh battery packs, which gives a total capacity of 21.8 kWh, where about 18.8 kWh is usable. This basically gives the car a range of about 80-100 miles.
About a month ago, however, BMW CEO Harold Krueger stated that the 2016 i3 will have increased range. With the new battery, which is rumored to have a 94 Ah capacity, BMW will be able to give the 2016 i3 an increased range of up to 124 miles, reports Ecumenical News.
Even if the rumors are true, however, the BMW i3 still lags behind competitors' cars. The current iteration of the Nissan Leaf already features a range of 155 miles on a full charge, while another competitor, the Chevrolet Bolt EV, boasts a whopping range of 200 miles. Not to be outdone, BMW is also reportedly working on a car that can reach 200 miles on a full charge.
The full details of the 2016 BMW i3 are set to be announced by the end of the year.
For more business news, click here.
