BMW i3 to have range boosted to well over 200km

BMW will soon offer an i3 with a significantly boosted range, according to new reports.

Until now the German car-maker hasn’t updated either the pure-electric or range-extender versions of its cutting-edge EV, which was first launched in 2013, but that will change at the beginning of next year when it gets next-generation, higher-density lithium-ion batteries.

The move follows in the tyre tracks of the recently launched Nissan LEAF, which received more powerful 30kWh batteries that boosted its range from 170km to over 250km in some markets.

In Europe, versions of the LEAF powered by the new higher-density battery are sold as a ‘long-range’ model alongside the old 24kWh vehicle.

It’s not known if BMW will do the same with the i3, especially since conflicting reports suggest the i3’s next-generation batteries will actually still produce 22kWh. If that’s true, according to a BMW spokesperson speaking to Brit mag Autocar, the increase in range will come from the i3’s “optimised driveline”.

It’s not known what this will involve, but the i3 will almost certainly come with the new software mapping and a new, more efficient, cooling system for both the battery cells and motor.

The same battery pack upgrades will be fitted to the range-extender version and, according to Autocar, could even be offered as a new retro-fit for existing i3 owners.