A new model of the BMW i3 concept car was unveiled in June 2012 at the opening of the first BMW I shop, which was situated on Park Lane in London, United Kingdom. A new interior color and material idea is part of the redesigned i3 concept. The seat coverings combine leather that has been naturally tanned using an olive leaf-based agent with wool that has been ethically sourced. The almost symmetrically curved dash is inlaid with treated eucalyptus wood that BMW claims comes from European forests that are responsibly maintained.
A 22.3 cm (8.8 in) central information display and a 16.5 cm (6.5 in) freestanding instrument cluster serve as the driver’s primary sources of information. The center tunnel that divided the interior has been replaced by front seats that are developed from benches. A floor-mounted transmission, brake levers, and a center console are also missing.
As with all vehicles with automatic transmissions, the BMW i3 features two pedals. The engine brake and accelerator pedals share the same pedal. The drivetrain of the car regenerates the kinetic energy of the vehicle when the driver releases the pedal in order to replenish the battery. The result of this is that the car slows down. BMW has discovered that drivers frequently rely on the engine brake: in urban traffic zones, over 75% of all deceleration operations are started without the use of the brake pedal. The Mini E includes an accelerator that recharges the battery in this fashion and brakes that only apply to the rear wheels. Additionally, BMW anticipated that the i3 would employ the same battery and drivetrain configuration as the BMW ActiveE trials.
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How does the BMW i’s range extender operate?
Increases driving enjoyment: The BMW i3’s optional Range Extender, which is situated next to the electric motor in the back of the vehicle, can extend the vehicle’s range in COMFORT Mode from up to 125 miles to a total of 205 miles. The BMW i3 can continue to operate only on electricity thanks to the compact, noiseless two-cylinder petrol engine that powers a generator that keeps the high-voltage battery’s charge level constant. When the battery level is low, the Range Extender automatically turns on.
Overview
The BMW i3 from 2021 has amazing aesthetics, but it falls short as an electric car. Competing electric vehicles (EVs) with comparable costs include the Hyundai Kona Electric, Chevrolet Bolt EV, and Tesla Model 3. Customers who aren’t quite ready to give up internal combustion may find consolation in the fact that the i3 can be bought with an optional gasoline-powered engine to make up for its meager 153-mile driving range. However, the i3’s interior is significantly more luxurious than that of its competitors, especially with the available curved wood dashboard and leather and wool upholstery. The future of the i3 is in doubt as the EV movement picks up steam, since BMW is planning more competitive models like the upcoming i4 sedan and iX SUV. 2021 might be your last opportunity to put a brand-new one in your driveway, assuming you like the way the i3 looks and its short driving range fits your needs.
Ask Us Anything: Can the BMW i3 be fuel-powered?
The operation of the range extender in the BMW i3 is one of the most frequently asked questions. Some readers have inquired as to whether the BMW i3 REx uses gas when the battery is running low. Please give us a moment to explain the Range Extender mechanism before we respond to your query properly. There have been concerns since since BMW’s Financial Officer Frederick Eichinerto indicated in early February 2011 that the i3 would have an optional gasoline powerplant to increase the vehicle’s range.
There is no other REx like the one on the i3 that is currently being offered. No other automaker has ever offered a range extender as an optional feature on an electric vehicle, giving customers the freedom to select the model that best meets their individual driving requirements (BEV or extended range PHEV). BMW made the vehicle’s range extender as compact, effective, and light as they could.
According to BMW, the range extender is an APU (auxiliary power unit), and its main purpose is to increase the vehicle’s range so that the driver may go safely home or to the next charging station without being concerned about being stranded due to a low battery. A 0.6-liter engine from the BMW C600 scooter and a 2.4-gallon gasoline tank are added to the REx in the BMW i3 to supplement its battery pack. Compared to the engine of the same displacement in the BMW scooter, the 647cc engine installed in the i3 REx is tuned differently. The REx engine, which is mounted between the rear wheels, produces 38 horsepower and 41 lb-ft (55 Nm) of torque at 4,300 RPM.
In order for the i3 REx to be eligible for incentives, the fuel tank was limited to 1.9 gallons in the US. Depending on the driving mode, the Range Extender might increase the range by 40 to 80 miles. Due to the newer models’ larger batteries, the European i3s discontinued the REx option in 2018, although the US-bound electric BMWs kept it. The Range Extender adds 265 lbs to the overall weight of BMW i3 vehicles.
Finding a gasoline filler door on the passenger front fender is the quickest way to identify an i3 REx. The pure electric range and the gasoline range are displayed on the instrument panel of the i3 when the driver is seated. If you pay close attention, you can see the Vehicle Emission Control Information on the DOT tag on the rear hatch, which lists gasoline on the i3 REx and indicates the presence of the OBD: II rather than an OBD: N/A – not applicable next to the i3 BEV version.
With what does BMW plan to replace the i3?
After nine years of production, BMW has declared that the i3 is no longer being made, putting an end to the inventive and long-lasting little electric car.
Just a few weeks after the model reached a production run of more than a quarter of a million, the final i3 came off the production line in Leipzig, Germany. Ten units of the i3 HomeRun Edition, an ultra-exclusive special edition model with the company’s “Frozen paint finish,” have been ordered to commemorate the event.
The i3 was originally seen by the public in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011, and when the production vehicle was introduced in 2013, it substantially resembled the show-car design.
The upright proportions, glass tailgate, two-tone paint job, and dipping shoulder line all deviated from the typical BMW design cues that customers had grown accustomed to. It launched BMW’s new I sub-brand, which was one of the factors contributing to the bizarre appearance (along with the i8 sports car).
Rear-hinged doors are always interesting, and they undoubtedly contributed to the i3’s personality, along with the interior. The technology was updated over the course of its existence to keep it feeling modern. The interior itself featured a low dash and window line for a light and airy atmosphere.
A custom platform made of a combination of aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber is positioned below the i3 to keep weight at just over a tonne. Due to the lack of weight, the vehicle’s ultimate fully-electric design had a maximum range of 190 miles.
The UK’s police, fire, and ambulance services all adopted the i3 due to its popularity with emergency services.
There won’t be a direct replacement for the i3, and a completely electric version of the 3 Series saloon is anticipated to receive the i3 badge. The iX1, an electric variant of the new X1 SUV, will be the company’s entry-level EV model.
The BMW i3’s charging system.
A Type 2 plug allows you to charge your BMW i3 at home, the office, or a public charging station. Additionally, there includes a CCS port for quick charging.
Why did BMW stop producing the i3?
It is extremely heartbreaking to see BMW discontinue its little electric hatchback after nine years on the market given how great it was.
In 2011, as interest in electric vehicles increased, the BMW i3 was first unveiled as a concept car. The design was later evolved into a working model that was released for purchase in 2013 as a 2014 model. The BMW i3 has enjoyed considerable success since that time. The compact electric hatchback from BMW has sold over 250,000 units and was named the World Car Design and World Green Car of the Year winners at the 2014 World Car Awards.
Unfortunately, all wonderful things must eventually come to an end. BMW terminated the i3 in all markets in July 2022 after ceasing manufacturing for the US market in July 2021. The company cited consumer demand for larger-than-the-i3 electric automobiles as justification for the withdrawal. Another reason is that the manufacturer wants to move away from the i3’s distinctive appearance and produce electric vehicles with more traditional styling. The BMW i4 and BMW iX models are taking the place of the i3 as a result. We are sad to see the i3 depart, but there are other reasons as well.
BMW i3 dependability
Is a pre-owned BMW i3 hatchback trustworthy? The i3 placed fourth out of nine electric vehicles in its class, receiving a score of 94.1% in our most recent dependability study. A solid achievement for BMW as a brand, placing 13th out of 30 manufacturers.
BMW i3 is either electric or hybrid.
W20K06U0 25 kW I2range extender, 647 cc Europe 9 L (2.4 US gal) In the US, 7.2 L (1.9 US gal) (2014-2016) In the US, 9 L (2.4 US gal) (2017+)
The BMW i3 is a BMW-made, high-roof, B-segment hatchback with an electric drivetrain that utilizes rear-wheel drive, a single-speed transmission, an underfloor lithium-ion battery pack, and an optional gasoline engine that can expand the vehicle’s range. The BMW i3 was the company’s first mass-produced zero-emission vehicle and was introduced under the BMW I sub-brand for electric vehicles.
The Richard Kim-designed i3 comes with a single five-door configuration, a CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) passenger module that is extremely lightweight and strong, and a lower aluminum module that houses the chassis, battery, drive system, and motor. Two smaller clamshell rear doors with rear hinges are included on the bodywork. The i3 had its concept premiere at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany, and Leipzig manufacturing of the vehicle started in September 2013.
From 2014 to 2016, it was the third-best-selling electric vehicle in the world; by the end of 2021, it had sold over 220,000 units globally. With over 47,500 units supplied until December 2021, Germany is listed as its top-selling market, followed by the United States with more over 45,000.
The 2014 World Green Car of the Year and 2014 World Car Design of the Year were both given to the i3, earning it two World Car of the Year Awards. The i3 won the first UK Car of the Year Awards for Best Supermini of 2014 and UK Car of the Year 2014, each of which came with an iF Product Design Gold Award.
Who produces the BMW i3 battery?
A long-term battery cell supply agreement between the BMW Group and the Swedish business Northvolt has been reached. It’s a two billion euro agreement. The cells will be produced by Northvolt in its currently under construction Skelleftea Gigafactory beginning in 2024.
Can the BMW i3 be fuel-powered?
Does the BMW i3 REx utilize gasoline then? The short response is no. It’s vital to remember that the i3 REx still propels itself using an electric motor. Additionally, the REx engine kicks in when the battery capacity reaches a predetermined threshold, producing electricity to increase the range.
How many miles can a BMW i3 travel?
What is the BMW i3 EV’s driving range? The EPA estimates that the BMW i3 has a range of 153 miles. The electric-only range is reduced to 126 miles when the two-cylinder gas engine range extender is added, but the overall range is increased to 200 miles. The Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt are still ahead in terms of battery-electric automobiles.