BMW is making waves in the electric vehicle market with the introduction of a new BMW i3 model. This version stands apart from its predecessors, such as the 2013 BMW i3 city car and the 2022 China-exclusive BMW i3 sedan, with its cutting-edge technology and design.
The new BMW i3 represents the second in the Neue Klasse (New Class) EV lineup, following the BMW iX3. Both models harness the 6th-generation BMW eDrive technology, sharing an advanced battery system and powertrain.
Production is set to commence in August 2026 at BMW’s Munich plant in Germany, with European deliveries expected by the end of the year. The factory will transition to exclusively producing electric vehicles, and the US market launch is anticipated in 2027. BMW plans to also manufacture these models at its San Luis Potosí facility in Mexico, with iX3 production starting in 2027 and the i3 following in 2028, while a long-wheelbase version is slated for China, to be produced in Shenyang, according to BMW Blog.
BMW i3 50 xDrive
The BMW i3 will initially be offered as the i3 50 xDrive, featuring a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system. Additional powertrain options are expected to be released later.
Battery
This model boasts an innovative 800-volt battery system, which can be divided into two 400-volt modules to accommodate various DC fast chargers. The battery uses a cell-to-pack (CTP) design and comprises cylindrical lithium-ion cells sized at 46 mm by 95 mm. It can also support taller 120 mm cells, similar to those used in the iX3, which has a usable capacity of 108.7 kWh.
Range
The BMW i3 50 xDrive offers an estimated range of up to 440 miles based on EPA standards, surpassing the iX3 by 40 miles, making it the most extensive range in BMW’s lineup. The WLTP range in Europe reaches up to 559 miles (900 km).
Powertrain
The i3 50 xDrive’s powertrain includes a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering a peak output of 345 kW and 645 Nm of torque, akin to the iX3 SUV’s performance. The setup features a rear electrically excited synchronous motor and a front asynchronous motor, both free from permanent magnets. BMW emphasizes the drive units’ high efficiency and precise regenerative braking, ensuring a smooth driving experience.
Charging
In North America, the BMW i3 will feature a NACS (SAE J3400) charging port, compatible with both AC and DC charging. A CCS1-to-NACS adapter will be standard, and a J1772-to-NACS adapter will be needed for SAE J1772 AC charging points. BMW EVs can now access the Tesla Supercharging network in North America.
Intelligent Charging Flap
The i3 includes an intelligent charging flap that operates automatically based on AI-supported detection of the user’s charging intent. “The charging port is located on the rear right side of the new BMW i3. It is possible to open the charging flap manually by simply pressing, but this is no longer necessary. Because the intelligent charging flap of the new BMW i3 opens automatically as soon as the customer’s charging request is detected. One of the triggers for opening is AI-supported: If the customer walks towards a known or learned charging point, the movement path reveals the charging intention, whereupon the flap opens. If no charging cable is connected, the charging flap closes automatically – as it does after the charging process is complete or when the vehicle is ready to drive.”
DC Charging: 400 kW
BMW claims the i3 50 xDrive can handle up to 400 kW of DC charging power with 800-volt chargers, and 200 kW with 400-volt chargers. While the specific 10-80% SOC charging time isn’t disclosed, the European release suggests that 249 miles can be recharged in 10 minutes under WLTP standards. For the EPA range, this translates to 195 miles in 10 minutes, or an average of 19.5 miles per minute.
AC Charging
The onboard charger is expected to offer 11 kW, with a 19.2 kW option, suitable for overnight charging. European models will have a 22-kW three-phase charger.
Power Export
Similar to the iX3, the BMW i3 supports power export features like V2L, V2H, and V2G. These enable power export up to 3.7 kW through AC outlets and up to 11 kW through a BMW Wallbox Professional for V2H/V2G.
Original Story at evchargingstations.com