Focus on BMW i3 battery
Since 2013 BMW i3 available in three capacities: 60 Ah, 94 Ah and 120 Ah. This increase in capacity now allows a WLTP range of 285 to 310 km to be claimed with a 42 kWh battery.
BMW i3 Battery
The battery in the BMW i3 uses lithium-ion technology, which is currently considered the most efficient technology in the automotive industry in terms of energy density and range.
The high-voltage batteries required for all BMW electric vehicles are supplied from the company's three battery plants in the city. Dingolfing (Germany), Spartanburg (USA) and Shenyang (China). The BMW Group has also located a high-voltage battery manufacturing facility in Thailand at its Rayong plant, where it works with the Dräxlmaier Group. This network will be complemented by the production of battery components and high-voltage batteries at the BMW Group plants in Regensburg and Leipzig from mid-2021.
In order to improve battery technology, BMW will open its battery cell competence center in 2019. The 8 m000 building in Germany houses 2 researchers and technicians specializing in physics, chemistry and electromobility. In addition to research laboratories, the manufacturer has created a pilot plant to reproduce all stages of the production of battery cells. This unit will be completed in 200.
Drawing on the know-how of the battery cell competence center and later the pilot plant, the BMW Group will offer the optimum battery cell technology and enable suppliers to manufacture battery cells according to their own specifications.
The batteries are designed to operate at temperatures ranging from -25 to +60 degrees Celsius. However, for recharging, the temperature must be between 0 and 60 degrees.
However, if the car is parked outside and the temperature is low, the car needs to warm up the batteries before it can start charging them. Likewise, at very high temperatures, the vehicle can reduce the power of the high-voltage system to allow it to cool down. In extreme cases, for example, if the system continues to heat up despite reduced power output, the vehicle may stop temporarily.
When the car is parked and not using its batteries, they still lose their capacity. This loss is estimated at 5% in 30 days.
BMW i3 autonomy
The BMW i3 offers three types of lithium-ion batteries:
The 60 Ah has a capacity of 22 kWh, of which 18.9 kWh can be used, and announces 190 km of autonomy in the NEDC cycle or 130 to 160 km of autonomy in real use.
94 Ah corresponds to a capacity of 33 kWh (useful 27.2 kWh), that is, an NEDC range of 300 km and an actual range of 200 km.
The 120 Ah power is 42 kWh for the WLTP range from 285 to 310 km.
Factors affecting autonomy
Actual autonomy depends on several elements: battery level, route type (highway, city or mixed), air conditioning or heating on, weather forecast, road height...
Different driving modes can also affect the range. ECO PRO and ECO PRO + allow you to get 20 km of autonomy each.
The BMW i3 range can be expanded with “Range Extender” (Rex). This is a thermal autonomy expander with a capacity of 25 kW or 34 horsepower. Its role is to recharge the battery. It is powered by a small 9 liter fuel tank.
Rex allows for up to 300 km of autonomy when added to the 22 kWh package, and up to 400 km associated with the 33 kWh package. The BMW i3 rex costs more, but this option disappeared with the launch of the 42 kWh model!
Check the battery
BMW warrants its batteries for 8 years up to 100 km.
However, depending on the use of the electric vehicle, the battery is discharged and may lead to a decrease in the range. It is important to check the battery of a used BMW i3 to find out its health status.
La Belle Batterie provides you battery certificate reliable and independent.
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a used BMW i3, this certification will allow you to calm and reassure your potential buyers by providing them with proof of the health of your battery.
To obtain a battery certification, all you have to do is order our La Belle Batterie Kit and then have your battery diagnosed at home in just 5 minutes. In a few days you will receive a certificate with the following information:
The State of Health (SOH) : This is a percentage of the aging of the battery. The new BMW i3 has 100% SOH.
BMS (Battery Management System) and Reprogramming : it is a matter of knowing that the BMS has already been reprogrammed.
Theoretical autonomy : this is an assessment of autonomy BMW i3 taking into account the wear of the battery, the outside temperature and the type of trip (urban cycle, highway and mixed).
Our certificate is compatible with three battery capacities: 60 Ah, 94 Ah and 120 Ah!
