The BMW i3 has made its mark as an innovative electric city car since its launch in 2013. With its unique design and focus on sustainable materials, the i3 represents BMW's vision for the future of mobility. But how does this compact electric car actually perform when it comes to range and efficiency? Let's dive into the details and examine what makes the BMW i3 an exciting player in the growing electric car market.
BMW i3 Range and Charging Times
One of the most important factors for potential electric car buyers is range. BMW has continuously improved the battery technology in the i3 since its launch, resulting in increased range and shorter charging times. Let's take a closer look at the specific numbers.
How many kilometers on a full battery?
The latest version of the BMW i3 boasts an impressive range. With a fully charged battery, you can expect to drive up to 310 km according to the WLTP cycle. This is a significant improvement from the earlier models and makes the i3 a more practical option for daily use and longer trips. It is important to note that actual range may vary depending on driving style, weather conditions and terrain.
Charging time with a regular socket
For many electric car owners, home charging is the most common way to charge. When charging the BMW i3 with a standard socket, it takes approximately 15 hours to fully charge the battery from 0 to 100%. This may seem like a long time, but remember that most owners rarely let the battery run completely empty before charging. An overnight charge is usually more than enough to cover the daily driving needs for most people.
Fast charging with public charging stations
For longer trips or when you need a quick charge, the BMW i3 offers the possibility of fast charging. When using a DC fast charger, you can charge the battery from 0 to 80% in just 42 minutes. This makes the i3 a practical car also for longer trips, where you can take short charging breaks along the way. It is worth noting that the charging power decreases as the battery approaches full capacity, so it is often most time-efficient to charge to around 80%.
Efficiency of the BMW i3 Electric Motor
Efficiency is the key to good performance in an electric car, and BMW has put considerable effort into optimizing the electric motor in the i3. Let's take a closer look at some of the most important aspects of the efficiency of the BMW i3.
Energy consumption per 100 km
The BMW i3 has an impressively low energy consumption. According to the WLTP standard, consumption is between 13.1 and 14.0 kWh per 100 km, depending on the model variant. This places the i3 among the most energy-efficient electric cars on the market. To put it in perspective, this corresponds to a consumption of approximately 1.3 to 1.4 liters of petrol per 100 km in a conventional car.
Recuperation of braking energy
One of the most important factors that contributes to the i3's efficiency is the system for energy recovery during braking. When you release the accelerator pedal or brake, the electric motor functions as a generator that converts the car's kinetic energy back into electrical energy. This system can recover up to 75% of the energy that would normally be lost during braking, which significantly increases range and efficiency.
Aerodynamics and rolling resistance
BMW's engineers have placed great emphasis on optimizing the i3's aerodynamics. The unique design with a high and narrow profile is not only aesthetically interesting, but also functional. With a drag coefficient of just 0.29, the i3 effectively cuts through the air, which reduces energy consumption at higher speeds. In addition, the specially designed tires with low rolling resistance help to minimize energy loss during driving.
Performance of the BMW i3 Drivetrain
Although efficiency is important, BMW has not compromised on driving pleasure and performance in the i3. Let's take a closer look at some of the most important performance aspects of the BMW i3's drivetrain.
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
The BMW i3 impresses with its rapid acceleration. The standardized 0-100 km/h time is only 7.3 seconds for the basic model, while the more potent i3s manages it in an impressive 6.9 seconds. This rapid acceleration is due to the immediate torque available from the electric motor, which provides a responsive and fun driving experience, especially in city traffic.
Top speed and torque
The top speed of the BMW i3 is electronically limited to 150 km/h for the standard model and 160 km/h for the i3s. Although this may seem low compared to conventional cars, it is more than sufficient for most driving situations and helps to optimize range. In terms of torque, the i3 delivers an impressive 250 Nm immediately, which provides powerful and smooth acceleration.
Rear-wheel drive with e-differential
A unique feature of the BMW i3 is its rear-wheel drive, which is unusual for electric cars in this class. This, combined with an advanced electronic differential, gives the i3 excellent handling characteristics and precise steering. The weight distribution of close to 50:50 between the front and rear axle further contributes to the i3's dynamic driving characteristics, providing a driving experience reminiscent of BMW's sportier models.
Weight and Carbon Fiber Construction
One of the most innovative aspects of the BMW i3 is its extensive use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in its construction. This material, which is more common in high-performance sports cars and motorsport, offers a number of advantages for an electric city car:
- Low weight: CFRP is significantly lighter than steel or aluminum, which compensates for the weight of the battery pack.
- High strength: Despite its low weight, CFRP provides excellent structural integrity and safety.
- Corrosion resistance: Unlike metals, CFRP does not rust, which contributes to the car's long-term durability.
The result is a car that weighs only around 1300 kg, which is remarkably light for an electric car. This low weight contributes directly to the i3's impressive efficiency, acceleration and handling. The innovative chassis, known as the "Life-Drive" architecture, separates the drivetrain from the passenger cabin, which optimizes space utilization and gives the i3 its characteristic spacious interior.
Driving Modes and Energy Recovery
The BMW i3 offers several driving modes that allow the driver to customize the car's performance and energy consumption as needed. The primary modes include:
- Comfort: Standard mode that balances performance and efficiency.
- Eco Pro: Optimizes energy consumption by adjusting acceleration response and air conditioning power.
- Eco Pro+: Maximizes range by limiting top speed and deactivating certain comfort features.
In addition to these driving modes, the i3 has a sophisticated system for energy recovery that can be adjusted by the driver. By selecting stronger regenerative braking, the car can brake significantly just by releasing the accelerator pedal, enabling so-called "one-pedal driving". This not only increases energy efficiency, but also provides a more engaging driving experience, especially in city traffic.
The BMW i3's innovative use of lightweight materials and advanced energy recovery systems sets a new standard for efficiency in the electric car segment.
In conclusion, the BMW i3 demonstrates how advanced technology and innovative design can be combined to create an electric car that is not only environmentally friendly, but also fun to drive. With its impressive range, fast charging and efficient drivetrain, the i3 continues to be an attractive option in the ever-growing electric car market. Its unique approach to sustainable mobility, combined with BMW's renowned focus on driving pleasure, makes the i3 a fascinating example of what the city cars of the future might look like.