BMW to offer new version of i3 electric car in 2017
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German luxury carmaker BMW plans to launch a new version of its i3 electric car next year with a longer range and revamped design, German weekly Welt am Sonntag reported, citing company sources.
BMW will rework the front and rear of the i3 and equip the car with a new battery to increase its range substantially beyond the current 300 km maximum, the paper said, adding that the increase would be below 50 percent.
BMW has been torn about whether to accelerate development of new electric cars given its expensive early investment has only resulted in lacklustre sales, with 25,000 i3s delivered last year.
To help improve sales, BMW has already increased the battery range of its i3 city car by 50 percent this year.
BMW was not immediately available for comment on the newspaper report.
Questions & Answers
Q.What improvements are planned for the new i3 electric car launching in 2017?
What improvements are planned for the new i3 electric car launching in 2017?
The new version of the i3 will feature a revamped front and rear design. It will also be equipped with a new battery, significantly increasing its range beyond the current maximum of 300 km.
Q.How much will the new i3's range increase compared to the current model?
How much will the new i3's range increase compared to the current model?
The article states the new battery will increase the car's range substantially beyond 300 km. However, the increase in range will be below 50 percent of the current maximum.
Q.What has BMW's experience been with electric car sales so far?
What has BMW's experience been with electric car sales so far?
BMW has had lacklustre sales for its i3 electric car, delivering only 25,000 units last year. This has led to internal debate about accelerating further electric car development.
Q.Has BMW previously updated the i3's battery range?
Has BMW previously updated the i3's battery range?
Yes, BMW has already increased the battery range of its i3 city car by 50 percent this year. This was done to help improve the vehicle's sales performance.
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