The BMW i3 is a 5 door, 4 seat hatchback in the Australian ‘small’ car category. It offers an innovative design and quirky looks – which polarises people’s views!
It was first marketed in Europe in 2014 when it was awarded Wheels Australia ‘Car of the Year’ and now has potential for second-hand purchasing.
Initially released with a 22 kWh battery, a 33kWh version was added to the range in 2016. In 2019 the battery size was increased to 42.2kWh.
The 60Ah and 94Ah BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) versions could also be ordered as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) with a range extending 2 cylinder, 650cc petrol motor and 9 litre fuel tank. The REx version was dropped with the introduction of the 120Ah i3 in 2019.
As of late 2017, a performance i3s version was added to the line-up.
BMW i3 Variants
| Variant | Battery (kWh) | WLTP Range (km) | EPA Range (km) | Power Output (kW) | Torque (Nm) | Plug Types (AC/DC) | Max Charge Rate (AC/DC) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i3 60Ah | 22 | - | 130 | 125 | 250 | Type 1 / CCS1 | 7.4/50 | $63,900 |
| i3 60Ah REx | 22 + Range Extender | - | 130 | 125 | 250 | Type 1 / CCS1 | 7.4/50 | $69,900 |
| i3 94Ah | 33 | 255 | 192 | 125 | 250 | Type 2 / CCS2 | 11/50 | $65,900 |
| i3 94Ah REx | 33 + Range Extender | 255 (electric) | 192 | 125 | 250 | Type 2 / CCS2 | 11/50 | $71,900 |
| i3s 94Ah | 33 | 245 | 192 | 135 | 250 | Type 2 / CCS2 | 11/50 | $69,900 |
| i3 120Ah | 42.2 | 310 | 246 | 125 | 250 | Type 2 / CCS2 | 11/50 | $68,700 |
| i3s 120Ah | 42.2 | 285 | 246 | 135 | 250 | Type 2 / CCS2 | 11/50 | $71,900 |
DRIVING RANGE
The i3 has quoted ranges (according to the Australian Green Vehicle Guide website https://greenvehicleguide.gov.au) of 190 km for the 60Ah BEV, 290 km for the 94Ah BEV and 335 for the current 120Ah (42.2kWh) battery version. However real-world driving range is in the vicinity of 130 km (60Ah), 182 km (94Ah) and 246km (120Ah).
CHARGING SPEEDS/REQUIREMENTS
Charging port
When first introduced, the i3 was fitted with a Type 1 AC charging port and DC charging was an optional extra. As of the beginning of 2018, the i3 was standard fitted with the Type 2 AC charging port and CCS2 DC charging, thus falling into line with most other new EVs sold in Australia. Depending on the version, it can charge on single phase 7kW AC, 3 phase 11kW AC and DC quick charge EVSEs.
AC charging
Charging speeds vary on the capacity of the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) it is connected to and the chosen battery size. Charging times are shown in table 1 below.
DC fast charging
Pre-2018 models of the i3 used the Type 1 connector. DC charging (using the CCS1 socket) was an optional extra before 2018.
The i3 now comes standard with the CCS2 socket. (The CCS2 socket is a combination Type 2 AC socket with CCS DC pins).
BMW i3 Time to Charge (hrs)
| Battery size (kWh) | 15A socket | 16A 1 phase (3.6kW) | 32A 1 phase (7.2kW) | 16A 3 phase (11kW) | DC Fast Charge (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 7.75 | 5.75 | 3 | - | 25 |
| 33 | 9.5 | 8 | 4 | 2.75 | 39 |
| 42 | 16 | 9.5 | 5.5 | 3.2 | 42 |
HOME CHARGING CONSIDERATIONS
To get the shortest home charging times, you could install the following:
i3 60Ah: 32A (7.2 kW) single phase EVSE.
i3 94Ah and 120Ah: 16A (11 kW) three phase EVSE.
Lower capacity EVSEs will increase charging times, as shown in table 1 above.
Find more info about EVSEs on our FAQs page.
BMW i3 Specifications
| Cargo space (litres) | Cargo Space with rear seats folded (litres) | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Width with mirrors (mm) | Height (mm) | Tow Rating (braked / unbraked) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 260 | 1100 | 3999 | 1775 | 2039 | 1578 |
