When the BMW i3 in 2014 came on the market for the first time, it was celebrated as one of the most innovative electric vehicles of its time. With its carbon fiber chassis, its futuristic design and sustainable materials, it showed BMW’s new vision for urban mobility. But while the engineering of the i3 was ahead of the curve, the battery was not. Early models were launched with just 18.2 kWh of usable capacity – good for about 80 miles if they are subject to new or below 60 miles in winter. We had one, so we lived through these times.
Today, many I3 of the first generation have difficulties to manage only 60 miles with a full load if you take the battery deterioration into account over time. Now, more than a decade later, a Chinese company may have just solved the biggest restriction of the i3.
Martigi Manufacturing (MTG), a specialist for Battery retrofit, has presented a battery pack with a high capacity for the BMW i3, which is said to be a significant increase in range up to three times as high as the original rates, for which large vehicle modifications are required. With the next generation of the next generation from the Chinese industry giant Catl, the upgrade of MTG transforms the i3 from a short -distance commuter into an electric slanted rear of distance lessons.
A drop-in upgrade with modern chemistry
The improved battery uses Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) scheme (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) and holds the same external form factor, the tension and the same configuration as the original package from BMW. The KIT comprises 96 CATL cells, which are arranged in eight modules, comparable to a total capacity of 154 amperpers hours and 54 kilowatt hours with only 60 Ah and 18.2 kWh in the original i3. This is a capacity increase of 156% compared to the earliest models and still a thrust of 28% compared to the last 42.2 kWh package from BMW in 2019.
It is important that the solution of MTG is compatible with all versions of the i3, including the previous 60 AH and 94 AH models that make up the majority of the used inventory on the market. The battery pack is a modified Battery Management System (BMS) with the existing systems of the car, which is provided in cooperation with the Chinese company Echi Tech. All required cables, connections and hardware are included in the kit.
While MTG markets the upgrade as a DIY-friendly product, it strongly recommends professional installation based on the high-voltage systems involved.
The range – half of the costs
Area profits are significant. MTG claims that the 54 kWh battery can deliver up to 248 miles under ideal conditions for a full load. In real tests, which were documented by the company, an i3 with the improved package drove 186 miles on the highway with consistent 62 miles per hour-trapping, the usable area of many older models.
The pricing is even more impressive. The 154 AH package is listed at Alibaba at 5,800 US dollars, without shipping or installation. A 120 -HA version comparable to the final i3 battery from BMW is available for 4,800 US dollars. Both options have a three -year guarantee and are rated for 2,000 cycles for fees for fees.
In contrast, a new BMW factory battery costs about 15,000 US dollars before work – the task that many early I3S has effectively made for the repair. The MTG solution changes the equation dramatically. A well-maintained used i3 can now be bought for less than $ 8,000. With the installed battery, the owners could have a 250-mile EV on the street for less than $ 16,000 than the costs of a basic model -san leaf.
Here is a video with the new battery:
