BMW I3 Range Extender Axed in Europe
The BMW i3 REX range-extender model is heading towards the end of its life in Europe.
Autocar reported on Thursday the i3 will become an electric-only model in the European market as the latest battery upgrades give the car additional range. BMW said the extra range from the new and larger 42.2 killowatt-hour battery makes the range-extender redundant.
The i3 REX uses a 650 cc gasoline engine to provide a boost in range for drivers. The old New European Driving Cycle rated the i3 REX at 231 miles of range, while the more conservative and realistic WLTP test standards claim the updated i3 with the 42.2 kwh battery will go 193 miles.
“With the gains in pure-electric range, together with the increasing availability of rapid charging facilities we believe the customer demand is shifting to a pure-electric model,” BMW said in a statement.
SEE ALSO: Report: Audi R8 RWS to Survive Coming Facelift
The EPA has not rated the new i3 for the U.S. market, but according to the report, the range-extender will still be offered in North America.
With the i3 REX exiting production for Europe, it leaves the standard i3 and sportier i3s as the two remaining models. The latter gains an additional 13 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque for a total of 181 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque.
BMW will announce pricing and availability for the updated i3 in North America closer to the launch date.
[Source: Autocar]
A version of this story originally appeared on Hybrid Cars.
More by Sean Szymkowski
Comments
Join the conversation
I thought the 42 KWh i3 will not be offered as Rex in the US either