BMW Group gives Thai electric vehicle technology a boost
Taking the wheel in electric vehicle (EV) technology, BMW Group Thailand this week delivered a BMW i3 (94Ah) battery to the Thailand Automotive Institute to assist with the technology’s national development.
The delivery sealed the firm’s partnership with the institute in a project called Technology and Innovation Learning Centre for Electric Vehicle Industry Development and marks a milestone in sustainable mobility in Thailand.
“One of our key missions is to create premium, eco-friendly mobility, bolstered by cutting-edge innovations and designs,” said Krisda Utamote of BMW Group Thailand. “BMW has been working hand in hand with the public and private sector to continuously reinforce EV-related development efforts.”
The BMW i3 has a capacity of 33 kilowatt hours (kWh) thanks to the higher storage density of the lithium ion cells. The battery dimensions remain unchanged, with a more than 50-per-cent range increase in the standard NEDC cycle (New European Driving Cycle), which equals 300 kilometres instead of 190 kilometres.
Even in everyday use, in bad weather conditions and with the air-conditioner or heater turned on, a range of 200 kilometres can be achieved on one full battery charge.
The driving performance figures of the 125 kW/170-horsepower hybrid synchronous electric motor remain virtually unchanged. The motor propels the BMW i3 from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. This makes the BMW i3 both the sportiest and most efficient electric vehicle in its premium compact segment with an electricity consumption of 12.6 kWh/100 km.
The Range Extender, the two-cylinder petrol engine, keeps the charge level of the battery constant while driving provides an additional range of 150 kilometres.