While much of the motoring world have set their eyes on the hyped Tesla Model 3, German auto manufacturer BMW has announced that the BMW i3 will get an upgraded 33kWh battery. The new battery packs higher power density which many experts believe will significantly increase the mileage of the car.

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BMW claims that the i3's new battery pack can cover up to 195 miles of e-range provided that standard 19-inch wheels are used. Upgrading the wheels to a 20-inch model will drop the mileage to about 184 miles. Currently, the standard BMW i3, without the upgraded battery pack, can cover somewhere between 75-90 miles on a single charge.

The new BMW i3 battery pack is around 50 percent bigger than the one currently installed in the standard model of the vehicle. The gas tank intended for the range extender engine is also bigger by about 25 percent.

Many car experts believe that the battery upgrade for the BMW i3 will no doubt boost the car's appeal. However, a serious threat is already on the horizon in the form of the Chevy Bolt and the Tesla Model 3, both of which promises mileage of more than 200 miles.

Current BMW i3 owners, who still have the 22kWh battery pack, need not to worry should they want to get the newer and upgraded battery. BMW said that owners of the current i3 models could have the new battery pack retrofitted as part of the company's special program. While this opens up a new upgrade roadmap for i3 owners, BMW is yet to confirm how much the upgrade will cost.

Market analysts have noted that one of the reasons why the BMW i3 did not do so well in sales last year is because of its hefty price tag. With the new battery pack upgrade, the car should be more appealing to potential buyers.

TagsBMW, BMW i3, Tesla, Electric Car, hybrid car, BMW i3 battery, BMW i3 battery pack, i3 battery pack, Chevy Bolt, tesla model 3