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BMW Fixes Acceleration Problem in i3 Electric Sedans
BMW AG has issued a software update to eliminate a glitch that can cause its i3 electrics to suddenly lag during acceleration, notes Consumer Reports.
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BMW AG has issued a software update to eliminate a glitch that can cause its i3 electrics to suddenly lag during acceleration, notes Consumer Reports.
The magazine discovered the problem last autumn while testing an i3 equipped with a range-extender. The generator powered by a 34-hp, 2-cylinder gasoline engine kicks in when the car's battery reserve drops below 6%.
But a car with such a small power reserve could run out of juice during hard acceleration by draining the remaining power faster than the charger can replace it. Under those conditions, reports LeftLane, the 0-60 acceleration capabilities of the i3 plunge abruptly from 7.5 seconds to 40 seconds.
The reprogrammed software will maintain a bigger battery reserve. It also will use topographical data available through the car's navigation system to proactively increase the power reserve before the car reaches a long uphill stretch of road.
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