BMW showcases the spectacular charging capabilities of the brand new iX3 in a latest social media video. The automobile has reached a peak charging energy of 403 kW, surpassing its claimed most of 400 kW. Set to debut later this yr within the U.S., the iX3 will characteristic a local NACS plug.
As China takes the lead in EV charging infrastructure, Western producers have to catch up. BMW is stepping up its recreation with next-generation EVs able to charging at speeds of as much as 400 kilowatts. In a latest video, a camouflaged iX3 prototype was seen charging even quicker, hitting 402 kW.
The iX3 is the primary mannequin in BMW’s Neue Klasse electrical collection, designed to boost the producer’s present EV choices. Constructed on an 800-volt platform, these autos allow quicker charging and incorporate next-generation motors and batteries.
With its 400-kW charging functionality, BMW claims the iX3 can add 217 miles (350 km) of WLTP vary in simply 10 minutes. That is greater than double the vary supplied by the producer’s present CLAR platform-based EVs, the place a ten% to 80% cost takes about 20 minutes. The iX3 boasts a possible vary of as much as 497 miles (800 km) WLTP, roughly 62 miles (100 km) greater than the present iX mannequin, which is bigger and geared up with a much bigger battery.
The prototype showcased within the video is charged by way of a CCS2 port, however the North American model will characteristic a local NACS port. Not like the European fashions, which will probably be produced at BMW’s new manufacturing facility in Hungary, the U.S. variations will probably be manufactured on the plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
Wanting forward, BMW plans to supply electrical variations of the bigger X5 and X7 at its facility in South Carolina. Following the iX3’s launch this yr, the iX5 is predicted subsequent yr, with the iX7 slated for 2027.
In a latest take a look at drive, the BMW iX3 prototype carried out impressively, demonstrating exact dealing with and responsiveness. InsideEVs contributor Tim Stevens noticed the prototype charging at 403 kW, averaging 318 kW over a 10-minute session, which exceeds the height of BMW’s present EV lineup and considerably improves general efficiency.
Within the video’s accompanying textual content, BMW emphasised that whereas the iX3 operates at 800 volts, it stays suitable with 400V charging stations. This reassurance could replicate consciousness of latest developments relating to one other 800-volt EV, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, which initially lacked compatibility with 400-volt chargers. Mercedes has since introduced plans to handle this challenge.
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