BMW i4 Electric car

2023: Recall of 14,000 defective electric vehicles due to problems in the battery management system

In early January 2023, it became known that the German automaker BMW was recalling more than 14 thousand electric vehicles due to a defect identified in the high-voltage battery control system.

Notification of the fault has been submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration USA (NHTSA). The problem is related to diagnostic errors in the electronic battery control unit. Failure can lead to a reset of the control system, which, in turn, will result in interruptions in the supply of electricity. This increases the risk of a traffic accident. However, a restart of the power plant is possible, which allows you to continue moving even after a loss of power.

BMW i4

The problem affects 5389 BMW iX xDrive40, iX xDrive50 and iX M60 electric cars manufactured from February 04, 2021 to October 28, 2022. In addition, 8659 BMW i4 eDrive35, i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 cars are subject to recall, which rolled off the assembly line from March 17, 2021 to October 26, 2022. Plus, 38 BMW i7 xDrive60 cars, produced from February 22 to October 27, 2022, were recalled. Thus, a total of 14,086 electric vehicles fell under the program.

All defective ones cars will be updated software with the electronic control unit of the high-voltage battery. At the same time, NHTSA issued recommendations for owners of problem machines. The agency advises motorists to temporarily stop operating vehicles and not charge them. accumulators Owners are also advised to park outdoors and away from buildings because of the increased risk of fire in the event of a possible short circuit in the high-voltage battery. There is no information about any accidents related to the problem.^[1]

2021: iX sedan i4 and electric SUV specifications

In early June 2021, BMW unveiled the main specifications of its first electric i4 sedan and luxury iX electric SUV. Both models will arrive in the United States in the first quarter of 2022.

The prestigious model of the electric car i4 became the first BMW electric car with a beech "M" in the name - under this designation, the company produces the most powerful and fastest versions of models. It is known that i4 runs on the same eDrive EV platform as iX. The base version of the i4 eDrive40 with rear-wheel drive costs from $55,400 and will be equipped with an 81.5 kWh battery, which will provide a range of up to 300 miles (480 km). The car will also be equipped with a 335 horsepower electric motor that accelerates it from zero to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.

BMW i4

The more prestigious version of the M50 costs from $65,900 and will be equipped with both front and rear four-wheel drive engines, which will increase the power of the electric car to 535 horsepower. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. However, with the same 81.5 kWh battery, the range is reduced to 240 miles (380 km).

BMW iX

The i4 infotainment system powered by iDrive 8 is equipped with a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display. According to BMW, the processing power of the 8th generation iDrive system is 20 times higher than that of previous systems, which will provide support for self-driving systems of both level 2 and level 3.

Electric cars BMW iX, also equipped with the iDrive 8 system, will be offered in the United States at a price of $83,200. As standard, the car comes with all-wheel drive and 516 horsepower from two electric motors, which helps it accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The 105.2 kWh battery, although significantly larger than the i4, provides the same range of 300 miles (480 km). BMW also said it would later introduce a sportier version of the 600 horsepower iX M60.^[2]

2019: First car demonstration

On November 18, 2019, BMW unveiled the first premium electric sedan in its range. It was named BMW i4.

The electric car is equipped with all-wheel drive implemented with the help of two electric engines, which are located in front and behind. The total power of the engines is declared at 530 horsepower.

BMW introduced the first premium electric sedan in its range - BMW i4

The eight-cylinder 4.4-liter gasoline unit with two turbines, which is installed on the flagship BMW models, including the 7 Series sedan and the X7 crossover, has the same return.

Each electric motor i4 is assembled in a single unit with transmission and electronics. These assemblies, in turn, are part of the power structure of the body.

The manufacturer claims that the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4 seconds, and the maximum speed is more than 200 km/h.

BMW i4 is equipped with a 550 kg battery pack and 80 kVt·ch capacity. The range of 600 km is declared (on the WLTP cycle). When using a 150 kW station, it should take 80% minutes to charge to the 35, and to drive 100 km, it is enough to charge the battery for 6 minutes, BMW said.

The serial BMW i4 will appear in 2021, cars will be produced at the parent plant of the German auto giant in Munich. BMW 3rd and 4th series are going to us in this enterprise.

By November 2019, the BMW i4 is being tested in the Swedish city of Arjeplug in areas near the Arctic Circle. Engineers check the operation of the power plant, chassis, electrical components and electronic systems.

Electric vehicles undergo a larger test program than those with internal combustion engines. This is due to the specific requirements for cars with electric motors and for their systems in various weather conditions.^[3]

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