BMW considers range extender for new i3 on Neue Klasse platform

BMW is considering bringing range extender technology back for the next-generation i3, built on the Neue Klasse platform. The company is exploring the possibility of adding a gasoline engine that would function as a generator to extend the vehicle's driving range.

Technology and Platform

The Neue Klasse architecture was designed primarily for electric vehicles, but it retains flexibility. This allows for the integration of an additional internal combustion engine without requiring major structural changes.

The system would follow an EREV setup, where the gasoline engine doesn't drive the wheels directly but instead maintains the battery charge. This approach reduces reliance on charging infrastructure, which matters because it addresses one of the key concerns for EV adoption.

Reviving an Old Concept

A similar solution was already used in the first BMW i3, which featured a compact two-cylinder engine. That system provided an extra few dozen kilometers of range after the battery was depleted.

In the new generation, the system could become more efficient. BMW is expected to use a more powerful engine and achieve a greater overall range—potentially reaching 500–600 miles.

Why This Matters

Interest in hybrid configurations is growing again amid a slowdown in the transition to full electric vehicles. Automakers are starting to seek a compromise between environmental benefits and practical usability.

If BMW moves forward with this plan, it could signal a shift in electrification strategy. Overall, the picture is straightforward: the market might see a new wave of "hybrid electric vehicles" that combine the best of both worlds.