Safety ratings (from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency)
Economy
Electrical energy consumed from the battery over a given distance.
Economy
{model}
{wh}
kWh/100 km
Economy
{model}
{km}
km/kWh
Energy consumption is displayed on the dashboard and is re-calculated as you drive. It is different to the WLTP-rated consumption (which measures power from the mains).
This number is estimated by comparing the usable battery capacity against the WLTP range.
The maximum speed the EV can charge at home or a public AC charger.
An EV has a built-in charger that converts household AC electricity into DC current that goes into the battery.
This limits the maximum speed you can charge at home - no matter what extra equipment you install. Some public chargers (such as at motor camps and shopping malls) are also AC only.
Fast Charge ⚡
The maximum speed the EV can charge at a DC fast charger.
Speed is limited by the capacity of the charger.
In NZ, fast chargers are typically 25 kW, 50 kW, 100 kW, 175 kW, and 300 kW.
Cold temperatures and the vehicle's charging curve also dictate peak speed (i.e. a warm battery at a lower state-of-charge will charge quicker).
The i3 hatchback was one of the first fully electric vehicles to enter the New Zealand market. Available from 2016 to 2022, the distinctive-looking i3 was available in three variants.
As an added option, the i3 had a range extender (REx) – effectively a ‘backup’ petrol engine used when battery charge was low.
Previous Models
These model(s) are only available secondhand.
BMW i3 94Ah
2017-2019
The second generation of the i3 has a larger 33.2 kWh battery and the Range Extender option. The S variant (from 2018) has a more powerful 135 kW motor. There were only about 100 battery only vehicles registered new in NZ. Most are the REx.
Price
Used Price (est.)
$26,000+
Performance
0-100 km/h
7.3 s
Top Speed
150 km/h
Total Power
125 kW
Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Range & Efficiency
WLTP Consumption measures recharged electric energy from the mains (includes charging losses).
WLTP Range
245 km
Highway Range
187 km
WLTP Consumption
194 Wh/km
Charging Cost
$4.85/100 km
Battery & Charging
Battery
33.3 kWh / 27.2 kWh
Chemistry
NMC
V2L
-
AC speed (max)
7.4 kW
DC speed (max)
49 kW
Safety
Based on 2023 VSRR rating
Dimensions
Seats
4
Tow Rating
- / -
Boot Space
260 L / 1100 L
Frunk
-
Shape
Small Hatchback
Length
4011 mm
Width
1775 mm
Height
1598 mm
Kerb Weight
1320 kg
BMW i3 60Ah
2014-2016
Price
Used Price (est.)
$12,000+
Performance
0-100 km/h
7.2 s
Top Speed
150 km/h
Total Power
125 kW
Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Range & Efficiency
WLTP Consumption measures recharged electric energy from the mains (includes charging losses).
WLTP Range
145 km
Highway Range
111 km
WLTP Consumption
188 Wh/km
Charging Cost
$4.70/100 km
Battery & Charging
Battery
21.6 kWh / 18.8 kWh
Chemistry
NMC
V2L
-
AC speed (max)
7.4 kW
DC speed (max)
47 kW
Safety
Based on 2023 VSRR rating
Dimensions
Seats
4
Tow Rating
- / -
Boot Space
260 L / 1100 L
Frunk
-
Shape
Small Hatchback
Length
3999 mm
Width
1775 mm
Height
1578 mm
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
BMW i3 120Ah
2020-2022
The final iteration of the i3 has a larger battery and no Range Extender option. The S variation has a more powerful 135 kW motor, and higher top speed of 160 km/h.
Price
Used Price (est.)
$39,000+
Performance
0-100 km/h
7.3 s
Top Speed
150 km/h
Total Power
125 kW
Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Range & Efficiency
WLTP Consumption measures recharged electric energy from the mains (includes charging losses).
WLTP Range
308 km
Highway Range
236 km
WLTP Consumption
153 Wh/km
Charging Cost
$3.83/100 km
Battery & Charging
Battery
42.2 kWh / 37.9 kWh
Chemistry
NMC
V2L
-
AC speed (max)
11 kW
DC speed (max)
49 kW
Safety
Based on 2023 VSRR rating
Dimensions
Seats
4
Tow Rating
- / -
Boot Space
260 L / 1100 L
Frunk
-
Shape
Small Hatchback
Length
4011 mm
Width
1775 mm
Height
1598 mm
Kerb Weight
1345 kg
Sales Charts and Ranking
All Time
34
Last 12 months
-
The BMW i3 is the 34th best selling new fully electric vehicle (of all time) - in New Zealand.