Reliability

BMW

BMW i3 94 Ah pack (33 kWh, 2017-2018)

Lithium-ion (cathode not published) cells from Samsung SDI · 33.2 kWh total (27.2 kWh usable) · used in 1 model variant.

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Pack reference

Lithium-ion (cathode not published) · Samsung SDI · Eight modules of 12 cells (96 cells), under the floor
About the pack
Capacity
27.2 kWh
usable · 33.2 total
Fast charge
50 kW
peak
Warranty floor
70%
capacity floor at 8 yr / 100k mi

Pack overview

ChemistryLithium-ion (cathode not published)
Cell supplierSamsung SDI
Cell formatNot published
Voltage (nominal)353 V
CoolingLiquid (air-conditioning refrigerant circuit; can be heated)
ArchitectureEight modules of 12 cells (96 cells), under the floor
Warranty 8 yr / 100k mi
Capacity floor70%

Known issues

High
NHTSA 19V-310 (April 2019) covers 159 i3 cars from model year 2018. A circuit board problem in the Electric Motor Electronics module may shut down the supply of high-voltage power and cause a loss of propulsion. Dealers replace the module free of charge.
Medium
NHTSA 18V-652 (September 2018) covers certain 2018 i3 cars and other BMW plug-in models supplied with a TurboCord portable charger. Capacitors in the charger may fail, which can cause a shock hazard or a fire. Dealers inspect the charging cable and replace it if necessary, free of charge.
Low
BMW raised the i3's battery to 94 Ah for model year 2017, with 33 kWh in total of which 27.2 kWh can be used, in a pack with the same exterior dimensions. BMW says it charges in about 4.5 hours on a Level 2 charger and to 80 percent in less than 40 minutes on a DC fast charger. The optional range extender is a 647 cc two-cylinder gasoline engine that drives a generator and does not power the wheels.
Low
BMW's warranty covers the high-voltage battery against defects for 8 years or 100,000 miles and against excessive capacity loss for the same period, defined as a net capacity below 70 percent of its original value at a BMW center's check. On range-extender cars registered in California-emission states the traction battery is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles.

How this pack ages (industry context)

Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).

OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 100k mi to 70% capacity.

Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.

Vehicles using this pack

Battery-Related NHTSA Recalls

Recalls affecting battery, charging, electric propulsion, or thermal-event systems on vehicles using this pack, as of the last complaint-data run. Each campaign names the model generation it was filed against; the summary gives the model years covered.

19V599000 Aug 14, 2019 HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 i3 BEV, i3 REx, and i8 vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high-voltage electrical power.

Consequence: A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Filed against: BMW i3 2017-2018

19V310000 Apr 17, 2019 HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 i3 BEV and i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high voltage electrical power.

Consequence: A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Filed against: BMW i3 2017-2018

For TWD editorial coverage of major recall campaigns, see /recalls/.

Pack family

BMW i3 94 Ah pack (33 kWh, 2017-2018) is part of the bmw-i3 family. Related packs:

Frequently Asked Questions

What chemistry is the BMW i3 94 Ah pack (33 kWh, 2017-2018)?

The BMW i3 94 Ah pack (33 kWh, 2017-2018) uses Lithium-ion (cathode not published) chemistry. Cells are supplied by Samsung SDI. Cell format has not been disclosed. Pack architecture: Eight modules of 12 cells (96 cells), under the floor.

What is the warranty on this pack?

8 years or 100,000 miles, with capacity coverage to 70% of original. Specific terms vary by year and trim; check the manufacturer's warranty booklet for the exact vehicle.

How much does this pack degrade over time?

Industry-wide fleet aggregates show roughly 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs (Geotab, 2026), with about 95% range retention at five years on average across Recurrent's 30,000+ vehicle fleet (2026). Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. The BMW i3 94 Ah pack (33 kWh, 2017-2018) battery warranty runs 8 years / 100,000 miles to a 70% capacity floor, which is the OEM-guaranteed minimum within that period. Individual results vary with climate, charging habits, and DC fast-charging frequency.

Which vehicles use the BMW i3 94 Ah pack (33 kWh, 2017-2018)?

BMW i3 2017-2018 (i3 and i3 with Range Extender (94 Ah); i3s added for 2018).

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