2015 BMW i3 Gets Standard Fast Charging, Heated Seats

The BMW i3 is the first built-from-the-ground-up electric vehicle from a major automaker, and that’s been reflected in both reviews and growing sales. There’s always room for improvement though, and in an interview with BMW Blog, executives revealed that satellite radio, heated seats, and DC fast charging will all be standard on the 2015 BMW i3.

BMW wants to make the i3 customer experience as convenient and enjoyable as possible, and they’re listening to feedback from early customers who want, among other things, the configurable key fob European customers get. i3 buyers are also asking for a battery state-of-health gauge so they can see just how much life remains in the 22 kWh lithium-ion battery, which will be useful when it comes to trade in or sell their car.

Other features customers expressed an interest in that could be offered in 2015 include a heating steering wheel and sunroof, though every i3 will now come equipped with heated seats and satellite radio. More importantly though is the inclusion of DC charging as standard, which allows the i3 to receive an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes, something not mentioned in a recent Lexus advertisement that took aim at the electric Bimmer.

BMW i3 sales are already doing pretty well, and the automaker actually sells more EVs as a percentage of its total sales than any other traditional automakers. These improvements, along with a budding aftermarket offering bodykits and other products, the i3 is being well positioned as a worthy option in the growing plug-in car market.