BMW i3 Electric Car Update: Longer Range, New Design Coming In 2017, Report Says

BMW is an iconic brand in the automobile industry, well-established and well-liked, but that hasn't translated to success for the German automaker when it comes to electric vehicles. Having sold only about 25,000 of the i3 hatchbacks in 2015, the company is planning to upgrade its small car next year. German weekly Welt am Sonntag (in German) reported Sunday the i3 will get a makeover that will see both the front and rear ends of the car reworked. Additionally, new battery technology will give the vehicle increased range as well, which BMW says is currently 114 miles on full charge. The range can be extended up to 180 miles using a "Range Extender."