BMW will offer an updated i3 EV from December that has an increased battery capacity, providing a zero-emissions range of up to 223 miles.

The new 120Ah battery has double the capacity of the one fitted to the original i3 yet takes up no additional space.

In real terms, this enables the BMW i3 and the i3S to achieve an enhanced all-electric range.

The official range of the BMW i3 is now 223 miles (previously 180 to 186 miles).

For the BMW i3S, a range of 214 miles (previously 174 miles) is now available.

During everyday use, BMW says the two models are now able to cover a distance of 160 miles – an increase of almost 30% from the previous 94Ah models.

Prices for the revised i3 will start at £35,180, when the car reaches dealerships at the end of the year.

The introduction of the new battery also brings a new exterior colour and a new colour for the optional interior world ‘Loft’ as well as optional Adaptive LED headlights featuring anti-dazzle functionality.

Optional telephony with wireless charging and wireless LAN hotspot will also be available for the BMW i3 and BMW i3s.

Using rapid-charging stations that run on DC power, the charging capacity is 50kW and this way the high voltage battery will reach 80% of its total power in just 42 minutes.

Charging via the BMW i Wallbox allows an 80% charge in 4.9 hours.