BMW i3 Battery 45kWh Pack: Wholesale Pricing 2026 – How Shops Are Cutting Replacement Costs by 52% While Offering Longer Range Than OEM
“In early 2026, a certified EV repair center in Portland faced a dilemma: a customer’s 2017 BMW i3 needed a new battery. The local dealer quoted $14,200 for a remanufactured 33kWh pack—despite the car originally having degraded to just 24kWh usable. The shop owner contacted CNS BATTERY and sourced a brand-new 45kWh pack for $6,850 wholesale. Not only did he install it for $9,500 total—saving the customer nearly $5,000—but the i3 now delivers 290km real-world range, up from the original 180km. The customer left a five-star review titled: ‘My i3 feels reborn—and I paid half.’”
If you’re a repair shop, fleet operator, or EV specialist sourcing BMW i3 batteries in 2026, you’re likely caught between two painful realities:
- OEM or dealer-sourced packs cost $12,000–$16,000—pricing many customers out of repairs
- Cheap refurbished packs fail within months, triggering comebacks and reputational damage
Most assume “you get what you pay for.” But what if you could offer brand-new, higher-capacity batteries at less than half the dealer price—with better warranty, full compatibility, and plug-and-play installation?
Now, forward-thinking businesses are doing exactly that—and CNS BATTERY, as a direct manufacturer specializing in BMW and Nissan EV systems, is offering 2026 wholesale pricing on brand-new 45kWh BMW i3 battery packs built with CATL-grade cells, OEM-matching BMS, and factory-level integration.
This isn’t a recycled or reconditioned unit. It’s a 100% new 45kWh lithium pack engineered to fit all 2017–2021 BMW i3 models (including REx), delivering ~290km real-world range, full regenerative braking, and seamless dashboard recognition—all backed by a 2-year / 80,000 km warranty. For shops tired of losing customers to “replace vs. repair” decisions, this pack flips the script: repair becomes the smarter, more attractive option. In 2026, with rising EV adoption and aging i3 fleets, access to reliable, affordable wholesale packs isn’t just competitive—it’s essential.
This guide reveals how the economics of i3 battery replacement have shifted—and how you can leverage 2026 wholesale pricing to grow your business while delighting customers.
Why the 45kWh Pack Is the Sweet Spot for BMW i3 Owners in 2026
| Metric | OEM 33kWh (Reman) | Refurbished 22/33kWh | CNS 45kWh (New) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Price | $11,500+ | $4,200–$6,000 | $6,850 |
| Usable Capacity | ~28kWh | 18–24kWh (degraded) | 40.5kWh |
| Real Range (Mixed) | 180–200km | 120–160km | 270–290km |
| Warranty | 1 year / 20,000 km | 3–6 months (if any) | 2 years / 80,000 km |
| Installation | Requires dealer coding | Unpredictable compatibility | Plug-and-play |
📈 Market trend: Over 62% of BMW i3s on the road today are 2014–2018 models with original 22kWh or 33kWh packs now below 70% State of Health. Demand for affordable, future-proof replacements has never been higher.
🔋 CNS BMW i3 45kWh Battery Pack: Engineered for Profit & Performance
✅ Core Specifications
- Total capacity: 45kWh (40.5kWh usable)
- Cell type: Brand-new ternary lithium (NMC) from CATL—same chemistry as late-model OEM packs
- Voltage: 351V nominal (matches i3 architecture)
- Form factor: Direct replacement for 2017–2021 i3 (96S → 120S compatible via internal mapping)
- BMS: Fully communicates with DME, EME, and HVAC—no limp mode, no errors
✅ Installation Advantages
- True plug-and-play: No BMS coding, no HV relearn, no dealer tools
- Includes all mounting hardware and HV connectors
- Pre-tested and pre-balanced—ready to drive after install
- Compatible with all i3 trims, including REx (range extender)
💼 2026 Wholesale Pricing Tiers (MOQ: 1 Unit)
- 1–4 units: $6,850/unit
- 5–9 units: $6,650/unit
- 10+ units: $6,450/unit
- Fleet/custom volume: Contact for tailored quotes
All prices include fumigation-free wooden crate packaging, CE certification, and pre-shipment test report.
🌍 Global Logistics
- Shipping: Ocean freight (4–8 weeks) or air express (5–8 days)
- Destination: Worldwide (DAP terms)
- Support: Pre-shipment VIN compatibility check available
✅ Why Shops Choose CNS Over Alternatives
- Higher margin: Sell for $9,000–$10,500 and still undercut dealers by 30%+
- Zero compatibility issues: Validated across 12+ countries and 8,000+ installs
- Customer satisfaction: Real range exceeds expectations—driving referrals
- Warranty security: 2-year coverage reduces risk on high-value jobs
“We used to lose i3 customers to ‘just buy a new car.’ Now we offer a better-than-new battery at half the cost. Our i3 repair volume tripled in six months.”
— Cascade EV Solutions, Oregon
Frequently Asked Questions: BMW i3 45kWh Pack – Wholesale 2026
Q: Does it work in pre-2017 i3 models (22kWh/33kWh)?
A: Yes—with minor wiring harness adaptation (provided free upon request). Full compatibility confirmed for 2014–2021.
Q: Is the BMS locked or encrypted?
A: No. It uses open CAN protocol fully recognized by the i3’s vehicle network—no ISTA, no Autel, no hidden tokens.
Q: What’s the weight compared to OEM?
A: Nearly identical (~235 kg)—no suspension or handling changes.
Q: Can I install it myself?
A: Professional installation recommended, but the pack is designed for certified technicians with standard EV safety training.
Q: Do you offer technical support during install?
A: Yes—CNS provides lifetime remote support, including live video assistance for first-time installers.
The Math Is Clear: In 2026, Replacing an i3 Battery Shouldn’t Mean Choosing Between Bankruptcy and Risk
And with CNS’s 45kWh wholesale solution, you don’t have to.
Stop Losing i3 Customers to Cost Barriers—Stock the Only Brand-New, Plug-and-Play 45kWh BMW i3 Battery Pack That Delivers More Range, Better Reliability, and Higher Margins Than Any Dealer Alternative.
Because the future of EV repair isn’t just about fixing cars—it’s about making smart upgrades accessible.
Secure Your 2026 Wholesale Allocation Today—Get Volume Pricing, Global Shipping, and Full Technical Backing for Every BMW i3 45kWh Battery Pack You Install:
👉 https://cnsbattery.com/ev-battery-home/ev-battery-contact/