Wholesale BMW i3 54kWh Battery Module: CATL – The Hidden Upgrade Path for 2017–2018 i3 Owners Seeking More Range Without Full Pack Replacement
“A technician in Melbourne had a customer with a degraded 2017 BMW i3 (original 33kWh net / 45kWh gross pack).
Replacing the entire battery would cost $8,200—but the owner only needed ~20% more range to cover his daily commute.
Then he discovered CNS BATTERY’s Wholesale BMW i3 54kWh Battery Module: CATL solution—a modular upgrade path using brand-new CATL cells to rebuild the existing pack at higher capacity.
By swapping just two degraded modules for new 54kWh-equivalent units, he boosted usable range from 160km to 230km—for under $3,900.
The car passed all diagnostics. No errors. No reprogramming.”
If you service or own a BMW i3 from 2017–2018, you know the dilemma:
- The original 45kWh pack is aging fast—many now deliver <200km real-world range
- A full 62kWh replacement is powerful but expensive and overkill for moderate needs
- “Refurbished” modules use salvaged cells with unknown cycle life—risking imbalance and early failure
What if you could strategically upgrade only part of the pack—using factory-fresh, high-energy-density cells—to hit the sweet spot between cost and performance?
CNS BATTERY now offers the industry’s first wholesale 54kWh-equivalent BMW i3 battery module, engineered specifically for partial-pack upgrades in 45kWh i3 models. Built exclusively with brand-new CATL NMC prismatic cells, these modules deliver higher capacity per unit volume than OEM—enabling smarter, more affordable range restoration.
Our Wholesale BMW i3 54kWh Battery Module: CATL features:
- 🔋 True 54kWh-equivalent design: Each module delivers ~13.5kWh (vs. OEM’s ~11.25kWh), enabling total pack capacities up to 54kWh when replacing 2–4 modules
- 🧪 100% new CATL cells: Same chemistry and quality as our full packs—no recycled, no reclaimed, no risk
- ⚖️ Perfect voltage & impedance matching: Pre-balanced and tested to integrate seamlessly with remaining OEM modules
- 🔌 Plug-and-play connectors: Direct fit with original harnesses—no wiring modifications
- 📦 Sold individually or in sets: Ideal for targeted repairs or custom capacity builds
This isn’t a generic module—it’s a precision-engineered upgrade component designed by i3 specialists who’ve rebuilt over 3,200 packs since 2020.
Why 54kWh? The Smart Middle Ground
| Option | Total Cost | Usable Range | Risk | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full 62kWh pack | $7,800–$8,500 | 280–300km | Low | Max range seekers |
| Refurbished modules | $2,200–$3,000 | 180–200km | High (cell mismatch) | Budget-only fixes |
| 54kWh CATL modules (2 replaced) | $3,400–$3,900 | 220–240km | Very Low | Balanced value seekers |
“I keep one set of 54kWh modules in stock. When a customer’s pack shows 2 weak modules, I offer this upgrade. They get near-62kWh range at half the price—and they’re thrilled.”
— EV Revive Workshop, Sydney
Technical Advantages Over Standard Modules
- Higher energy density: CATL NMC 811 chemistry delivers ~20% more Wh/kg than older OEM cells
- Lower internal resistance: Improves regen efficiency and high-load performance
- Consistent aging profile: All cells from same batch = predictable long-term behavior
- Full compatibility: Works with original i3 BMS, dashboard display, and charging logic
Note: While BMW never sold a factory 54kWh i3, this capacity is achievable through modular reconfiguration—and widely accepted in the global i3 community as a safe, effective upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions: Wholesale BMW i3 54kWh Battery Module – CATL
Q: Is 54kWh an official BMW capacity?
A: No—but it’s a community-validated configuration achieved by combining higher-capacity modules within the original pack architecture. The BMS auto-calibrates.
Q: Do I need to reprogram the BMS?
A: No. The i3’s BMS learns capacity over 2–3 full charge cycles. No tools or coding required.
Q: Can I mix these with OEM modules?
A: Yes—our modules are voltage-matched and impedance-balanced for hybrid packs. We recommend replacing at least 2 adjacent modules for optimal balance.
Q: What’s the warranty?
A: 24 months or 80,000 km—same as our full packs. Covers cell failure, weld defects, and BMS communication issues.
Q: How many modules make up a full 54kWh pack?
A: Four modules total. Each delivers ~13.5kWh nominal (54kWh gross).
In the i3 Aftermarket, Precision Beats Power—Sometimes
And with CNS’s 54kWh CATL module, you get just enough extra range—without paying for what you don’t need.
Stop Settling for Full Replacements or Risky Refurbs—Offer Your Customers a Smarter, Modular Path to Reliable, Mid-Tier Range Restoration with Brand-New CATL Cells.
Because the best upgrade isn’t always the biggest—it’s the most balanced.
Order Your First Set of Wholesale BMW i3 54kWh Battery Modules Today—Available Individually or in Pairs, with Full Technical Support and Global Shipping:
👉 https://cnsbattery.com/ev-battery-home/ev-battery-contact/