According to the latest reports, BMW is working on refreshing its i3 electric car and giving it a higher energy density battery to improve its driving range. The new battery will not only be featured in the upcoming refresh by BMW, but it is said that older i3 models will also be outfitted with the new longer lasting battery.

The current BMW i3, released back in 2013, is equipped with eight 2.7 kWh battery packs which gives a total capacity of 21.8 kWh where about 18.8 kWh is useable. This gives the current i3 electric vehicle about 80 to 100 miles of real-world driving range.

According to Autocar, the new battery will give the BMW i3 up to 124 miles driving range. The new battery will be fitted to both the all-electric i3 and the i3 Range Extender. According to BMWblog, the battery will have a 94Ah capacity.

The goal is for BMW to be able to compete with other upcoming electric vehicles, including the new Nissan Leaf with 155 miles and the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt EV with 200 miles. BMW is also working on developing a 200-miles electric vehicle in the coming years.

A BMW spokesperson spoke to Autoexpress and revealed that full details regarding the new BMW i3 will be announced by the end of the year. The upcoming 2016 i3 model is also reported to come with an upgraded electronics package.

While the upgraded i3 electric vehicle isn't expected until next year, BMW did recently release a special 2016 i3 Shadow Sport limited edition during the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. There will only be 50 models released and each model will receive a limited edition plaque.

The 2016 BMW i3 Shadow Sport comes with a moonroof, an exclusive fluid black exterior paint, dark grey cloth interiors with blue accents and a sport tuned suspension. The suspension is also complemented by 19-inch wheels.

The BMW i3 Shadow Sport is available for $48,395.