I'm having a hard time understanding when people here complain about "miserable" EV range of the i3. For all practical purposes the i3 has essentially the same EV range as the Leaf. Do those people absolutely hate their Leafs now that they drive every day?
Those that think like that are missing the point, BMW didn't design the REx version to equal battery performance, they designed it to relax the worries of the new consumers that are considering getting into EV world for the first time. It was a price point decision vs a much more expensive bigger battery/longer range route. And I love it, I can only wish my Leaf had such a wimpy REx for when I need/want it.
Which brings in the next complaint:
TomT said:
Try creeping up the Grapevine or highway 2 at less than 30 mph... I did! Scary (and noisy) as hell!
Ever tried running down to turtle mode on a Leaf and then take on the same Grapevine pass? How did that work out?
Come on now, let's talk real world of EV cars adoption, i3 is a great vehicle. EV range + extender will work for the
majority of US consumer as it runs just fine on the freeway at 65-70mph in REx mode unless you're climbing Grapevine like pass. I know, I tested it.
Please stop bashing the car because you want it to fly and cost only $10K brand new but it doesn't. It's a great compromise for what it is. I loved driving it for all 3 days that I had it for (even when in REx mode) and I didn't want to return it and I would certainly consider it if the price was more in line with the Leaf. Yes, to me it's all about economics when it comes down to purchase decision but it doesn't stop me from loving the concept.
lorenfb said:
{70mph}...At that speed, given the limited HP of the Rex, there's little to no HP available to maneuver to avoid
a problem.
It's a made up excuse to sell power-muscle cars to American public.
"OMG what if you need that sudden acceleration from 70 to 100 mph on the freeway? It really is all 'bout safety. You need more power man, you should get an 8 or better yet a 10 cylinder option just to be safe!!!"
What a bunch of nonsense.
Having said that, BMW K-series motorcycle 4 cylinder 1200cc engine weighs under 180lb with transmission and delivers 160+HP
Now if only they could use this engine in the i3, it would make it the perfect EV car of today for the masses.