[e85sbm]

Hello,

I am looking at getting rid of my VW Golf R. I purchased this car after my divorce and really miss the BMW world. There are some amazing things with the VW, but it is not the same level of car as a BMW.

I am also very interested in BEV models and have considered the Tesla Model 3, but I have concerns with Tesla as a manufacturer, especially with their decision to increase production to 500,000 units a year from their current 80,000-100,000.

Sorry for the long preamble, but the basics of my inquiry are as follows:

• I drive mainly as a commuter within Calgary (cold / snowy for many months a year).
• Should I choose the REX model or stay with BEV?
• Weekends I can put on 100-200kms in a day when doing chores, but is rare

Thank you for the assistance, I am leaning towards the BEV version, but if there is enough support for a REX, I will take into consideration the additional $6k CAD

[remlemasi]

Originally Posted by e85sbm

Hello,

I am looking at getting rid of my VW Golf R. I purchased this car after my divorce and really miss the BMW world. There are some amazing things with the VW, but it is not the same level of car as a BMW.

I am also very interested in BEV models and have considered the Tesla Model 3, but I have concerns with Tesla as a manufacturer, especially with their decision to increase production to 500,000 units a year from their current 80,000-100,000.

Sorry for the long preamble, but the basics of my inquiry are as follows:

• I drive mainly as a commuter within Calgary (cold / snowy for many months a year).
• Should I choose the REX model or stay with BEV?
• Weekends I can put on 100-200kms in a day when doing chores, but is rare

Thank you for the assistance, I am leaning towards the BEV version, but if there is enough support for a REX, I will take into consideration the additional $6k CAD

How is the DC fast charging (or even standard L2) infrastructure in Calgary?

From your comments, I take it this will be your only car? If so, I'd recommend the REx. I think the BEV at this point (even with the 94Ah upgrade) still only works as a second car for commuting.

[e85sbm]

the charging infrastructure in Calgary is very poor. We are a city that has been heavily integrated with oil and gas and there is a reluctance to allow alternatives to fossil fuels.

Yes, this is my only car (live in condo). I have already received condo permission for a charging port, just need to find the right model.

i3 VS model 3 are my only options. I would like the i3 to offer xDrive or similar, but I am not afraid of the RWD.

[remlemasi]

In that case, I would absolutely recommend the REx. Is the Chevy Bolt available in Canada yet? Great alternative to the Model 3.

And regarding winter driving, the ultra skinny tires and available Blizzak tires will help a lot in the absence of AWD.

[e85sbm]

The Bolt is available, but I can't see myself spending that much for one. The starting price on the Bolt is $42,895 - approximately $3k less than the base BEV i3

[remlemasi]

Originally Posted by e85sbm

The Bolt is available, but I can't see myself spending that much for one. The starting price on the Bolt is $42,895 - approximately $3k less than the base BEV i3

That's fair, but the cost is going straight into the significantly larger battery. 230+ miles is a really big deal.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by e85sbm

I am looking at getting rid of my VW Golf R. I purchased this car after my divorce and really miss the BMW world. There are some amazing things with the VW, but it is not the same level of car as a BMW.

If you are a car guy, and are restricted to only one car - do NOT do it.
You will regret and miss GolfR every mile of driving the i3.

If you need a stand-out car that will attract rediculous amount of attention from the ladies - then disregard the above comment and do it anyway.

i3, somehow, accomplishes that, more than all of the cars I ever owned.
Combined.

Originally Posted by e85sbm

I am also very interested in BEV models and have considered the Tesla Model 3, but I have concerns with Tesla as a manufacturer, especially with their decision to increase production to 500,000 units a year from their current 80,000-100,000.

I have also put a deposit on Model 3 (the first day Tesla started taking deposits), but don't expect to get one until mid-2018 at the earliest. If you need a new car within the next 18 months, Model 3 is out.

At the same time, BMW is heavy expected to release a gen3 i3 that will have ~50% more range next summer, to stay competitive with Bolt and Model 3. Do consider leasing (vs. buying) if you do get an i3, to insure against a sizable depreciation hit once the new gen car comes out.

Originally Posted by e85sbm

• I drive mainly as a commuter within Calgary (cold / snowy for many months a year).
• Should I choose the REX model or stay with BEV?
• Weekends I can put on 100-200kms in a day when doing chores, but is rare

Thank you for the assistance, I am leaning towards the BEV version, but if there is enough support for a REX, I will take into consideration the additional $6k CAD

200km = ~124 miles. You will not make it in BEV. .
BEV i3 is advertised with the range of 114 miles (183km) under near-ideal circumstances.
You will be lucky to get 75% of the advertised range in sub-zero temps. And 75% of the remainder if you drive at highway speeds.

If you want to reliably drive past 70 miles (110 km) in the dead of the winter, you will need REX.

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