i3 Range extender Question

MasterP · 02-25-2015, 04:50 PM

I'm being loaned an i3 with range extender of the next few days.

My 1 way trip may be beyond the range of the battery (221 miles I think)

There may not be many (if any) charging stations along the way.

Can the range extender be used to power the car exclusively? I understand I may have to stop to re fuel every hour, but that may not be a big deal.

Thanks!

MalibuBimmer · 02-25-2015, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrakBch

I'm being loaned an i3 with range extender of the next few days.

My 1 way trip may be beyond the range of the battery (221 miles I think)

There may not be many (if any) charging stations along the way.

Can the range extender be used to power the car exclusively? I understand I may have to stop to re fuel every hour, but that may not be a big deal.

Thanks!

The car is motivated only by its battery.

Vintage · 02-25-2015, 06:06 PM

I love the i3 but wait a few years for the range to improve.

jadnashuanh · 02-25-2015, 06:09 PM

As implemented in the USA, you cannot turn on the range extender manually earlier to preserve the battery charge - it will turn on when the battery charge gets to 6%. At 6%, if you're driving fast and uphill, the REx cannot keep up under all circumstances, and, will literally start to slow down (it won't stop as long as you have gas, and will reenable full operation once you slow down or get over the hill). So, it really depends on the route, terrain, and your driving habits. But, in short, as long as you have gas in it, you can keep moving, but may not be able to do it as you'd like.

As sold elsewhere, you can turn the REx on once the battery gets to 75% or less, and as long as you aren't driving at the limits up a mountain pass, it can often keep it there, so any short duration heavy load is easily handled by the battery pack.

The REx is a 34Hp engine, connected to a generator which isn't perfectly efficient...once your battery reserve is nearly gone, 34Hp will keep you going, but with limitations.

The car was designed as a city, commuter car. It can perform other functions, but may not be ideal, and you need to understand how it functions if you wish to push the limits. Personally, I find it comfortable for its intended task, but not for many hours in the saddle, so to speak as required for a trip longer than design. People do it, it's just not my cup of tea.

MasterP · 02-25-2015, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadnashuanh

As implemented in the USA, you cannot turn on the range extender manually earlier to preserve the battery charge - it will turn on when the battery charge gets to 6%. At 6%, if you're driving fast and uphill, the REx cannot keep up under all circumstances, and, will literally start to slow down (it won't stop as long as you have gas, and will reenable full operation once you slow down or get over the hill). So, it really depends on the route, terrain, and your driving habits. But, in short, as long as you have gas in it, you can keep moving, but may not be able to do it as you'd like.

As sold elsewhere, you can turn the REx on once the battery gets to 75% or less, and as long as you aren't driving at the limits up a mountain pass, it can often keep it there, so any short duration heavy load is easily handled by the battery pack.

The REx is a 34Hp engine, connected to a generator which isn't perfectly efficient...once your battery reserve is nearly gone, 34Hp will keep you going, but with limitations.

So assume I can live with the performance limitations, can I just keep it fueled and it still be able to operate? It's a loaner so buying the coding is not an option.

jadnashuanh · 02-25-2015, 06:16 PM

You won't hurt the vehicle by just keep filling the tank. Keep in mind, you'll have to do that about every 50-miles or so, and depending on the distance between available stops and the time of day, that by itself could be an issue. If you never encounter long grades and keep your speed more in the 60mph range rather than 70+, you may never notice anything. Prior to the battery getting low, the car won't limit how you use its available battery charge...once it gets low, it does to protect the life of the battery in stages - creature comforts, then power to drive it.

RichP · 02-25-2015, 07:30 PM

Good luck and be sure to post back the experience.. I have an i3 loaner this weekend too.. Im curious to see how it is in day-to-day action.

02-25-2015, 04:50 PM	#1
MasterP Colonel 721 Rep 2,342 Posts Drives: All the M's Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Where do you want me? iTrader: (8)	i3 Range extender Question I'm being loaned an i3 with range extender of the next few days. My 1 way trip may be beyond the range of the battery (221 miles I think) There may not be many (if any) charging stations along the way. Can the range extender be used to power the car exclusively? I understand I may have to stop to re fuel every hour, but that may not be a big deal. Thanks!
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02-25-2015, 06:06 PM	#3
Vintage Colonel 378 Rep 2,588 Posts Drives: BMW G80 (MT), 718 Spyder Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Austin, Texas iTrader: (0)	I love the i3 but wait a few years for the range to improve.
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02-25-2015, 06:09 PM	#4
jadnashuanh Major 50 Rep 1,061 Posts Drives: 535iGT x-drive; i3 BEV Join Date: May 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	As implemented in the USA, you cannot turn on the range extender manually earlier to preserve the battery charge - it will turn on when the battery charge gets to 6%. At 6%, if you're driving fast and uphill, the REx cannot keep up under all circumstances, and, will literally start to slow down (it won't stop as long as you have gas, and will reenable full operation once you slow down or get over the hill). So, it really depends on the route, terrain, and your driving habits. But, in short, as long as you have gas in it, you can keep moving, but may not be able to do it as you'd like. As sold elsewhere, you can turn the REx on once the battery gets to 75% or less, and as long as you aren't driving at the limits up a mountain pass, it can often keep it there, so any short duration heavy load is easily handled by the battery pack. The REx is a 34Hp engine, connected to a generator which isn't perfectly efficient...once your battery reserve is nearly gone, 34Hp will keep you going, but with limitations. The car was designed as a city, commuter car. It can perform other functions, but may not be ideal, and you need to understand how it functions if you wish to push the limits. Personally, I find it comfortable for its intended task, but not for many hours in the saddle, so to speak as required for a trip longer than design. People do it, it's just not my cup of tea.
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02-25-2015, 06:16 PM	#6
jadnashuanh Major 50 Rep 1,061 Posts Drives: 535iGT x-drive; i3 BEV Join Date: May 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	You won't hurt the vehicle by just keep filling the tank. Keep in mind, you'll have to do that about every 50-miles or so, and depending on the distance between available stops and the time of day, that by itself could be an issue. If you never encounter long grades and keep your speed more in the 60mph range rather than 70+, you may never notice anything. Prior to the battery getting low, the car won't limit how you use its available battery charge...once it gets low, it does to protect the life of the battery in stages - creature comforts, then power to drive it.
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02-25-2015, 07:30 PM	#7
RichP Major 144 Rep 1,184 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CT iTrader: (4)	Good luck and be sure to post back the experience.. I have an i3 loaner this weekend too.. Im curious to see how it is in day-to-day action.
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