[MC 357]

Hi everyone. I am interested in getting an i3 soon but before I do i want to ask a few owners a question.

I drive about 40-45 miles each way to work. So about 80-90 miles a day (all highway). While at work I can charge up too (5 to 6 hours). Would I be ok with a regular i3, and will I run into any range issues? I know this must be asked all the time, just want to hear from people who actually have this car!

[boulderado]

Originally Posted by MC 357

Hi everyone. I am interested in getting an i3 soon but before I do i want to ask a few owners a question.

I drive about 40-45 miles each way to work. So about 80-90 miles a day (all highway). While at work I can charge up too (5 to 6 hours). Would I be ok with a regular i3, and will I run into any range issues? I know this must be asked all the time, just want to hear from people who actually have this car!

That 80-90 mile electric range is only possible in optimum conditions (outside temperature, traffic etc). Plus the i3 is not really meant for long highway cruising, it would be much more efficient in low speed (stop and go) city driving. If you're after the most economical way to commute 80-90 highway miles on a daily basis I'd suggest you start looking at diesel cars. However, if you are determined to get an i3 (I can't blame you, I love the car too) then you have to go REX...

Edit: If you have a 240v charger at work then BEV would work but with a regular 120v outlet you can only charge about 25% in 5-6 hours...

[jadnashuanh]

A level 2 EVSE would be required if you don't have the REx for reliable transport both directions without a recharge. Also, keep in mind that to get the charge in the 3 to 4-hours, it would need to be capable of producing the max the i3 can handle (32A, not all do that). But, if the car will sit there at least 5-hours, a smaller level 2 unit would work, too, especially since you're not fully depleting the battery on your outbound trip. Having it on the EVSE would let you get max range by preconditioning things before you leave, which is nice.

Given you can charge at work, either would work. If you can get by without carrying around the REx, it saves some money on both the purchase, but the maintenance and the ongoing electrical efficiency. If not, you'd have lots of margin with the REx, and on milder days, not need to recharge and may not need to run the REx, either - depends on how you drive and the topography between where you live and where you work.

[Vintage]

It will definitely work if you have a Level 2 chager available at work but the regular charger is questionable. 4-5 hours of charge on that may only yield another 20 miles of range. My little BEV i3 is getting about 70-85 miles per day depending. Sustained speeds over 55 mph do seem to drain the battery more quickly as stop and go with slower speeds will likely yield 85 miles+ in range, highway only would likely give you 65-70 ish if 60+ the whole way . . . guessing based on 4 days of ownership and driving. That being said, we are in love with the little car - Astro.

To be safe you would need the REX i3.

[mindmachine]

Originally Posted by MC 357

Hi everyone. I am interested in getting an i3 soon but before I do i want to ask a few owners a question.

I drive about 40-45 miles each way to work. So about 80-90 miles a day (all highway). While at work I can charge up too (5 to 6 hours). Would I be ok with a regular i3, and will I run into any range issues? I know this must be asked all the time, just want to hear from people who actually have this car!

I would bet it would work for you in So Cal with only the 120 volt charger even that came with the car. 5 hours on charge should give you another 24 to 31 miles range so if you have 80 miles in the morning and you use 45 that leaves 35 and you add 24 at work and you have 59 miles to get home. even with a lower temperature and reduced range in so cal I would think you should be ok.

[Rapcat]

A Rex would be safer. But if you have a level 2, a BEV would definitely work.

[bozola]

In my opinion, your distance is too close for comfort and range anxiety might be too much to handle on a daily basis. In addition, you have to monitor it every day for the rest of your commuting life. I couldn't do it. Maybe someone else could. Rex.

[jadnashuanh]

If you can reliably charge at work, your range only needs to be safely some over your one-way distance. Now, if for some reason that unit was inop, you'd have to go search out another, and that could be a major pain, and that assumes there ARE some around you could use, not counting the inconvenience if it is not close.

[Vintage]

AGREED - Level 2 at work or REX or no i3.

[MC 357]

Thanks guys, i got a non rex model. Im getting a level 2 charger installed at work!