I don't spend my whole day online!
The REx, when activated, produces about 40g/mile. Not talking about the unassisted mileage and what being electric verses an ICE would take. So, for the REx itself, I think my numbers are correct, and then, consider that few people would be using the REx for the major portion of the miles they drive. Just being an EV does produce credits, and probably substantial ones, but nowhere near the thousands/car MORE on a REx verses a BEV. Stating that BMW caved to CARB for hundreds of millions $ in EXTRA credits for the i3 REx (verses the BEV) seems unfounded.
Could they have forgone those credits on the REx, certainly. Would they then need to raise the price of the car to produce the same profit margins, certainly. Would it affect sales, certainly, but maybe not enough to warrant the change. They had hoped CARB would see some reason, but their rules are hard and fast. THus, when they first announced availability of the car, they did not distinguish any differences in the REx implementation from the rest of the world...it was only after that had been resolved with CARB (before any USA sales), did they announce the capabilities as were delivered.
I still contend, and BMW's advertising seems to back me up, the intent of the car was primarily as a short-range, commuter car, not a cross-country vehicle or an ICE replacement. Given that, they included the REx option as a crutch for people that had range anxiety. If they'd wanted it to be an ICE replacement, they'd have put in a larger motor (quieter, more refined) and a bigger gas tank. Using it for other purposes can certainly be done, but to gripe about it not being designed for that, or hobbling the limited capability...it was delivered as specified. If you bought one before the final specs were out, tough. Every manufacturer says somewhere in the fine print that they specs are subject to change, and you really need to investigate what you're buying to verify it will meet your expectations.
) then replace with fresh treated gas, I just put in a ClipperCreek 240 volt 32amp ESVE and don't see me using the ReX range extender much.. Any thoughts?
