2019 BMW i3 REx will have a larger tank?

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EVBob

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Apr 18, 2017
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From this article: https://www.autoblog.com/2018/09/28/bmw-i3-ev-range-increase-for-2019/


BMW is extending the i3's range for the 2019 model year to 153 miles through the use of a new battery cell. Range for the i3s is expected to be the same 153 miles, too. That represents an almost 35 percent increase in range over last year's EPA-rated 114 miles. BMW says the REX version with range-extender two-cylinder gasoline motor will also have its range extended by a similar amount but is not yet rated

Would this mean, they'll fit it with a 5 gallon fuel tank? If so, I wonder if it would be possible to retrofit pre 2019 models with it....
 
Maybe they are just unlocking it to 2.4g like most of us have already. Perhaps what they are saying is the Rex will have the same % range increase not the same total mile range as the battery.
 
bagekko said:
Maybe they are just unlocking it to 2.4g like most of us have already. Perhaps what they are saying is the Rex will have the same % range increase not the same total mile range as the battery.

It looks like on the 2017 and newer models (33ah), the REx tank is coded to be 2.3/4 gallons from the factory....

https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/bmwi/bmw-i3/bmw-i3-with-range-extender/specifications.html

FUEL TANK CAPACITY (gallons)
2.3
 
My 2017 i3 Rex was not, built mid year 2017 I think.

EVBob said:
bagekko said:
Maybe they are just unlocking it to 2.4g like most of us have already. Perhaps what they are saying is the Rex will have the same % range increase not the same total mile range as the battery.

It looks like on the 2017 and newer models (33ah), the REx tank is coded to be 2.3/4 gallons from the factory....

https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/bmwi/bmw-i3/bmw-i3-with-range-extender/specifications.html

FUEL TANK CAPACITY (gallons)
2.3
 
Although not specifically stated in the press release, the range increase for the larger battery is probably for the BEV. Hence the comment about the REx will also be similarly improved.
 
bagekko said:
My 2017 i3 Rex was not, built mid year 2017 I think.

Is yours a 33ah variant? - it looks like all the 33ah variants had 2.3 gallon tanks: http://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4979

From wikipedia, the Rex range extended in the 2017 model, by a whopping 5 miles, assuming the loss in range expected is because it is heavier (2017 35mpg vs 2014 39mpg): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_i3#Fuel_economy_and_range

Which I guess kinda works out --
2017 35mpg with a 83 mile range would equate to 2.37 gallons of gas
2014 39mpg with a 78 mile range would equate to 2 gallons of gas
 
I think what they mean is that both the BEV and the REx's range will be extended because both of them will get the new, larger battery...not that they will extend the REx's fuel tank to increase range. Time will tell. The statement can be read either way.
 
My guess is they won't want to change fuel tank parts and will leave it alone. However, BEVx would let them increase the size maybe 1 gallon to keep range just under EV range, but I highly doubt it.
 
2019 i3 Rex fuel tank is confirmed to still be 2.4g, although the spec says 2.3g, dk if its rounding lol

Battery is 42.2kw with only 37.9kw usable. So 8kw more than current, so thats 26.7% increase, 152 miles give or take on electric. Combined with Rex your 220-230 miles.
 
bagekko said:
Battery is 42.2kw with only 37.9kw usable. So 8kw more than current, so thats 26.7% increase, 152 miles give or take on electric.
The output power in kW remains unchanged for 2019. However, the usable energy stored in the battery pack in kWh has increased.
 
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