YashuV said:
I can tell you as a 3 year volt owner that is buying this car, that I would not purchase it without the REX. For starters, I'll assume the best case scenario, the i3 gets 100 miles of EV. Ok, that distance will of course be effected by 3 things. Speed, topography and temperature. I've seen my Volt get under 20 miles of EV when its very cold (IE Heat on high) and your driving faster than 55. So that 100 miles may be closer to 50 ( or even less if we assume its 80 regular miles)... Now, I'm well aware that 80% of Americans drive less then 40 per day, but without a range extender, you may have some serious stress about wether you're going to make it or not. I've done many trips were I've done 99% of the trip in EV, but needed the gas engine to get me the last few miles. Remember, a range extender is easy to refill and get back on the road. Even if you had to drive every 86 miles and stop. But when the batter is done, you are dead in the water, with hours to wait to recharge with a level II charger and half a day if its a regular outlet. Other things to think about. What about traffic? a detour? You get lost? An emergency? or you just plain old forget to charge the car?? NOW PLEASE, no panicking, I'm not trying to scare anyone. I will never buy a gas car again and I think BMW has something here, but unless you never leave manhattan, I'd be a little nervous without a back up.
