I was recently reading the full BMW i3 press release and came across this interesting note:
"Range extender increases the driving range. As the MINI E field trial demonstrated, over 90 per cent of the mobility requirements of the MINI E field trial participants could be met with the range of the MINI E. However, some customers want a longer driving range, or want their vehicle to be as flexible as possible. The BMW i3 Concept therefore offers an optional range extender, the REx, which allows the driving range to be increased. REx, a small, very smooth-running and quiet petrol engine, drives a generator which maintains the battery charge level to ensure that the vehicle can continue to run on electric power."
Whats a petrol engine consist of? Would the BMW i3 be still be considered an all electric car with the range extender added?
"Range extender increases the driving range. As the MINI E field trial demonstrated, over 90 per cent of the mobility requirements of the MINI E field trial participants could be met with the range of the MINI E. However, some customers want a longer driving range, or want their vehicle to be as flexible as possible. The BMW i3 Concept therefore offers an optional range extender, the REx, which allows the driving range to be increased. REx, a small, very smooth-running and quiet petrol engine, drives a generator which maintains the battery charge level to ensure that the vehicle can continue to run on electric power."
Whats a petrol engine consist of? Would the BMW i3 be still be considered an all electric car with the range extender added?