Guess what Mad_Lad got this time?

n97 mini

unkel wrote: »

The REx is a 2 cylinder 650cc 33BHP small motor bike engine

Max it can do is 110km/h indicated, so the real speed is less than that (I don't know how much less) without the help of the electric motor, but a tiny bit of headwind and you will be overtaken by Nissans driving at LeafSpeed :pac:

Linky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmCOdHZF91Q

Max speed in EV mode is an indicated 154km/h. That's not great either. But I guess adequate for most owners.

Ampera has sort of the same issue, but to a lesser extent. The ICE is 90bhp so even with a flat battery 120km/h on the motorway is doable. But going up extended inclines where battery assistance is needed, and will eventually run out, will result in a "Decreased propulsion power" message. Not gonna happen here, but a possibility in the US.

Really wish the 2nd generation was sold here. 80km battery only range, 7.2kw charging, 5 seats in a conventional layout and a slightly bigger ICE. Oh and it's quicker to 60 mph than the i3 Rex in the dry (still FWD). Such a shame GM mothballed the plant.

unkel

n97 mini wrote: »

Ampera has sort of the same issue, but to a lesser extent. The ICE is 90bhp

90BHP is at least something. You might say just about adequate. Not unsafe.

33BHP on the other hand is nothing. I'd even call it dangerous if you are driving at top speed (about 105km/h) and there literally is zero acceleration possible

I remember driving a '79 45BHP Renault R5 in the 80s (that's the lowest powered car I have ever driven), which was about half the weight of the i3. And it was slow. But at least back then many cars were slow

Now I am the first to admit I would prefer to drive a 33BHP car at low speeds, rather than having to wait for a flat bed with an EV with an empty battery (or wait for hours at a fast charger), but still, the REx on its own is really only an emergency system (unless you apply it while it still works in conjunction with the electro motor)

ELM327

unkel wrote: »

I wasn't aware you could do that. Sounds like a good plan if you know you're not gonna make it on battery power

So, you can switch the REx on at any time?

Once you don't have the US one.
That was what caused the issues, in the US you cannot switch on the Rex, here you can below 75% SOC.

punisher5112

I've moved so have a commute of around 84km each way, realistic I'm looking at next 2 years hopefully have some money together and get a loan.

Realistically what sort of money am I looking at and which i3 would suit best?

Buying new wouldn't be an option unfortunately.

ELM327

I think with that commute you'd need the 94ah rex, mininum.
If you're not limiting yourself to i3, the leaf 40, Ioniq, Kona are all good options.

punisher5112

ELM327 wrote: »

I think with that commute you'd need the 94ah rex, mininum.
If you're not limiting yourself to i3, the leaf 40, Ioniq, Kona are all good options.

I would home charge and not looking at using network and work isn't an option as nothing supplied.

ELM327

punisher5112 wrote: »

I would home charge and not looking at using network and work isn't an option as nothing supplied.

Then I would try and get the largest range possible or a 94ah rex i3, should have enough range even in winter, but if it doesn't you have the fallback of the rex

Soarer

Just kinda wondering out loud again.

If you were to buy a REx, the need for the DC prep would pretty much disappear wouldn't it? I mean, why would you sit for half an hour charging when you could throw a fiver of petrol in and rock on?

Or is that overly simplistic?

Mickeroo

Soarer wrote: »

If you were to buy a REx, the need for the DC prep would pretty much disappear wouldn't it? I mean, why would you sit for half an hour charging when you could throw a fiver of petrol in and rock on?

I'm pretty sure Mad Lad has made that exact point in every post he's made since he's got one, so I think you're spot on there.

Soarer

Mickeroo wrote: »

I'm pretty sure Mad Lad has made that exact point in every post he's made since he's got one, so I think you're spot on there.

So what you're saying is Mad_Lad is overly simplistic? :P

ELM327

Soarer wrote: »

Just kinda wondering out loud again.

If you were to buy a REx, the need for the DC prep would pretty much disappear wouldn't it? I mean, why would you sit for half an hour charging when you could throw a fiver of petrol in and rock on?

Or is that overly simplistic?

That's fine if you need a fiver to get home,but on longer trips you'd need multiple stops due to the tiny tank and shocking mpg

ewj1978

DrPhilG wrote: »

As kceire says, I have no issues with the app. There is an older version that people reckon is more reliable but I've got both and they both work fine.

Great price on the car. What spec do you have inside?

The app either won't connect and if it does it shows me no information.
I'm just logging into the connected web page, which shows me everything.

Spec wise is a bit of a Mish mash.
Park assist and the nice alloys but small nav screen. The basic interior option too.
But with only 13k/km on the clock I jumped on it.
Battery capacity is at 29.5 so has barely been driven.

I'll join the UK i3 Facebook page later.

Yes on longer trips you might have to stop for an 8 second re-fill compared to a potential 2 hrs wait and more at a DC charger ? lol not so bad eah ?

170 odd Kms + or - then 100-130 Km range on Rex , not a bad deal to save time on charging if you ask me especially if you don't need to use the Rex every day and even if you did the time saved is well worth it.

I charge when I want, when convenient.

Rex also eliminates cold battery performance issues when charging so it has many advantages that I do not want to give up just yet, until the time is right, when there are a lot more chargers, multiple chargers on site + more range. More range alone is not enough to tempt me "back" to BEV only with the current network issues.

Rex gives me lots of options I simply do not have with BEV.

The 3 phase AC charger also makes life easier and yes it might take 1 hrs less to 100% than single phase but to 90% is a whole different story. can get from 10-90% in 2 hrs 30 mins. Dead handy when you are away from home.

ELM327

I agree, I'm suggesting the rex, calm the horses there!
Just the merits of DC charging and getting the 94ah one.

unkel

Deleted User wrote: »

Yes on longer trips you might have to stop for an 8 second re-fill

Yeah. It holds 9 liters of petrol, realistic range maybe 90km, so you'd have to stop every 45 minutes. That's worse than a Leaf 24

ELM327

I wonder if anyone has hacked a way into having a bigger fuel tank.

I'd want at least 20 litres to make the rex worthwhile. But if I wanted to drive a petrol rwd bmw I'd have an m5 or i8, the i3 is supposed to be an EV ~100% of the time. That's where the cost savings are. If you're driving on petrol then what's the point!!

punisher5112

ELM327 wrote: »

I wonder if anyone has hacked a way into having a bigger fuel tank.

I'd want at least 20 litres to make the rex worthwhile. But if I wanted to drive a petrol rwd bmw I'd have an m5 or i8, the i3 is supposed to be an EV ~100% of the time. That's where the cost savings are. If you're driving on petrol then what's the point!!

Carry a Jerry can????

ELM327

punisher5112 wrote: »

Carry a Jerry can????

Then you have to stop and fill. I mean an actual tank swap

unkel

unkel wrote: »

Yeah. It holds 9 liters of petrol, realistic range maybe 90km, so you'd have to stop every 45 minutes. That's worse than a Leaf 24

Realistic range is 100-140 Kms.

punisher5112

ELM327 wrote: »

Then you have to stop and fill. I mean an actual tank swap

I know I was half joking but it would be a help.

unkel

Deleted User wrote: »

Realistic range is 100-140 Kms.

You are claiming it can do 140km on 8l of petrol (can't risk letting tank run down completely as the battery was already empty on that long distance trip) at 110km/h?

Lol People are actually complaining about pulling into a garage with many pumps and filing up in 8 seconds for 100-140 Kms range.....

This in the Pic below is something real to complain about , potential 90 min wait or more lol. 8 seconds or 90 mins ? you choose haha.

unkel

If you post that massive picture one more time, the boards.ie database is going to explode

unkel

unkel wrote: »

You are claiming it can do 140km on 8l of petrol (can't risk letting tank run down completely as the battery was already empty on that long distance trip) at 110km/h?

110 Km/h not so sure but far better than having to charge or queue before charging.

Mostly though I don't let the battery run out, this is the key here. If someone has to travel a long distance they're better to keep the petrol topped up and use battery only when they get to slower roads, in town/city or closer to their destination.

unkel

unkel wrote: »

If you post that massive picture one more time, the boards.ie database is going to explode

That's the plan. But I'm sure digiweb will ensure that doesn't happen. lol

unkel

Change the slogan in your pic to:

"I should have bought an EV with a bigger range"

I bet that's what you'll keep telling us all as soon as you bought your next car

unkel

unkel wrote: »

Change the slogan in your pic to:

"I should have bought an EV with a bigger range"

I bet that's what you'll keep telling us all as soon as you bought your next car

No, same issues arise, will still need to be charged when away from home with a sh1t network and there's nothing available yet that floats my boat.

Not saying I wouldn't like more ev range, of course I would but there's nothing there yet for me and the network just isn't good enough not even close.

unkel

Deleted User wrote: »

Not saying I wouldn't like more ev range, of course I would but there's nothing there yet for me and the network just isn't good enough not even close.

The only reason you own a REx is that you couldn't afford a BEV with a better range (I guess at the time that would have been a Tesla). No shame in that, but it would be awesome if you'd just admit it.

ewj1978

Fast charged yesterday at CCS in limerick. Went to check on the charge and the unit was giving 22kwh when the car was at 98%, is that normal?

Also 32 amp cable suppliers?

Gumbo

ewj1978 wrote: »

Fast charged yesterday at CCS in limerick. Went to check on the charge and the unit was giving 22kwh when the car was at 98%, is that normal?

Also 32 amp cable suppliers?

You shouldn't really be fast charging (CCS) up to 100%.
It drastically slows down towards the end of the battery fill.

Soarer

unkel wrote: »

The only reason you own a REx is that you couldn't afford a BEV with a better range (I guess at the time that would have been a Tesla). No shame in that, but it would be awesome if you'd just admit it.

That may well be the case, but you can get caught out even with a Tesla (overnight powercut, timer set incorrectly, etc.)
With the REx, you can never* get caught out.

* - Unless you allow yourself to run out of petrol as well as battery charge. In which case, you probably shouldn't be driving unaccompanied!

unkel

unkel wrote: »

The only reason you own a REx is that you couldn't afford a BEV with a better range (I guess at the time that would have been a Tesla). No shame in that, but it would be awesome if you'd just admit it.

Lol admit what that I can't afford a new Tesla of course I can't never said I could afford a Tesla at the time.

The Real reason I'm driving a Rex is because I loved it so much on the test drive and because the network is sh1t and because there was nothing else on the market at the time with more range and even now there is the Kona which is well within budget I wouldn't buy it because I don't like it.

punisher5112

I think the Kona is horrid looking.

It looks very cheap but expensive of course.

I would love to have the money to change.,.

ELM327

punisher5112 wrote: »

I think the Kona is horrid looking.

It looks very cheap but expensive of course.

I would love to have the money to change.,.

Kona is horribly priced, 20k car with 20k battery stuffed in
Paddy spec is crap too compared to UK versions.


Would not suggest anyone should spend 40k on any Hyundai/kia, it's too much and will depreciate like a stone when a proper version comes out or a faster charging version (look how long it takes even at "100kW")

It will be interesting to see what the Leaf 60 costs especially with the Model 3 on the way ( eventually ).

ELM327

In other markets it's rumoured to be slightly more expensive than the base model3
Hmm... tesco value battery leaf or base model 3 with supercharger support.
Wonder which is better

KCross

ELM327 wrote: »

Would not suggest anyone should spend 40k on any Hyundai/kia, it's too much and will depreciate like a stone when a proper version comes out or a faster charging version (look how long it takes even at "100kW")

I've come to the conclusion that the elusive cheap long range EV is a long way away and that the €38k for a Kona is in or around what we will be paying for quite some time for a car with that size battery/range.

I know Shef will be here any second now with the VW €25k car but thats a unicorn, imo.

Base Neo model here will likely be priced the same as the Leaf and Ioniq. Spec it up and add a 60kWh+ battery and I bet you will be in the same €38k ballpark.

The $35k Model 3 will also be in the same ball park. L62 will be ~€6k more than the L40 so again same ballpark.

What else is there?

And as the prices come down the incentives will disappear, keeping the price static for another few years.

TL;DR; As bad an all as the €38k price is, I dont think it will depreciate like a stone. We've heard it all before so many times.... old Leaf will depreciate like a stone when the new one comes out.... and it hasnt happened... the price goes up.

handpref

KCross wrote: »

I've come to the conclusion that the elusive cheap long range EV is a long way away and that the €38k for a Kona is in or around what we will be paying for quite some time for a car with that size battery/range.

I know Shef will be here any second now with the VW €25k car but thats a unicorn, imo.

Base Neo model here will likely be priced the same as the Leaf and Ioniq. Spec it up and add a 60kWh+ battery and I bet you will be in the same €38k ballpark.

The $35k Model 3 will also be in the same ball park. L62 will be ~€6k more than the L40 so again same ballpark.

What else is there?

And as the prices come down the incentives will disappear, keeping the price static for another few years.

TL;DR; As bad an all as the €38k price is, I dont think it will depreciate like a stone. We've heard it all before so many times.... old Leaf will depreciate like a stone when the new one comes out.... and it hasnt happened... the price goes up.

I think you are right, I will be changing up shortly but there are not many options. My elderly neighbor bought a Kona petrol, according to Hyundai Ireland they retail at €21245, I couldn’t justify buying the ‘same’ car, all be it an Ev for 38k, id rather have a nice wedge of cash or a smaller loan. Without the grants the same car is 48k...fuel savings won’t bridge those gaps.

JPA

Surely the Rex is just a glorified generator, therefore not driving the wheels, therefore not limiting the speed?

So talk of it being 33bhp is irrelevant no?

The question is can it generate energy faster the car consumes it? Seemingly it can.

n97 mini

JPA wrote: »

Surely the Rex is just a glorified generator, therefore not driving the wheels, therefore not limiting the speed?

So talk of it being 33bhp is irrelevant no?

The question is can it generate energy faster the car consumes it? Seemingly it can.

Energy in can't exceed energy out. The 33bhp works in conjunction with the battery reserve to output more than 33bhp. Eventually the battery reserve will run out.

DrPhilG

JPA wrote: »

The question is can it generate energy faster the car consumes it? Seemingly it can.

That depends how fast the car is consuming it.

Drive at 120 on the motorway in a headwind and rain and the REx will absolutely not maintain your SOC. It will slowly decrease.

Rex battery will slowly decrease yes but here's the thing, if you are in Rex mode at say 20 - 75% then it will drop and not charge up again but if the battery is at a low SOC it will charge up again, for instance when I was travelling at 120 Km/h for about 50-60 kms Rex at only 6% lowest I saw was 4% and this was wet and cold, once load decreased a bit battery charged back up to 7% etc and when going slower it will charge back to about 8% or slightly more.

Remember the 94 ah Rex is more powerful than in the 64 ah.

metricspaces

Deleted User wrote: »

170 odd Kms + or - then 100-130 Km range on Rex ,

Is that for the 94ah?

I test drove a brand new 94ah for three days and it was showing a 200km range (or maybe even a little higher). It seemed pretty accurate based on conservative driving style.

I was tempted, but not sure how these will hold up value in say 3 years time when 400+ km range become the norm.

Why would you buy a 200km range second hand car when you can buy a 400+km range second hand car? On top of that you are paying a premium for BMW badge, so the scope of depreciation is even greater.

It seems high risk at the moment. Two or three years ago, less high risk.

slave1

metricspaces wrote: »

I was tempted, but not sure how these will hold up value in say 13 years time when 400+ km range become the norm.

FYP, and I'm being serious

metricspaces

slave1 wrote: »

FYP, and I'm being serious

Won't other manufacturers be following Hyundai\KIA over next 3 years with 300+ and 400+ range?

metricspaces

ewj1978 wrote: »

I drove from Naas to Youghal yesterday with my new car and wanted to test it.
Thats 212km.
After 127km motorway @120kmph and 28km @~100kmph the rex kicked in at 6% and took me the remaining 57km home.

So that's about 160km range from battery?

How much would you squeeze out if you kept it to 100kph?

My longest drive would be about 250km. If the battery degraded even a little I'd not make it on one tank.

metricspaces

metricspaces wrote: »

So that's about 160km range from battery?

How much would you squeeze out if you kept it to 100kph?

My longest drive would be about 250km. If the battery degraded even a little I'd not make it on one tank.

It's not like you have to charge for 30 mins , fill it up before you run out lol.

metricspaces

Deleted User wrote: »

It's not like you have to charge for 30 mins , fill it up before you run out lol.

I agree. This is why I'm so tempted with the i3. I would be stopping half way anyhow, so it wouldn't be a problem in reality as I could have REX on early and top up the tank.

As others mentioned, nothing stopping me carrying a jerry can in the boot.

The only thing really stopping me is the concern about sell on value in three years time. I'd be going for a 94A (late 2016 or 2017) from main dealer.

I know everyone says "look at how older EV's are holding their value". But I think the 300+ and 400+ range cars will dramatically changes the market, it'll make <200km range cars extremely unattractive. This is based on nothing but a feeling, so I could be very wrong.

Soarer

metricspaces wrote: »

I agree. This is why I'm so tempted with the i3. I would be stopping half way anyhow, so it wouldn't be a problem in reality as I could have REX on early and top up the tank.

As others mentioned, nothing stopping me carrying a jerry can in the boot.

The only thing really stopping me is the concern about sell on value in three years time. I'd be going for a 94A (late 2016 or 2017) from main dealer.

I know everyone says "look at how older EV's are holding their value". But I think the 300+ and 400+ range cars will dramatically changes the market, it'll make <200km range cars extremely unattractive. This is based on nothing but a feeling, so I could be very wrong.

The REx will always hold its value well IMO.