BMW i3 REx

[E1A]

Hi,
Firstly, apologies if this has been covered before but I did try and look without any joy;

I have to collect a family member from Heathrow airport soon and I live in west Wales where my home is 211 miles or 3.30hrs away from the airport. Would there be a problem in continuously using the range extender engine to 'maintain charge' for that length of journey? Obviously I would have to stop and fill up a few times, but that would be quicker than staying at a service station to use the charger, which I'd have to do more than once on the M4.

Or is it the case the small REx engine is only really intended for short periods of effectively emergancy charging?

Thanks in advance.

P.S.I own a 2016 REx and I'm thrilled to bits with it, what a great, fun car.

[anonymous-user]

I guess so, but i'd not want to spend 7 hours of my day driving! Tell em to get the train!

[JDiz]

Tell them your car won't make it and they need to pay for connecting flights to cardiff etc.

[Goatex]

I’ve used mine as you describe without issues albeit I recharge the battery after approx 130 miles. I reckon at motorway speeds the combined range of a 94ah Rex is 150 miles tops with the air con on and 15degC outside... may be stating the obvious but the battery charge still depletes a bit with the Rex on when on the motorway.

[anonymous-user]

Train to, at least, Bristol surely?

[covmutley]

That's what rex is for. Just don't forget to turn it on at 75% battery, as it won't quite keep up with discharge at motorway speeds.

I'm assuming you are going to have the odd toilet break. I find a 20 min stop at services for pee, coffee , check emails etc is enough to add 40 miles, so it is worth plugging in.

[E1A]

Thanks for the responses, helpful advice (not necessarily the train suggestions but amusing) especially just charge for 20mins (covmutley).

[CooperS]

Just to echo others, I've done the trip (Bristol to Heathrow). Remember there are a few free super fast chargers as you head back towards Bristol if you don't mind making a small detour.

I'm really disappointed that the new I3 won't come with the Rex as at even 165 mile range it wouldn't be up to doing this type of journey