RegGuheert
Well-known member
Thanks for the links. It is clear that the i3 project leader Andreas Feist differentiates the i3 from "a classic plug in hybrid" (Google translation) and intends the REx option only to address range anxiety or exceptional days. But I don't think he can really control the behavior of customers or over-zealous car salesmen who will almost certainly apply the vehicle to the problem currently owned by the Chevy Volt and the Tesla Model S: electric commuting beyond the range of the LEAF. The Volt handles this situation with aplomb and protects the battery by entering charge sustaining mode at around 20% SOC. Granted, the i3 can likely go over 50% farther than the Volt before the engine starts so daily use of the REx will be much more rare in the i3, but some will certainly use it in this manner. So the question I have is how much worse will repeatedly going to ~5% SOC in the i3 be versus going to ~20% SOC in the Volt in terms of battery life? I have to believe there is a real difference, otherwise GM would allow much lower SOC discharges in the Volt, as well.surfingslovak said:According to an interview with Andreas Feist, head of i3 vehicle development, and this test drive report, the US version will not allow the REx to engage before the SOC reaches 6.5%. Once the SOC has declined to 3%, a critically low level, the REx will recharge the battery. Otherwise, it won't. This will give the US version about a 0.65 kWh buffer to supplement the REx. While that's plenty for accelerations, it's not enough to traverse more than 500 feet of altitude difference.
Does anyone know the reason for the difference in the US? There was some mention of California in one of the links, but the translation was not clear to me. I will point out that the Volt has "Hold" mode, so I can't really imagine it is a regulatory issue.surfingslovak said:This, of course, won't be the case in Europe, where the REx can be switched on at or below 75% SOC according to the most recent reports. That should allow the i3 to go on a cross-country trip, if one is willing to refuel frequently. The US version will be much more limited, courtesy of the low reserve SOC.