What name would you like to appear in the review?
Janice O
What is the make and model of your EV?
BMW i3 94Ah REx
What year was your EV registered?
2018
How long have you owned your EV?
From new
What is your estimated annual mileage?
10,000 – 15,000
What is the mileage on your EV?
30,000 – 40,000 miles
How many EVs have you owned?
This is my 2nd
What is the average mileage range you achieve from your EV when fully charged?
115
Get our FREE ‘BMW i3 Guide’ e-mailed directly to your inbox
Why did you choose this car?
We had a smaller battery 60Ah REx model for 4 years and when it was time for the lease to end it was a no brainer to just get another one with a bigger battery, which has revolutionised life. We frequently do a 180 mile trip and in the old car we found ourselves choosing the ICE car on that occasion, as charging 3 times on one trip just seemed a bit beyond the pale.
Now we can take the i3 and just charge once or burn a bit of petrol to make the 180 mile journey. Almost all our other trips are less than 100 miles so we only need to charge at home. It’s a brilliant car to drive, smooth, comfortable and nippy.
Positives – List 3 or more reasons why you love this car.
- It’s innovative
- It’s stylish
- It’s electric.
Negatives – List 3 or more things that you really don’t like about this car.
- The rear doors are a victim of ‘fashion before form’. Luckily we don’t often take rear seat passengers.
- It’s a bit ‘wandery’ in high winds
- I don’t like the way my OH takes it and I have to use the ICE!
Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?
We had a crack in the windscreen, so that was changed. Nothing else has gone wrong with this car. The first i3 we had was recalled for the engine mounting bolt. Both of the cars have been totally reliable and fault free.
What are the standout tech features of the car?
It has voice activated sat nav which is useful. The display screen is easy to use and all the switchgear is in the obvious place. It’s electric. Just unplug, get in, switch on and go. So simple.
Surprise us! Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this car.
It has a USB socket in a hidden place as well as the sockets in the obvious places. There are courtesy lights in the footwells too. And a secret cubby under the boot floor.
Rate your EV out of 5.
What car are you interested in next and why?
Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor. We are retiring this year and plan longer trips; also after 7 years with i3s it’s time to try something else. I think we may actually buy another i3 as well, as the P2 might feel a bit big for local journeys. We shall see.
What home charging unit do you use? Would you recommend it to others and why?
We have a 7 year old basic Rolec which has needed one call out only. I know these have a poor reputation but ours has been fine (touch wood!). We will get something which integrates with our solar array next time, if and when it gives up.
Rate your home charging unit out of 5.
What home electricity supplier & tariff do you use? Would you recommend it to others and why?
Was with Bristol Energy but they have just gone bust so been sent to British Gas. We have (and always have had, even prior to EV coming along) Economy 7 tariff as we do lots of things (washing, dishwasher etc.) overnight as well as charge the car.
Rate your electricity supplier out of 5.
What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?
Instavolt – they work.
List your top 3 favourite public charging networks (in order of preference).
- Instavolt
- Polar/bp
- Shell Recharge.
Who do you insure your EV with? Would you recommend them to others and why?
We have a multi-car policy with A Plan. They are most helpful.
Rate your insurance provider out of 5.
Estimate how much money you save per month owning and running an EV compared to a petrol/diesel car.
£300.
See other owner reviews here
