John Bridgett drives a BMW i3 94Ah 33kWh 2017 electric car.
This is John’s second electric car, he’s owned the BMW i3 for 3-4 years and drives 10,000-15,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 70,000-80,000 miles and he achieves 130 miles range from a full charge.
Why did you choose the BMW i3?
It’s interesting technology & it’s also green. The driving style was a complete revelation and running costs unbelievable. My average running cost is 1.1p per mile compared to a 60mpg diesel at 13.6p per mile. Performance is extraordinary and all done in silence.
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Positives – List 3 or more reasons why you love this electric car
- Composite Body – it wont age/rust
- good performance
- very economical 5 miles/kWh.
Negatives – List 3 or more things that you really don’t like about this electric car
- Radio is poor
- no spare wheel
- BMW App is unreliable.
Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?
No
What are the standout technological features of the car?
Although it’s a relatively old design, it was well ahead of its time when released and it can hold its own even today against its competitors. It’s very easy to drive with the one pedal driving. Power delivery is smooth, strong and reliable, it does get unsettled at times when overtaking for example when the drive wheels are on the white line, stability control keeps it all in check though.
Surprise us! Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car
Unusual for this size car, it has a storage area at the front under the bonnet and a bigger one at the back under the boot floor. A company markets a replacement hatch to make this extra area accessible.
What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?
Hyundai IONIQ 5 – range, size & performance.
Home charging unit – outline both positive & negative elements
myenergi zappi – excellent charging unit, one of the best, for sure. It integrates readily with solar PV and has all of the facilities and more that you could expect from a premium wallbox.
Positive:
- Robust
- well designed
- great software.
Negative:
- A bit odd looking
- bulky
- expensive.
Electricity supplier & tariff – outline both positive & negative elements
Octopus Go – Octopus is a green energy company and provides the cheapest tariffs for EV owners.
What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?
NONE – They’re all bad!
Insurer – outline both positive & negative elements
Direct Line – does exactly what it says on the tin: simple, competitive & efficient.
Itemise how much money you’re saving owning & running your BMW i3
£7,000
See other owner reviews here
