Taylor drives a BMW i3 94Ah REx 33kWh 2017.

This is Taylor’s second electric car, he’s owned the BMW i3 1-2 years and drives between 10,000-15,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 40,000-50,000 miles and he achieves 130 miles from a full charge.

Why did you choose the BMW i3?

When I was first looking at an EV back in 2020, it was between the BMW i3 and the 1st gen Nissan LEAF. I chose the LEAF then as my first EV simply on it being £4k cheaper…! This time around, I needed a car with a high passenger seat position for an aged relative but absolutely did not want a resource-wasteful SUV, so the i3 was back at the top of my list.

I love the brilliant, quirky design, the incredible use of quality materials and the fun of it being rear-wheel-drive. Finally, I specifically wanted the Range Extender model since the public charging network is still not comprehensive nor reliable enough, given the vast number of EVs now on the road.

Positives 

• Fantastically engineered, clever design inside & out
• brilliant drivetrain – the incredible battery management system means negligible degradation over time
• the rear-wheel-drive punch out of corners/junctions never gets old…!

Negatives

• I feel the ride is too firm personally for the pot-hole-strewn UK road network
• tingy specification – the sat nav doesn’t even show permitted speeds for the road you’re driving on and there’s no standard reversing camera
• the unique tyre sizing means replacements are expensive.

Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?

No faults so far (*keeping fingers crossed*).

What are the standout technological features of the car?

Without doubt, for me, the Range Extender unit is genius. Though I have only had to rely on it 3 times in the 12,000 miles I’ve driven this last year, I have absolutely no range/charger anxiety at all now, compared to when running the LEAF previously.

Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car

Whilst the boot looks tiny, it’s actually a really boxy, useful shape. I can even fit my Mum’s wheelchair in it. Plus, the frunk/froot space is extremely handy.

What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?

I’ll definitely go for something with a softer ride and more comfortable next time, when I no longer need the higher seating position, probably a used MG4 to keep the rear-wheel-drive fun…?

Home charging unit 

I now have a zappi (previously a Pod Point Solo) since I’ve recently had solar PV installed. It was a little complicated to get set up the way I wanted it but it now works great.

Electricity supplier & tariff

As with most EV owners, I’m on the excellent Octopus Go tariff. They do seem to be one of the only forward-thinking, inventive energy suppliers out there.

What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?

InstaVolt or Osprey would be my ‘go-to’ charging networks, not that I have to use public chargers too often, thankfully. They are often the most reliable networks and offer contactless payment too.

Insurer

I just go for the cheapest quote…!

Please itemise (in detail) where you’re saving money owning & running a BMW i3

Not a clue…! I drive an electric car because it’s better for the local environment air-quality.