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.
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Positives – List 3 or more reasons why you love this electric car
- 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 – List 3 or more things that you really don’t like about this electric car
- 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.
Surprise us! 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 – outline both positive & negative elements
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 – outline both positive & negative elements
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 – outline both positive & negative elements
I just go for the cheapest quote…!
Please itemise (in detail) where you’re saving money owning & running an electric car
Not a clue…! I drive an electric car because it’s better for the local environment air-quality.
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