Would like to get an EV, but which one?

WilliamJones said:
I think I have narrowed my search down to two choices. It is based on range (>70), price (<$16k), mileage (<40k).
I would use the car to run errands and would not drive more than 50-60 miles each trip. For longer trips I have a new Rav4.

1) 2016 Nissan Leaf SL, about $14k, range = 107 miles
2) 2015 BMW i3 Rex, about $15k, range = 70 miles

I like the idea of the range extender, but that also adds maintenance costs for the ICE. I probably would rarely, if ever, need it. Just nice insurance.
I think I read somewhere that the Leaf had issues with the battery getting hot. I live in Central FL, so is always hot and I would probably never use a heater.
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If you go with the 2016 Leaf be absolutely certain to check the cells with Leafspy, mine developed a 250 mv differential on one cell pair.;)
 
Seems like I can't make my mind up, but what sounds good now is an i3 with range extender. If I understand correctly, the small motor charges the batteries and you can drive with the REX running, but only lasts about 100 miles or until the 2 gallon tank is empty. Here is one that looks fairly good.
Link
BlueKona - Have you heard of this dealer, HGreg? They are close to the airport.
 
WilliamJones said:
Seems like I can't make my mind up, but what sounds good now is an i3 with range extender. If I understand correctly, the small motor charges the batteries and you can drive with the REX running, but only lasts about 100 miles or until the 2 gallon tank is empty. Here is one that looks fairly good.
Link
BlueKona - Have you heard of this dealer, HGreg? They are close to the airport.
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Read the small print with that company.. They automatically add $999 to the price and then in addition they charge their dealer fee.. So, you always have to add $1000 to get the real price from that company. That car is a 2016 with the smaller 22kwh battery.. A 1 year newer one has a 50% bigger battery. The 2016 REX gets 150 mile range while the 2017 can get over 200 miles.
The range extender is a little motorcycle engine that acts as a charger to feed the battery. You can turn it anytime below 70% charge level to extend the battery range. With a full tank of 2 gallons or so, you'll add 70 miles or range to the battery.. It's an onboard generator.. The gasoline ending does NOT power the car at any time. It just charges the battery.
I have bought 2 cars already from offleaseonly.. I ended up paying cash for the i3 as they wouldn't accept the financing process of my credit union and I didn't want their financing as they try to talk you into extended warranty crap. So, I paid cash and when I get the title, I'll get the loan from my bank. I need my cash for other things.. I get 2.74 percent from my credit union.. I can make more than 2.74% investing the money instead..
 
WilliamJones said:
Seems like I can't make my mind up, but what sounds good now is an i3 with range extender. If I understand correctly, the small motor charges the batteries and you can drive with the REX running, but only lasts about 100 miles or until the 2 gallon tank is empty.
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Let me suggest joining: https://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/index.php?sid=34b54e8908e8baab71987adfbe8cd1b0

They are friendly experts who can help you read out the VIN and elements on that particular car. I'm a little curious about the 41,000 miles as the tires pricy. I have the 2014 BMW i3-REx with 42,374 miles.

The two cylinder, 634 cc, liquid cooled, modified motorcycle engine and 1.9-2.3 gal tank (tunable) means you cross country in a comfortable, weather proof, 70 mph, 39 MPG motorcycle trip. Each segment on the Interstate will be about 1 hr 15 min between fuel stops. Filling the tank takes less than a minute and then move the car to a parking spot for a biology break.

BTW, I got a lot of hits on eBay for BMW i3 range extender and it looks like for a little more you might get fewer miles on the odometer.

Bob Wilson
 
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