Tested: BMW's i3 is an eye-opener

ROAD TEST

BMW i3 eDrive REx

Johannesburg - Though it may be difficult for many motoring purists (including myself) to stomach, electric cars are upon us. I mean really upon us. As in, for sale at actual dealerships for customers to buy, drive home, plug in, and use on a daily basis.

Following on from Nissan’s battery-powered Leaf, which has kept a rather inconspicuous profile on South African roads since its launch in 2013, comes this: the very conspicuous BMW i3. Similar in principle, vastly different in execution. Both, however, along with any future electric cars, have the same mountain to climb in our market, and that is to convince the public of real-world viability.

The reason these cars exist is because giants like BMW have a huge environmental burden on their shoulders. Burning fuel creates greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. I can’t speak for European and American markets where electric vehicles (EVs) have been well accepted, but here in SA it’s less about what can my car do for the Earth, and more about what can my car do for me.

I mean no disrespect to the handful of eco-conscious folks out there who care for the wellbeing of penguins and base their purchasing decisions around this, but most will want to know how much an EV like the i3 will cost to run compared to a normal petrol or diesel powered car... and now we have some numbers.

SO HOW CHEAP TO RUN?

Firstly, the i3 comes in two flavours. One is fully electric, and the other comes with a tiny petrol-powered generator, or range extender (REX) in BMW-speak, which will keep the hatch moving after batteries have run flat. On test here is the REX.

Depending on where you live and how much you pay for electricity, the i3 in either spec will cost around R20 to fully charge from flat, and this will give a range of about 110km. Maybe a little more if you drive very slowly.

The range extender model here, comes with a nine-litre petrol tank to fuel the 650cc, 2-cylinder generator at the back, and will increase range by a further 120km if driven responsibly. Unlike hybrid cars like Toyota’s Prius, this engine is in no way connected to the wheels.

It only provides electricity to the 125kW/250Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels.

Although it almost doubles the distance an i3 can cover from a full charge, it’s best to think of it as emergency bail-out system.

Yes, at R602 500 (R532 500 without REX) the i3 is expensive. But remember, you’ll be saving huge at the pumps. In monetary value the i3 equates to around 1.5 litres per 100km, and that’s if you charge it at home. If you charge on someone else’s tab (like work) or at specific BMW quick-charge stations at certain dealerships, your travels will cost nothing. BMW and Nissan SA have also recently agreed to work together setting up inter-brand compatible quick-charge stations at shopping centres and busy streets nationwide.

COULD YOU BE CONVERTED?

Using a normal wall socket, a full top-up will take a minimum of ten hours (maybe a little longer), while a quick-charge station will take around 30 minutes.

For an extra R25 000, BMW will install an iWallbox quick-charging system in your home.

I understand the sceptics out there, but I also believe that most can be converted, or at least enlightened, with a single test drive. The i3 is surprisingly fun to drive. It’s remarkably nimble, the steering is effortless, and it’s also impressively quick.

We attached our Vbox testing equipment and recorded a best 0-100km/h sprint of 7.9 seconds and the quarter-mile in 16.1 – putting the i3 in the realm of Renault Clio RS and Toyota 86 in terms of acceleration. And, from 0-60km/h, it’s actually much quicker than those cars.

From a stop the initial burst of power is massive, as all 250Nm of torque is available instantly.

Also, because there are no gear upchanges, acceleration happens in one fluid motion, with no hesitations all the way to its 150km/h max speed.

It’s very much like driving a normal car, albeit a very quiet one. There is, however, a very unusual slowing sensation when the throttle is lifted, as the i3 doesn’t coast like normal cars. This is because it uses momentum and inertia as a charging source, and if you lift off the throttle it decelerates enough to trigger brake lights. Holding a constant speed requires a steady right foot.

The i3 is cleverly packaged with an all carbonfibre monocell chassis, and uniquely-styled (by BMW standards anyway) carbonfibre-reinforced plastic body panels.

Access to the front seats is via normal doors, but entry to the back is through a set of suicide (backward-hinged) rear doors.

From the outside, it might seem like cabin space is limited, but there’s a surprising amount of legroom for all four passengers. The boot, though, is very small because the electric motor and generator are under its floor.

VERDICT

No, you cannot use the i3 for long trips. It’s strictly an urban commuter. But what it lacks in range it makes up for in efficiency, and if used correctly can eliminate petrol station visits completely.

I drove an i3 REX for just one week, but the feeling of knowing my credit card was safe from swipage at the pumps was absolutely priceless.

Not to mention the warm and fuzzy feeling of penguins’ wellbeing.

Follow me on Twitter @PoorBoyLtd

FACTS

BMW i3 eDrive REx

Engine: Electric + 650cc range extender

Power: 125kW

Torque: 250Nm

0-100km/h (tested, Gauteng): 7.9 seconds

Top speed (claimed): 150km/h

Price: R602 500

Warranty (car): 2-year/unlimited km