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Featured is it true BMW "Plug In Hybrid" lacks "CRG" feature???

Discussion in 'EV (Electric Vehicle) Discussion' started by The Big Sleaze, Nov 17, 2021.

  1. The Big Sleaze

    The Big Sleaze Member

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    my doctor's wife gots one and I was mentioning my Prime's "CRG" setting to charge up battery while driving around with engine and he was clueless and asked him again 6weeks later and he said it don't seem to have and only Plug In for Batt.

    BMW youtubes seem to confirm. Then again ALL Toyota dealers where clueless and this seems to be an almost hidden feature (but its my fave).
     
    #1 The Big Sleaze, Nov 17, 2021
  2. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Since 2016, we've had a 2014 BMW i3-REx. The lack of commanded charging from the range extender was always a problem but there is a workaround.

    If you are on a hilly route, maximize regeneration on the downgrades or existing a divided highway and cycle the REx enable. This resets the threshold to a larger SOC, usually adding 2-4%. I call it 'pumping the battery.'

    Having a higher, battery SOC means driving around urban areas on EV instead of gas. It also increases the 'safety range' on EV should the gas run out.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #2 bwilson4web, Nov 18, 2021
  3. The Big Sleaze

    The Big Sleaze Member

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    that doesn't sound too good, Bob.

    I'm able to get at least 25% more battery charged up coming down from Sierras and without really trying or paying much attention over IIRC maybe 20 miles of mixed driving mostly downhill. The recovery on the Prime is good enough I'll intentionally run the batt down when I know I'm going to be heading down hill soon. I hope your BMW at least handles real nice.
     
    #3 The Big Sleaze, Nov 24, 2021
  4. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    There is a way of programming hold mode into an i3 Rex using bimmercode

    that way you can turn on or off the motor when you want
     
    #4 Rmay635703, Nov 24, 2021
    bwilson4web likes this.
  5. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    In general, charging from a car engine that is also propelling the car is less efficient than the electric generation supplying the outlet. This makes Charge mode like EV mode in a plain hybrid. Something that could be useful under limited circumstances, but easily becomes a wasteful gimmick.

    So the i3 Rex not having charge mode isn't a big deal. What is a big deal is the limitations BMW agreed to in order to get more ZEV credits. That meant the driver could go to hybrid mode to maintain battery charge for later use.
     
    #5 Trollbait, Nov 24, 2021
    Merkey and bwilson4web like this.
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