Nashville benchmark

In 2016, I ran a BMW i3-REx benchmark from Huntsville-to-Nashville in EV. I returned on gas:

• 2016 vs 2023
• EV: $24 vs $13
• Gas: $6 vs $8

NOTES:

The first benchmark was with a 2014 BMW i3-REx with 60 Ah (18 kWh) battery. The second was a 2017 BMW i3-REx with 90 Ah (28 kWh) battery. The 2014 had Bridgestone front and back inflated to maximum sidewall, 51 psi. The 2017 had Hancock on the front and Bridgestone on the rear inflated to maximum Hancock, 47 psi.

In 2016, the only available CCS-1, fast DC, an Electrify America station added 25 miles in Manchester TN. In 2023 test, there was an Electrify America station 2 miles added at Franklin TN. The Franklin Electrify America station required moving the car to a second charging lane because of a broken card reader. The second one was in degraded mode which to add 4 kWh 'for free' at a slow, 25 kW. At the destination, I charged at the same EVgo station from both benchmarks but the 2017 had a peak rate of 38 kW versus the 2014 48 kW.

Premium gas (recommended for BMW) was bought at the same Costco in both benchmarks. On the return, the high 91 F temperatures required operating the air conditioner. I also took a short biology break leaving the A/C on for the dogs.

IMPESSIONS:

• More Electrify America stations and CCS-1 stations makes EV travel possible.
• BMW, max 38 kW charge rate makes long distance EV travel impractical.
  • Coded to allow REx at 75% permits practical cross country on gas.
• The 2017 BMW is a practical, backup for our 2019 Tesla Model 3
  • At $15,000 more affordable and usable than other EVs
  • REx sidesteps the CCS-1 mess
  • Low 38 kW charge rate negates a Supercharger adapter

Bob Wilson