Saturday, November 8, 2014

3000 miles later......life with a BMW I3

I recently passed 3000 miles in my BMW I3.

In that time I've burned millions of electrons....but just 3 gallons of gas. Tonight I burned maybe 1/10th of a gallon on the way home....and felt guilty about it.

We had a 80 mile round trip. The cost to drive 80 miles is about $1.80 on electricity. The range extender holds 1.9 gallons. That fuel will last about 65 miles. The fuel was pumped about a month ago at $3.20 a gallon. Those are high priced miles as it's more than 4X the cost to go the same distance on gas versus electricity!

I had hoped to make it home on electricity alone, but at 6% battery charge the gas generator kicks on. It was a double edged sword. Burning gas meant we could get home, but the noise (only noticeable as it's normally not present) was different than the normal quiet serene cabin.

More than 3000 miles later I have no regrets. I love driving on electricity versus gas. The quiet operation...the smooth power delivery...the instant torque...is addicting. The cheap operation helps a lot as well. I like driving almost too much as over the last 3 years I've averaged 6500 miles a year. I've driven 3000 in 3 months! I'm sure it will even out.

For those whom have never driven an electric car I will quote Ferris Bueller, "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."