[Mamulos668]

Hi guys,

The X3 30e has some interested "hybrid performance numbers" (consumption, acceleration, etc) but I am wondering if these numbers are valid only when there's juice in the battery that powers the electric motor.

So, since 30e = 20i + an electric motor, what happens when the battery for the electric motor is empty (which, for some, can be most of the time)? Is then the 30e just a heavier 20i? Or there's some "magic" going on that keeps the whole plant (ICE + electric engine) running at those hybrid numbers.

[Gbm4th]

Good evening,

I have had my X30E for almost 3 months now with over 3000 miles. My round trip to work is 38 miles of mixed highway and city miles. I drive with the Comfort setting and anticipatory hybrid mode. I arrive at work with 2-4 electric miles remaining; less now that it is dark and cold when I drive in the morning. I get 4-5 hybrid electric miles back on the way home from coasting and regenerative braking. The trip computer says that I am averaging 72 mpg since September.

I did have a hundred plus mile trip. Exclusively highway driving at 60-70 mph gives you little chance to charge your battery in hybrid mode; so it becomes a heavier X3. I averaged about 30 mpg.

I love being in electric mode most of the time and how quiet it is. Now that gas is more expensive; I appreciate averaging over 70 mpg. If your commute is mixed city/highway driving and you can charge nightly it is a great car.

BMW just announced the XM hydrid model with a V8 and 30 mile electric range!

George

[fndrplayer13]

Originally Posted by Mamulos668

Hi guys,

The X3 30e has some interested "hybrid performance numbers" (consumption, acceleration, etc) but I am wondering if these numbers are valid only when there's juice in the battery that powers the electric motor.

So, since 30e = 20i + an electric motor, what happens when the battery for the electric motor is empty (which, for some, can be most of the time)? Is then the 30e just a heavier 20i? Or there's some "magic" going on that keeps the whole plant (ICE + electric engine) running at those hybrid numbers.

It just becomes a normal hybrid when the battery runs out. The electric motor still works and you still get additional power vs the 20i. However, your efficiency will drop.

[Dilbert2402]

I find that once you've used up the initial charge you still get some advantage from the battery as it starts to recharge during normal driving. If you accelerate quickly with a little charge the battery it will give you a boost until you reach 70 mph or you drain the battery again. Once the battery is spent then it just drives like a fully loaded 2.0i X3.

[veloso77]

Originally Posted by Dilbert2402

I find that once you've used up the initial charge you still get some advantage from the battery as it starts to recharge during normal driving. If you accelerate quickly with a little charge the battery it will give you a boost until you reach 70 mph or you drain the battery again. Once the battery is spent then it just drives like a fully loaded 2.0i X3.

Exactly. Have mine for 10.000 km now and used it in urban areas and for long trips (+500km). The car always manages to have some juice in the battery so we can have access to full power. In that sense 30e > 30i > 20i. So you never feel it heavy.

Regarding consumption, it depends on your use. Daily commute for me is 56km round trip. On average I get 41km on pure eletric and 15km on hybrid. Average consumption is around 30-35 km per liter. I charge it daily overnight.

On long trips the car always manage to regenerate some battery juice (brakes + ICE). Going around 110/120 km/h on comfort I usually get 12km per liter, which is pretty good considering it is a 2.2 ton SUV.

Hope it helps.

[spangle1980]

It;s funny - when I read that title I thought you were intimating the fact that the car would be lighter when all those ikkle itty bitty electrons were spent :-)

Almost as dumb-ass as me a few years back asking if deflated tyres weighed less :-|