After months of testing, BMW is releasing an important software update for the i3 REx model. The new update will display the state of charge (SOC) percentage in the upper left corner of the dashboard, as well as in the board computer display in order for the customer to better manage the vehicle range.
The second improvement to the i3 REx is the unlocking of the charge port during the charging process. Currently, during vehicle charging with the doors locked, the charge port is also locked. However, now when charging commences, the charge port will be unlocked to allow for hospitality charging (charger sharing).
Third update improves the communication with the drier when the state of charge reaches 2 percent. With the new update, the “Low Battery. Power Reduction Possible” message will appear on the screen.
BMW dealers are being notified of the update this week and our own i3 REx will get updated on Friday, so expect a drive report shortly after.
[Source: ConsumerReports]
There is a software update available now for the BMW i3 that only DISPLAYS the SOC.
The REx “improvement’ described in this news
article is not working in beta testing and won’t be available until fall
2015 at the earliest. If you have to climb a hill with a depleted
battery using the REx you are in personal danger. Imagine 18-wheelers
blowing by you at 80 mph while you struggle along at 45 mph in a
lightweight car.
The feature to engage the REx earlier based on the route being traveled has not yet received CARB approval and was dropped from this update. It is expected to be released in late 2015. However, the update does provide a real-time readout of the battery’s remaining charge and will display a warning if the charge level is low enough that vehicle speed can be automatically reduced.
You’re right, we were misled by the Consumer Reports article. We rectified it.