Quote:
Originally Posted by weederr33
Why the hell would Mazda stick a rotary motor in a Crossover?
|
A range extender is used to power the battery for more range on an EV. The idea is the car can run on the electric motor and battery alone for most daily activities, but the small engine can recharge the battery when necessary for longer trips or provide some reduction of range anxiety. This is much different than a hybrid where the electric motor and ICE are both connected to the axles, and where the ICE needs to be larger to propel the car as a primary mover, and where the electric motor and battery are smaller because they are used in low load situations to increase fuel economy.
A small rotary engine could act as a more efficient, lighter, smoother and more compact range extender than a typical one or two piston “motorcycle” engine.
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...r-test-review/
The BMW i3 with the range extender uses a...
Quote:
|
We tested both i3s models, including the REx version—which means it had the additional range-extending 38-hp, 647-cc two-cylinder engine and dedicated generator tucked under the rear cargo floor—as well as the standard car powered solely by electrons. While both feature the same 33.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, foregoing the range-extending option saves 274 pounds at the curb.
|
Quote:
|
In REx form, opting for the i3s doesn't have any effect on this green machine's bragging rights. The EPA rates it with a driving range of 97 miles on the battery pack, plus another 83 miles with a fill of what amounts to a 2.3-gallon jerry can. The two-cylinder engine fires up and drinks from that meager supply only when the battery is nearly depleted. There's no mechanical connection between the engine and the drive wheels, so it only plays the role of an onboard generator. The i3s EV, in contrast, is rated at 107 miles of driving range and a combined 112 MPGe versus the standard i3 EV's 112-mile and 118-MPGe figures.
|