Electric mileage only 17 miles

[Catherine]

Hi. We have just bought a 2018 7 series 745Le. When we charge the electric battery it is only showing 17 miles sometimes only 16 miles. We thought we would be getting 32 miles. Does anyone know anything about this. Thanks ☺️

[Greydog]

Morning Catherine

Welcome to the Forum

From what I have read just about all the "Plug in Hybrids" not just BMW to achieve the "Quoted" mileage on battery only conditions have to be perfect and all accessories turned off. So Radio, Climate Control, Heater, Lights no phone charger plugged in. Then drive really slowly below the threshold where the engine kicks in. Even then you may not get the "Quoted" distance's like published MPG and CO2 emissions these are often achieved in laboratory not on the road so the conditions can be optimised.

I have neighbours who have had Lexus Hybrids for years (His n Her's) then he went all electric with a Tesla. In the real world they both joke that the battery is to leave home without waking anyone up !! The Lexus will give 8 to 10 miles battery only so more for sitting in traffic than driving and the Tesla 280 miles Quoted and he has never achieved better than 180 real world he does love it though. They keep the Lexus for long distance's after a very fraught journey in the Tesla finding a couple of charging points not working!!

Like the early laptops and phones there is a way to go yet in their development. As an engineer the fact we haven't yet worked out what to do with the batteries at end of life is a concern, Tesla proudly proclaim that 60% will be re-purposed/recycled? what about the other 40%? For me batteries are not the answer to costly to the environment in manufacture and disposal. We need more investment in Fuel cell technology that will be the way forward.

Enjoy your Beemer

Dave