Orange, CA to Palm Springs

[easports82]

My family is new to So. Cal. and we have a weekend trip to Palm Springs this weekend. Have an option between the REx or 428. If I take the REx, I'm going to need a stop on the way back (not sure if the hotel we're staying at will allow for charging), but, since I don't have the DC Fast, it'd need to be a decent stop to get a worthwhile charge. According to Google, I'd be doing the majority along I-10. Wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a good rest-stop along the route.

 

[peteinlongbeach]

I am also going from Long Beach to PS this weekend. I'm planning to stop at the quick charger at BMW headquarters in Ontario, or Inland Center in San Bernardino. Plugshare shows both locations have level-2 chargers, Chargepoint network in Ontario, and evgo/chargenow network in SB. Also, there are free level-2 chargers at the downtown parking structure in PS (Baristo & Indian Canyon).

 

[WoodlandHills]

If you enable full REx control via dvdinmotion you would only need to stop for gas along the way. I did much of that route a week or so ago in my REx and IIRC I only lost a couple of %SOC on the climb up to Cabezon and I gained it all back on the way down into PS. The same going home: the climb up the long grade dropped a few % until I slowed to 56 in EcoPro at which point it could hold charge. Once I reached the summit it took a few miles to recover all the SOC that I had lost. I did NOT need to turn off the a/c either.
It would be nerve racking to do this with only 6% SOC, but it is very doable: conservation and recovery of SOC is not very hard and is easy to learn, it just takes practice. Having the ability to start from 75% instead of 6% makes a huge difference in your peace of mind and is well worth the $150 IMHO. If it permitted you to take your i3 instead of your 428 on more trips it could pay for itself over time...

 

[MFNATIK]

I know this is after your trip but I use the DC fast charger at the BMW Training facility in Ontario all the time. Its just awesome to get an 80% charge in 30 mins. I usually stay for 40 mins and get about 90%. Its also a very well lit and clean facility. During the day its also well shaded.