Removable rear seats

[Bunter]

I won't need them in the car for 90 % of the time so removable rear seats would be an easy way to boost range by removing weight.

Bill

 

[MikeS]

I feel the same about many cars. With just the 2 of us we fairly need the rear seats so some sir tot cassette design so they could be lifted in or out would be perfect. It was the same when I looked at the 3 series cabriolet - if I could have remove the rear seats I would have bought one. Couldn’t, so I bought a Z4 instead!

 

[Lecram]

This would be very helpful....

 

[ChrisRayner]

This would be very helpful....

I'd be very careful with conductive tools anywhere near high voltage batteries. Years ago my dad was tinkering under the bonnet of his car and his gold watch shorted out the starter solenoid. He got a nasty burn on his wrist and the watch was not improved by the experience either. :shock:

 

[Lecram]

Ok, in addition:

 

[ChrisRayner]

Ok, in addition:

Well, that's certainly a step in the right direction, but I think you really need to find a rubber tool kit. There have been several incidents of concern. Further details here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_electric_vehicle_fire_incidents

 

[Bunter]

Well, that's certainly a step in the right direction, but I think you really need to find a rubber tool kit. There have been several incidents of concern. Further details here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_electric_vehicle_fire_incidents

None of the vehicle fires in that Wiki article have a root cause as someone carrying out unauthorised modifications to their vehicle. So I'm not sure what point you are making in connection with removing the rear seats.

Bill

 

[ChrisRayner]

Well, that's certainly a step in the right direction, but I think you really need to find a rubber tool kit. There have been several incidents of concern. Further details here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_electric_vehicle_fire_incidents

None of the vehicle fires in that Wiki article have a root cause as someone carrying out unauthorised modifications to their vehicle. So I'm not sure what point you are making in connection with removing the rear seats.

Bill

I also play with model aeroplanes, in which field there has been a recent mushrooming of electric power similar to that involved in the latest battery electric cars. It is reasonably common for one of these models to catch fire, usually on account of poor design or execution of the power train. While most amateur motor mechanics are reasonably familiar with tinkering with the long-standing components of an internal combustion powered car, they are not so well versed in the intricacies of high voltage direct current power, and the electronics required to translate the DC into the power for the motor(s).

I have no detailed knowledge of the layout of the i3 circuits and batteries, but I can see that it would be quite easy to drop a spanner, washer, nut or bolt into the innards of the car. If you get it out, fine, if you don't, or, worse, don't realise you've lost it, it could rattle around inside until, in strict adherence to Murphy's Law it finds itself shorting a circuit leading to attendant fireworks. As you say, none of the fires in the Wiki article were occasioned by amateur mechanics, however I contend that the interference of an amateur in a potentially combustible system is quite likely to enhance its combustibility.

Just, as they say, my 2p.