Before going into the complexities of electric vehicles, potential buyers often focus on superficial factors like price, seating capacity, and body style. However, transitioning to electric cars reveals a hidden world of battery chemistries, charging systems, weight, range, durability, and thermal runaway risks.
Recently, Autopian highlighted another critical aspect: the thermal management system. David Tracy, a BMW i3 owner, discovered the “black death” while considering selling his older model.
This term refers to a severe issue where a failed AC compressor can damage the battery pack in certain BMW electric vehicles. The root cause lies in BMW’s cost-saving measures regarding the thermal management system.
BMW’s decision to use a direct battery pack cooling system, where AC refrigerant circulates through the battery cells, initially appeared as a cost-effective solution. However, in practice, this approach proved disastrous, leading to high repair bills and even the sale of affected vehicles for scrap. While this issue primarily affected the i3, i8, and 330e models, BMW confirmed that it also extends to other plug in hybrid vehicles like the 550e, 750e, and Mini PHEVs.
Despite acknowledging the potential risks, BMW claims that their battery software constantly monitors the system and adjusts charging and discharging power accordingly to prevent damage. However, this mitigation strategy raises questions about the system’s reliability and the potential for long-term battery degradation.
Furthermore, the high repair costs associated with this issue have placed a significant financial burden on affected vehicle owners. Many have been forced to sell their cars at a loss, while others have incurred substantial repair expenses. The incident highlights the importance of careful consideration and rigorous testing before implementing new technologies in complex systems like electric vehicles.
The electric vehicle (EV) market, while rapidly growing, is still in its early stages. As such, it’s not surprising that issues arise, particularly when it comes to complex components like battery packs and cooling systems. BMW, a prominent player in the EV space, has recently faced challenges related to refrigerant contamination in certain models.
Despite assurances from the German automaker that the battery pack itself is often unaffected, repairs can be costly due to damaged cooling circuits. This has led to confusion and frustration among customers, who are left with hefty estimates for a problem that seems to lie outside the scope of the battery pack warranty.
Electric vehicles, while offering many customization options, present a unique challenge for consumers due to their relative novelty. Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, which have been refined over decades, BEVs are still evolving, and their long-term reliability and performance remain to be fully tested. This lack of historical data can lead to unexpected issues, even for those who prioritize safety and warranty coverage.
A prime example is the recent AC compressor failures experienced by BMW BEV owners. Despite the company’s reputation for quality, the complexity of BEV systems and the potential interactions between components can result in unforeseen problems.
This incident highlights the importance of thorough research and understanding the specific characteristics of a BEV before making a purchase. Factors such as battery chemistry, charging capabilities, recall history, depreciation rates, and thermal management system design can significantly impact the ownership experience and long term costs.
