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ReachNow – BMW car sharing service in Seattle

bmwcarsharing.com

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Re: ReachNow – BMW car sharing service in Seattle

#31

Post by rconti »

mikestew wrote: post #10
patryn20 wrote: post #4

Actually saw one of their BMW i3s driving on Bellevue yesterday. Was impressed at how quickly it accelerated. Doubt the battery life lasted long driving like that though.

100% torque at zero RPM means even a Leaf is zippy from 0-20mph. After that it transforms back to an underpowered compact car. I3 had more horsepower and torque, so I imagine that it's even more fun. Spirited driving does take its toll on range, though.

I ran an i3 up to low 80s and it felt pretty quick the whole time. Even though I'm a BMW owner, I questioned why anyone would buy a premium electric car, because I pictured them as being economy first, everything else second.

Having driven and really enjoyed the i3, I realized -- why does a premium car make less sense in the electric segment as in the gas segment? Either way, they're unnecessary, but it doesn't matter there aren't tangible advantages over their econobox counterparts.

Re: ReachNow – BMW car sharing service in Seattle

#32

Post by rconti »

rifung wrote: post #25
mikestew wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You'll get used to the rain. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are rare. If you want to keep people away, tell 'am about the astonishingly shitty drivers, because after sixteen years they continue to annoy me on a daily basis.

What's wrong with the drivers? I find they drive slowly sometimes but it's not really a big deal. I find driving in SF to actually be scary on the other hand with people forcefully merging into your lanes. I've been here for almost two years but I'm still not used to the lack of sunshine for most of the year.

You mean you haven't noticed the "you go first" wave battles that can last minutes on end? And the fact that, no matter how many lanes an Interstate has, they'll all be going exactly 59mph, making passing or trying to make your exit near-impossible?

Re: ReachNow – BMW car sharing service in Seattle

#33

Post by ajju »

Hi everyone, we built the end to end technology that powers ReachNow - the apps as well as the operations engine. The in-car hardware was all BMW. We're kind of like an operating system to run new mobility and transit services. I'd be happy to answer almost anything :)

Shameless promotion:

Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.reachnow.c...

iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reach-now/id972572486?mt=8

Also, we are hiring: aj+hn@ridecell.com or http://www.RideCell.com/careers.html

Re: ReachNow – BMW car sharing service in Seattle

#34

Post by ajju »

joshcanhelp wrote: post #30

Looking forward to trying it but the app crashed hard, twice (got the iOS "charge your phone" screen when I tried to turn it off despite being at half battery), then just told me I needed to contact support. Will try again though, really want to try out the i3. Any plans to add premium models like the M series?

Hi joshcanhelp. Sorry to hear that. ReachNow ordinarily handles customer support but if you email me the account you signed up with at support@ridecell.com we'll have the iOS team check it out.

The 3 series cars are in the fleet right now. Can't comment on a specific model but there'll be more coming :)

Re: ReachNow – BMW car sharing service in Seattle

#35

Post by ajju »

jonknee wrote: post #17

I just walked around downtown Seattle and saw about a half dozen of their i3 cars. Impressive visibility for launch day. I haven't driven an electric vehicle before so I think I'll use the free sign-up just to get behind the wheel of one.

I think you'll like the i3.

Re: ReachNow – BMW car sharing service in Seattle

#36

Post by ajju »

guptaneil wrote: post #15
yarou wrote: post #2

I really miss DriveNow in SF and the South Bay. It was really convenient if I missed my shuttle in the mornings, or if I had to come back to the city on the weekends. One more reason to ditch SF and move to Seattle I suppose.

Looks like this is the same service. They must be trying again in Seattle under a new brand. https://us.drive-now.com/ redirects to http://www.bmwcarsharing.com

Same cars, different technology platform :)

BMW partnered with us (RideCell) to relaunch in North America.

Re: ReachNow – BMW car sharing service in Seattle

#37

Post by ajju »

Icyerasor wrote: post #6

I really would love to da an AMA about it. But I guess I'm not allowed. I'll check with marketing some time after the launch party ;)

Hey there - is this Matthew? I do not believe an AMA is against HN rules, send me an email so I can help! - Aarjav

Re: ReachNow – BMW car sharing service in Seattle

#39

Post by jonknee »

ajju wrote: post #35
jonknee wrote: post #17

I just walked around downtown Seattle and saw about a half dozen of their i3 cars. Impressive visibility for launch day. I haven't driven an electric vehicle before so I think I'll use the free sign-up just to get behind the wheel of one.

I think you'll like the i3.

I've heard a lot of good things about it, including in this somehow fascinating talk about a complete teardown:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDr4L6BzpP8

tl;dr A guy who sells $500k reports of cars for competing manufacturers says the i3 is revolutionary (in materials and construction).

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