Life with a Solar-Charged Mini E

I was finally able to tear the car away from Mark.  I had a choice of either driving our BMW Roadster or the Mini E to work and, of course, I chose the Mini.  I was a little nervous (my first time and all) but was amazed at how easy it is to drive, how solid the car feels, how well it handles, and the incredible speed (it accelerates with power!).  Very fun.

One of my co-workers has a Mini Cooper and happened to have his camera with him, so he took some comparison photos.  I’ll have to post them, when I get them.  We discussed the differences, along with the similarities.  Mini’s are very well made cars.  And I was amazed at how roomy they are inside.

Looking forward to my next drive … (if I can tear the car away from Mark again) …

Today I decided the drive to San Marino, Arcadia and back to Agoura Hills on one charge was worth going for. After calling all the mini dealers that were anywhere close to my route, and finding the chargers were either not installed or did not have final inspection, I was going to drive the Mini E regardless. People were expecting to see the car. I was on a solar estimate and a solar system site inspection. My last minute decision to stop at Bob Smith Mini on the way for a quick top off charge proved to be just enough for the three test rides that were absolutely necessary. When I was passing the Bob Smith dealer on the way home, my charge indicator was at 5% remaining. I kept going and after a downhill regenerative session and some easy driving , I pulled into my driveway with a 10% charge left. I did find that driving in stop and go traffic used less energy. The steady freeway runs of 65 mph and 70 mph used more. The 100 miles per charge figure is about right if you leave out the test joy rides. But how can you say no to someone who wants to experience the electric car adrenaline rush of the Mini E. It is part of our mission.

One week with the Mini E was celebrated with a clay polish and a carnauba wax. The future of transportation needs to be protected. This is not an ordinary car! I was planning an extended trip tomorrow with a possible charging at one of the Mini E dealers, but after several calls, I found that their chargers were either not installed or were waiting for inspection sign-off. I haven’t decided if I should take the risk of running out of electrons without the portable 120v charge cable or other dealer chargers. I do feel comfortable with obtaining 100 miles per charge so I will decide in the morning. With chargers spread throughout the community this would not be a problem. This will be coming in the new world of electric vehicle transportation. The sooner the better for all of us.

Wow! This is beyond fun. My “gas” station is in my garage. A charge cable that is pulling the power from my solar panels and pumping into the charge port of the new Mini E. #085 Mini E has performed absolutely perfect! The test drives for friends, family, and strangers continues. “Amazing” is the first comment! The silence of speed and the solid feel of the road is next! And the regenerative braking is ” you didn’t touch the brakes?” I am really getting to love this slowing down by simply backing off the throttle pedal and watching the battery charge level increase. Driving through the canyon roads of the Santa Monica mountains with regenerative braking has been very exciting! Leaving my home in Agoura Hills with a 100% charge and hitting PCH at 90% after up and down hill runs ! Cool. I can’t wait to wake up tomorrow morning and  Drive !

It was a cloudy morning,  but the crowd was already there in numbers. I felt an excitement in the air this morning. My son and I were bringing the Mini E  #085 to the people; the car enthusiasts; Ferrari’s, Porsches, Lamborgini’s, Ford GT’s,Corvette Z06’s, ZR1’s,BMW’s, Mercedes McClaren’s and Jay Leno’s Eco Jet. What a great day! People came to see all the exotics and they were still very interested in a little all electric Mini Cooper. Is the world changing? We really have to start looking to help save this planet for our children. It starts small and grows into a monumental power. Let’s all make it happen! And the Mini E is actually a very fast and great handling car. Today was good!

We’re here showing the car at the Calabasas car show off the Valley Circle exit. Cool morning, but hot cars!

First night of charging

Yesterday, I received a call from my fantastic sales gal at Bob Smith Mini, Calabasas, that my car had arrived.  I made arrangements to be there as quickly as possible, to finally take delivery of #085.  The process was smooth, painless, exciting, and a pure adrenaline rush.  I was told I was the third person to receive the new, all-electric Mini E.  I feel it’s an absolute privilege to be one of only 250 people in Southern California, to be able to drive the future.

I took the long way home, just to experience the thrill - and by the way, it’s amazing.  The acceleration, the incredible torque, and the absolute driving experience of a car powered by electrons is awesome.  When I finally pulled into my driveway, I was surrounded by my neighbors and people walking by, who were attracted to the car and interested to learn more.  

After pulling it into the garage and hooking up the charger into the charging port, I watched as the meter registered the kilowatt input.  Number 085 was being fueled by the sun.  Our 8.5 kilowatt solar electric system on our home will provide the sun fuel for a good portion of our transportation.  

Today, woke up early (6:30 a.m.) - couldn’t wait to drive the fully charged Mini E.  This thing is so fun to drive!  It’s different, it’s new, and it’s got power.  Pretty much the first full day of the Mini E was about test drives, answering questions, opening up the hood, explaining that it’s been charged from solar panels, and the response has been extremely positive.  This car has received so much positive input from people, in one day, that I feel this is a new beginning for transportation.

May 28, 2009

We received delivery of our new Mini E today!  We were told we were the third household to get the Mini E on the planet!  Wow!  Very exciting … it’s beautiful … love the charcoal/yellow highlights color.  Gave some of the neighbors rides … the car attracted much attention.  Put about 40 miles on the car and then parked it in our garage and plugged it in.  The meter was running forward for about 1.5 hours and then the car was charged.  The meter stopped.  Neighbors came over to check out the car and look under the hood … then, suddenly, the meter started turning again.  Slowly, this time.  We have solar on our home, so we will be able to gauge the consumption of electricity the car uses.

Siggi

It all began about 8 months ago…

I heard rumors of an all-electric Mini Cooper and I thought it was important to be involved. I searched Mini’s site and subscribed to the mailing list to receive information when it was available. I received an email to fill out an application if interested in participating in a 500-vehicle lease program limited to New York, New Jersey, and California. It turns out there were only to be 250 Mini E vehicles in Southern California with numerous requirements.

I completed the application and received a call from my local BMW dealer months later - I would be one of the lucky people to help field test the new Mini E. Wow!