Life with a Solar-Charged Mini E

Archive for May, 2009

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!