Life with a Solar-Charged Mini E

Archive for June, 2009

The sun finally came out today for the first time in weeks. We drove to the Ventura Marina to celebrate. We gauged the electric consumption and Mark explained to me that when the car is fully charged, it’s range is about 100 miles (1% for each mile). Today we drove over 70 miles and when we arrived home, we still had 29% charge remaining. Mark checked our home solar system production when we arrived and plugged in the car. It was nice to know that, again, the car is charging off the sun.

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 !