Drove 93 miles today on a single charge. Went from Long Beach to Universal City to Burbank, out to lunch and then after work drove back to Long Beach. The car is working great and the warning light I encountered (see earlier blog postings) has not returned. It was a little warmer up in Burbank today and I noticed that the Battery temp stayed right at 102 for most of the 40 miles drive home. When I pulled into the garage I had 9 miles remaining and 11% battery charge. A/C was on 90% of the time and the Daytime Running Lights are now on full time. Also listening to radio 100% of the time. I'm currently at 975 miles and will cross 1000 tomorrow. The miles fly by quickly in the MINI E. :)
Update: It took 30 kwhs to recharge back to 100% this morning.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Costco, Sam's Club, 95 mph and more!
These past few days have been a blast! #140 has been in Huntington Beach, Carson, Burbank and everywhere in between. In all our travels we've yet to see another MINI E although we were spotted by Jim #230.
We even did the unthinkable and went to Costco one day and Sam's Club the next. I'm happy to report that a 32 Pack of Arrowhead Water fits perfectly on the floor of the passenger's side. We were able to pack up the back with all sorts of things and while we needed to leave some packaging behind, it all fit and we didn't put anything on top of the batteries.
The reason we've been to all these places in the MINI E is because it's such a blast to drive that we don't want to drive our other vehicle. I've hit the 95mph max at least five times and only one of those times was intentional. When on the freeway it's so easy to go from 65 to 95 in seconds. Each time the Regen kicks in right at 95 and starts slowing the car down. I'm zipping around cars with little effort.
Normally on my drive to work and back (80 miles total) I drive 65 or so (when I can) and basically get blown off the road. Today, I said enough of this and decided to flow with traffic and had a good 10 or so miles of 80+. Granted this caused the miles left indicator to drop to 8 miles as I exited the freeway but by the time I got home it had climbed back up to 15. This was as low as I had taken it.
Each day I look forward to hoping in #140 for another adventure!
Total miles today: 85.5
Total kwhs used: 28
This was the first day using the Daytime Running Lamps. Plan on leaving them on going forward.
I also keep the A/C on 90% of the time when I drive with the fan set at the lowest setting.
P.S. As gas prices climb past $3.00, these adventures are more economical than ever. :)
We even did the unthinkable and went to Costco one day and Sam's Club the next. I'm happy to report that a 32 Pack of Arrowhead Water fits perfectly on the floor of the passenger's side. We were able to pack up the back with all sorts of things and while we needed to leave some packaging behind, it all fit and we didn't put anything on top of the batteries.
The reason we've been to all these places in the MINI E is because it's such a blast to drive that we don't want to drive our other vehicle. I've hit the 95mph max at least five times and only one of those times was intentional. When on the freeway it's so easy to go from 65 to 95 in seconds. Each time the Regen kicks in right at 95 and starts slowing the car down. I'm zipping around cars with little effort.
Normally on my drive to work and back (80 miles total) I drive 65 or so (when I can) and basically get blown off the road. Today, I said enough of this and decided to flow with traffic and had a good 10 or so miles of 80+. Granted this caused the miles left indicator to drop to 8 miles as I exited the freeway but by the time I got home it had climbed back up to 15. This was as low as I had taken it.
Each day I look forward to hoping in #140 for another adventure!
Total miles today: 85.5
Total kwhs used: 28
This was the first day using the Daytime Running Lamps. Plan on leaving them on going forward.
I also keep the A/C on 90% of the time when I drive with the fan set at the lowest setting.
P.S. As gas prices climb past $3.00, these adventures are more economical than ever. :)
Friday, June 12, 2009
44 miles of trouble free driving today
Today we were zipping around the hills of Palos Verdes, CA. The MINI E zips up the hills with no problem and minimal noise. Lots of Regen use today and thankfully no warning lights. The more we drive it the more we love it. Can't wait for tomorrow.
Still awaiting word from the dealer on what was actually discovered during it's time in Oxnard. Not sure if I'll ever know but if I hear something, it'll be posted here pronto!
The 44 miles of driving today used 47% of the battery. 17 kwhs used to recharge.
Still awaiting word from the dealer on what was actually discovered during it's time in Oxnard. Not sure if I'll ever know but if I hear something, it'll be posted here pronto!
The 44 miles of driving today used 47% of the battery. 17 kwhs used to recharge.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
MINI E #140 is back!
Our MINI E arrived back from Oxnard over a week early! No details on what they discovered but we were thrilled to get the car back. They put 28 miles on it. Also saw car #005 was back too. Can't wait to get back to driving. I put 375 miles on the regular gas MINI and once back in the MINI E I could immediately tell the difference. The sound of silence along with the super quick acceleration off the line were missed during it's absence.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Being patient
Spoke briefly to salesperson at Long Beach MINI this afternoon who thanked me for my patience. My questions regarding a possible lease extension or credit for days out of service during the trial must be addressed by corporate. I've sent e-mails and awaiting a response. It appears the priority for MINI/BMW at the moment is to get the cars out by June 30th in order to get the CARB credits. I understand that and hope that once that happens the communication will improve. Up to this point, it's been pretty one way. If I wasn't persistent and making phone calls, I'd still be waiting for my charger install. Glad to see other cars rolling out in the East and hope the problems Joel and I experienced are isolated to our two cars. Can't wait to get back in the MINI E.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Sad news about MINI E #140
Just received some sad news about our MINI E. It needs to be taken to Oxnard, CA for further evaluation and won't be back until next Thursday or Friday (June 18th or 19th). I'm awaiting to hear about a lease adjustment or extension on the lease. I'd really like a full year with the MINI E. More details as I get them.
Joel's car also heading to Oxnard.
Joel's car also heading to Oxnard.
Monday, June 8, 2009
MINI E Techs coming tomorrow
Dropped off #140 this morning for the issue mentioned in earlier posts. Now driving a gas powered MINI as a loaner. MINI E techs coming tomorrow to look at our car and another MINI E also in for service.
While driving the gas powered MINI the first thing I noticed was the noise at city speeds. Also the acceleration is nothing compared to the E. Haven't drove the S yet so can't compare it to that version.
Put 80 miles on the gas version today.
Hope to have some news to report tomorrow (Tuesday)
While driving the gas powered MINI the first thing I noticed was the noise at city speeds. Also the acceleration is nothing compared to the E. Haven't drove the S yet so can't compare it to that version.
Put 80 miles on the gas version today.
Hope to have some news to report tomorrow (Tuesday)
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