25,000 miles is just around the corner!

Wow, how the miles have slipped by in the MINI E. On Monday, I'll slide past the 25k mark. I've yet to notice any decrease in range due to the batteries aging and even after all these miles, the feeling I get when I punch it brings a smile to my face every time.

When the MINI E program started there were quite a few negative comments directed at BMW. Folks were saying they were just putting out the MINI E to meet state and government emission standards to help offset the other vehicles in their line-up. For those folks following the automotive news of late, you've seen that BMW is committed to the Megacity (full EV) along with other vehicle types that reduce emissions. I was fortunate enough to see first hand what's around the corner and while I can't discuss in detail due to confidentiality agreements, folks are in for a pleasant surprise. BMW has conducted research on population patterns, where folks are most likely to live in the future, how far they'll be driving, etc and is preparing the company accordingly. One however shouldn't get the impression that the excitement of driving the ultimate driving machine is heading out the window. That's not the case at all. They are simply preparing for the future and will be providing choices that will meet the needs of a variety of drivers. Google BMW Megacity to read the full report.

It was pretty gutsy to put the MINI E out on the road with real world drivers. While other manufacturers have cars in the works or soon to be on the road, BMW was the only one to actually put a large number of vehicles in the hands of folks to drive under real world conditions. This could have been a disaster. Sure there have been some issues (as one would expect with a test vehicle) but they've been dealt with and things that have arose have helped BMW move forward in preparing their next vehicle, the ActiveE and then finally the Megacity which will be available as a 2013 vehicle.

It's wonderful to see so many car manufacturers jumping on board the EV train but for me, I'll be sticking with the BMW brand. I've been given a unique opportunity to drive the MINI E, transition to the Active E and then finally (if I've saved enough pennies..he, he) move into the Megacity. It's an exciting time in the automotive world and I'm thrilled to play a small part in the future.

What's BMW up to with the Megacity, this article provides some info

Check out this article for in depth info on the upcoming Megacity and how BMW is preparing for the future:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=251926

Links for parts 2 and 3 of the article can be accessed via links found at bottom of above article.

Porsche Panamera chased me down!

So today I was cruising to work on the Hollywood Freeway when I saw a Porsche Panamera up ahead. I decided to try and catch it. Surprisingly I was able to pull along side and then quickly punched it once he noticed me. He immediately took up the chase albeit a short one and whipped out a video camera. Made me feel special in the E. The filming continued as I exited the freeway and he zipped up the hill to Universal Studios.

Heading in for 24,000 mile service on Wednesday.

MINI E #140 generated quite a bit of interest today

It seems I can go for months without anyone noticing anything special about our MINI E and then all the sudden everyone notices it. Today was one of those days. In a two hour period, I had four conversations about the car with curious folks inquiring about range, availability, speed, etc. All four were very excited to see the car and mentioned that getting away from oil and gasoline was something they felt strongly about. Perhaps all the press of late about the Volt and Leaf is helping bring awareness to electric cars. Later on the freeway I got a couple of thumbs up from other vehicles.

I'm always happy to talk about our experience with the car. It's an exciting time for electric vehicles and we're thrilled to play a small part in the testing and rollout of future BMW vehicles.

Last Thursday we attended the local unveiling of the Fisker Karma at the USC Campus in Irvine, CA. It was hosted by Fisker Automotive of Orange County. The car is even more beautiful in person. While it won't be affordable for the average commuter, it's a head turner and will generate a lot of interest once it's out on the road. A video from the Santa Monica unveiling can be viewed here.

MINI releases MINI E Field Trial Report

Interesting things MINI learned during the 1 year MINI E Field Trial:

http://miniefieldtrial.com/report/MINI_E_results.pdf

Latest Electric Car Will Be a BMW, From the Battery Up

Copy and paste links below into your browser for the latest BMW update on their upcoming electric vehicle:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/02/business/global/02bmw.html?_r=1&src=busln

Here's another link with more details:

http://green.autoblog.com/2010/07/02/in-depth-bmw-megacity-vehicle-and-project-i/

Battery fan replaced, all is well again!

The MINI-E is back on the road again. After a quick visit to Doctor Nelson, the battery fan was replaced and things are back to normal. Zipped to Burbank via the carpool lane on the 110.

I was given a X3 loaner for the day and half the MINI-E was visiting the Doctor. Nice ride but at 17 or so miles per gallon, it cost $19.00+ to fill up after 95 miles. Same miles in the MINI-E would have run about $3.25. This was my first time driving an X3 and found it roomy and comfortable. Wouldn't mind having it as a secondary vehicle with the main one being electric of course. :)