Just back from Helsinki where I interviewed members of the global EV conversion team at eCars Now! – the Finns it appears have picked up on a sound idea – why try to replace nearly 1 billion cars on the road today when you could convert millions of them with existing EV technology? The MINI E is a case in point as BMW simply converted the existing platform (thanks to AC Propulsion) to qualify for the CA tax credit deadline that ended June 30. Warm and fuzzy zero emissions feelings I was having for BWM were jolted back to reality when I read Plug-In-America’s advocate Marc Geller’s blog recently after an interview on the BBC – as he says, you can’t blame a company for taking advantage of state regulation loopholes. On a bright note, BMW has announced what appears to be an all-new platform EV called the “City” which could herald more responsible things to come from the company on the road to a cleaner world
Author Archive
Jason and his new "ride" (aka MINI E 053)
Meet my good friend Jason Fogelson – screenwriter, producer, all-around theater maven, automotive journalist, music lover (with a fine guitar collection) arts and craftsman, animal lover and self-described wanderer. And, a lover of good food. What more could you ask in a guy?
Jason and I have worked together a number of times toiling in the automotive communications trenches for the likes of Hyundai among others. Jason is my number one “go to” automotive source with years of experience behind the wheel of just about everything that has wheels.
So, you can understand my enthusiasm for getting him into the driver’s seat of 053 ASAP – a mission accomplished Friday last.
As expected, we had a blast silently cruising the hills above Burbank, CA. Some of you may know these relatively deserted roads that wind through the canyon between Burbank and the valley – a great spot to check out the handling of the MINI E for those of us all too accustomed to the stop-and-go of the city streets as well as the freeways.
Jason was good enough to share his thoughts on overall handling and performance (including torque steer a phenomenon I have never really understood) – without charging me a dime I’m pleased to say (though I am planning to buy him lunch – someday) Be sure to check out the short video for an informative take on the performance of a car that is clearly winning more fans each passing day.
The BIG fella - at last!
And on a purely power note, MINI thanks to the folks at Clean Fuel Connection as I now have the BIG charge cable in the garage.
No more 15 hour sessions waiting for the magic 100% charge (which rarely if ever appeared)
Now, it’s a quick under 3 hour charge from near zero and ZAP – 100% and ready to go another 100 plus miles.
Ready, set – UNPLUG and GO!
Robert's 2004 MINI S
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Robert Ballard, local Altadena resident and avid member of the Southern California MINI Maniacs (SCMM) The club boasts a membership of nearly 600 members including at least four MINI E drivers as of this posting.
Robert is a passionate MINI owner and proudly showed off his 2004 MINI S when we met. Having just celebrated my first week anniversary with MINI E 053 I was equally excited to show off my new baby. We spoke about the major differences in driving characteristics and overall appearance. No question that “sporty” beats “heavy” in the handling department as any pre-E driver will attest. Try strapping a pair of 50 pound dumbbells on a tennis player and see what that does to their game.
Be sure to check out SCMM and their upcoming events. While you’re at it, consider joining the group for a very reasonable $25 one-time-only fee.
Just say NO!
A reminder that Robert has a full line of specially designed badges for MINI owners and some (like the one at left) for the MINI E drivers. They may just help the “visibility” factor so many folks talk about.
Be sure to check out all the MINI merchandise Robert has to offer.
MINI E 053 at home in Pasadena. CA
As exciting as it is to have been chosen one of the MINI E Pioneers, I am even more jazzed to be able to share my experience with all of you who care deeply about our planet and the growing need to find new and renewable energy sources for the future.
Now is the time to be having meaningful conversations on a range of topics that impact our lives and the lives of our children. My hope is that through lively and spirited dialogue we can share ideas and best practices in a way that will make a real difference.
We all need to do our part. Many have already made a green commitment in their personal and business lives – and I invite you all to share those stories. Maybe it’s the car you drive, the way you heat your house, your recycling habits, your volunteer work in your communities and schools – let’s hear from you right here.
My plan for the coming year is to talk to as many folks as I can as I go about my days within range of my Vehicle Charging Station, collecting and sharing stories that will no doubt open an eye or two on the little things we can do to make our world a little bit cleaner, quieter, and whole lot more livable.
My wife and I met Client Advisor Roger Bader at MINI of Monrovia late Friday morning as we had been alerted the evening before that our car had arrived. A thorough review, inside and out, followed with the able assistance of Client Advisor Leon Levy. These gents we’ll no doubt be getting to know better as the trial continues.
A short visit with the financial department followed – then out the doors of the showroom (literally) and onto the 210 for the 15 minute drive back to Pasadena. That first drive was, in a word, exhilarating – and I now have a complete appreciation for the comments from some fellow pioneers about resisting the urge to put the occasional heavy pedal to the metal as this car, especially when up to speed, wants to GO!
As for those automotive journalists who say that this MINI has lost the sporty soul and sheer driving fun of it’s combustion driven cousins, I say you need to get back behind the wheel and get to know what this ultimate green driving machine is all about.
LA based Opportunity Green hosted a reception for members and friends including the MINI E Community of drivers (actual or soon-to-be) last Tuesday evening at Environment Furniture in West Hollywood, CA.
MINI E Pioneers, Jule and Anton (above right) met for the first time and shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming trial. Anton is no stranger to the world of electric vehicles having owned and operated a Ford Ranger fully electric truck since the late 1990’s. He reported that the truck was still operating in fine fashion with only the occasional battery replacement.
Anton was quick to remind us that the electric car predated the internal combustion engine and the oil industry by decades. Fans of plug-in vehicles should be once again encouraged as Renault (one of the true electric pioneers) and Nissan are preparing to launch a fleet of fleet of electric cars for the 21st Century.
Meanwhile, back in the garage, the news on the cable and car delivery is not encouraging here in Pasadena. I remain optimistic and hope for the best as I know the good folks at Clean Fuel Connection are doing all they can to make it happen.
When I came back from the test drive and silently glided up next to the curb where the other MINI E Pioneers stood alternately chatting and staring, the BMW MINI E rep was quick to ask, “what did you think about the torque?” “Quick off the line” I responded without hesitation – and was reminded that equivalent HP was just over 200. Like I said, quick.
So, what was the car like to drive you ask? In a word, exhilarating! When is the last time you stepped on the gas (need to change this moniker ASAP) and felt the rush of instant acceleration? Let me suggest, never. The cabin is whisper quiet – road noise minimal. The MINI E, not surprisingly, is a solid, airtight little package.
Here’s the cool part. Ease your foot off the “go” pedal, and the car immediately begins to brake regenerating electricity – a neat touch. Take your foot off the pedal completely, and the car brakes gently to a complete stop – even the brake lights go on without having to actually “touch” the brake pedal. Nice. In fact, as was pointed out, the less you actually use the brake in real world driving, the better – as you will increase battery life by learning to feather – something Prius owners know a little something about. I think I used the actual brake pedal once during my entire drive.
But, what does it FEEL like? Disneyland fans may remember the first time you hopped into an Autotopia Car in Tomorrowland. If memory serves, you jammed the gas pedal and zoomed (all of about 7 MPH) thanks to Kawasaki’s 286 cc overhead valve engine. It felt like “instant acceleration” and it helped to be a kid who had always dreamed of driving his parent’s Mustang. And when you took your foot off the gas, I seem to remember that you slowed down – no regeneration mind you, but that’s what I recall.
It looks like deliveries on the car start in another 2 to 3 weeks as soon as the city signs off on the power cord – the last bump in the road we’re told.
The wait, as all fellow MINI E Pioneers know, is not yet over. At least from what I heard the other night at the reception in LA. Yes, the charging station boxes have been going in – mine yesterday in fact (see photos) – but the question of the hour is “when will the cars arrive?”
Scott, the amiable chap from Clean Fuel Connection who supervised the installation yesterday at my home, told me that he was keeping mum after an episode that nearly caused him his job. Proving that not all E Pioneers are as patient as BMW might hope.
Word is that the inspections follow the initial installation followed by city inspection and the delivery of the charging cord itself – the proverbial plug.
