First: Sticker Shock – Next: Electro Shock

There were three kinds of people who applied to participate in the MINI E Field Trial. The first were those who could well afford the $850 per month lease and had no doubts about participating. The second were those who did some quick math and felt they would have the money if they got picked. The last were those who had no idea whether or not they could afford it but figured they’d see if they at least would get picked. They’d cross the next bridge when they came to it.

I fell into the second group. I knew $850 per month was a lot but I could swing it. What I never thought would happen was being picked. Well, here I am and it turns out that even with the economic downturn, I can still afford the car. However, many in the third group and some in the second group dropped out when the offer was made. That was the sticker shock.

Than along came something that I don’t think MINI expected. Most homes are not ready to support electric vehicles. For one thing, who uses 240V in their garage? Sure everyone’s got power but not that much power. If you’re lucky like me, you have the panel in the garage so the 240V is there anyway. However, many people have their panels elsewhere and others have detached garages with the panel at the house. Ouch! That’s the electro shock!

Now MINI has to contend with a new set of drop-outs. Those who cannot afford $1500 to $5000 to make the garage electric vehicle friendly. I have to admit that I was surprised at this revelation myself. It seems that the United States is not ready for widespread use of all electric vehicles. It may take a lot longer for them to catch on than anyone thought. The Chevy Volt is looking a lot better at this point since it can recharge itself from the gas engine and may be able to get by better with a 120V charger.