No one recognizes my MINI E as an electric car

I’m Driving an Electric Car, Dammit!

Posted on June 24th, 2009 Stu 9 comments

It’s been almost a week and a half and hardly anyone noticed I’m driving an electric car. Not even other MINI drivers acknowledge the MINI E. There were a few people at the county park who noticed once I plugged it in and the waiter at Outback who brought my food out at the drive-up noticed the logo and questioned me on it. So far, no honking by drivers beside me or behind me.

Perhaps my new license plate will make a difference when it arrives. I applied for “NOPETROL” and expect it in a few weeks. In the meantime, I’ve realized that not having the car recognized might be frustrating for me but it’s good news for MINI.

If people don’t know the car is electric powered, it means that to them it is just like any other car. I’ve gotten no beeps from cars behind me so the other drivers must find the brake lights coming on due to regenerative braking natural. So, for now, I’ll just keep driving around, wave at the occasional MINI driver I come upon and hope that the MINI E gets more media attention. I’m also considering a license plate frame that says “It’s Electric” on top with my blog address on the bottom.

The reactions by passengers and one test driver have been enthusiastic. Everyone says they want their future car to be this responsive and quiet. Imagine a highway with nothing but electric cars whizzing by. Less noise, less smell. I look forward to that future time and hope I’m not too senile to enjoy it.

Mini E Mini E
9 responses to “I’m Driving an Electric Car, Dammit!”
- Roni June 24th, 2009 at 07:18
  
  Hey Stuart – I have the same complaint! As a matter of fact, I would love a license plate with the title of your blog post on it! I am developing non-recognition rage. Speaking of license plates, how did you order yours – I was told I had to wait for the permanent registration. Did you get that already?
- Chris June 24th, 2009 at 09:45
  
  Guys – did you opt in for or did your dealer offer you the chance to come back and get that massive MINI (plus plug icon) decal on both sides of the cars? That should help at least let people know it is a bit different.
- Roni June 24th, 2009 at 18:51
  
  Chris – yes, my dealer asked me if I wanted it. Of course I do!!!
- Stu June 24th, 2009 at 20:23
  
  Chris, I signed up for the lettering, too.
  
  Roni, you don’t have to wait for the registration documents to come. Once the data gets to the DMV database it will accept the order for the vanity plates. You can do it online and even see what the plate will look like.
- Adam June 25th, 2009 at 01:22
  
  http://franklinhills.org/09meeting.html
  
  here’s a photo of how to show off the car. Let folks see everything about it and stand around. People will talk!
- PaulGraz June 25th, 2009 at 11:58
  
  Stu – trust me – the die-hard MINI owners are taking notice! I was in my MINI yesterday heading south on I-287 with a fellow MINI enthusiast, when we spotted a MINI-E heading north (this was just north of I-80). We simultaneously shouted out “That’s a MINI-E!” in perfect sync. It was pretty funny actually…
- Mark Winkworth June 25th, 2009 at 21:42
  
  Stu – I find that the kids have no problem spotting the car – whether on the streets of Old Town in Pasadena or in the Trader Jo’s parking lot – it’s the kids who pull out their phones to take pictures and talk to me about the car. I kind of like the fact that 053 is a vehicle to be “discovered” along with the rest of the CA Pioneer fleet. But, if it’s attention you crave, by all means slap on those decals – have fun! mw
- dan July 6th, 2009 at 19:47
  
  The factory plug in graphic is a little abstract and most people dont seem to realize what it represents. You might want to get one of those customized magnetic bumper stickers or signs with the words electric car or something.
- PaulGraz July 29th, 2009 at 10:57
  
  This is a little late – sorry – but there are web sites and local sign shops that will custom make vinyl graphics for you that say whatever you want. Windshield banners are one option perhaps – “I’m Driving an Electric Car” in yellow vinyl across the top of your windshield maybe? Here’s one site that a friend used for this purpose: http://www.edecals.com