They picked me!
MINI is field testing their new all-electric vehicle, the MINI E. They accepted applications in late 2008 looking for test subjects. On a lark, I applied. On March 16, 2009, I was notified that I was chosen as one of the 500 US drivers who will have one year to play with... er... test the MINI E. This is a record of my experiences.
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Back from Vacation – Lots to Update
Posted on July 11th, 2009 4 commentsI spent the Fourth of July weekend just outside of Montreal, Canada. No, I didn’t flatbed the MINI E. I visited the Montreal Live Steamers and ran my 1/8 scale train between raindrops. Of course, the weather on Long Island was beautiful and I was camping out in a tent in the rain. Oh well.
For those planning to drive in Canada, here’s a few things to note. They have blinking green traffic lights. They serve the same function as left turn arrows here. Some horizontal traffic lights have red signal heads on both ends to make them stand out. Also, some of the LED traffic lights have square red, diamond yellow and round green heads. As a colorblind person I can appreciate this although my problem is usually with telling red from yellow on single blinking signals.
Now on to the MINI E news. First of all I received my NOPETROL vanity plates. Unfortunately, they arrived after the registration sticker and were delayed because I put my mail on hold while away. I couldn’t wait to mount them and put them on in the dark last Tuesday.
Another big even this week was the installation of the 240V charging cord yesterday. Freedom at last! After the electrician installed it I topped off MINI E 277 from about 47% to 100% in about 2.5 hours. It’s going to be great to leave the house with a 100% charge each morning.
My electrician also solved the mystery of MINI E 337. It belongs to Louis Boccio of New York Solar Solutions in Middle Island, NY. I’ll be getting in touch with him soon.
Last but not least, there is another MINI E Event in New York City on July 14 hosted by Opportunity Green. Without charging facilities in Manhattan, I can’t bring MINI E 277 with me. However, for those who can, there will be reserved parking on Broadway outside the venue. I hope to see a lot of my fellow Pioneers there.
Oh, and my wisdom teeth extraction went well. Only minor pain on one side. That must be the side that had the curved root. Maybe I can eat something at the two birthday parties I’ve been invited to today. And thanks to a full charge I’ll be showing off NOPETROL MINI E 277 at both events as well as taking it to Southaven Park tomorrow for the public run day at the Long Island Live Steamers.
4 responses to “Back from Vacation – Lots to Update”
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Stu, Welcome to the world of fast charging!
I am a bit envious though, that you get to drive the car an extra month or so as the clock did not start ticking until you had the charger.
Have a great year, love your post and will stay in contact.
Mini-E #183
1540 miles of pure sun and fun
n-scale railroadercheers
Peder -
I only get to use it an extra month if I pay for it. However, judging by the first month I’d do anything to keep driving it a year from now. BTW, I’m also an N-Scaler. I just find that if I try to ride them they break.
-Stu
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Well, if they really do make you give it back, we are doing a series of videos on how to convert a 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman yourself at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MkbuU5itlo
I think we’re using a better motor/controller, and a better battery system, as well as having a bit more room in the Clubman version.
We’re illustrating pretty much every nut and bolt that has to be moved in this series, as well as the specific parts we use to do the conversion.
So you do have an option.
Jack Rickard
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Peder July 11th, 2009 at 16:54