I Need Longer Weekends

It was a fun weekend in spite of the weather. As I mentioned previously, it took a bit of doing to get MINI E 277 to fit in the garage with the charging cord coming from the kitchen. More recyclables went to Goodwill so it’s much easier to get her in now. However, there’s more work to be done.

Saturday, I gave up on the weather and put 277 on charge from afternoon through the night. So she was up to 100% for Sunday morning. The second and last Sundays of the month from May to October I run miniature trains for the public in Southaven Park. I took 277 there and showed her off to the membership briefly and started running trains. No one seemed notice the car very much as they walked by. Although there were a few glances. I did find out how to get people’s attention. Read the rest of this entry »

MINI E 277 Is Resting Comfortably

I wish I could say as much for the proud papa.

277's Scuttle

I picked up my MINI E today. MINI christened it 277. My friend Raj took me to the dealer but although he road shotgun for a few minutes, he passed on driving the car himself. I then drove to visit friends on the way home but they were out. By the time I got home it was dark and no one was around. So I set about the task of bedding 277 down for the night which proved to be no easy task. Read the rest of this entry »

Here comes my MINI E

Friday, June 12 is the day. Everything is set. I still don’t know the number of the car but I pick it up tomorrow evening. Stay tuned for more news and pics.

All I Need Now Is The Car

I have to admit that I thought that the electrician would arrive today and tell me the previous inspection was bogus and I couldn’t get the charger. However, to my delight it went in without a hitch. Of course there’s no charging cable but I’m now ready to take possession of the car.

I notified Habberstad MINI of the installation and now know the VIN for the car but it has yet to arrive at the dealer. New Jersey Pioneers have started to receive their cars so I shouldn’t have too long to wait.

I also found out that there are two other Pioneers not far from me. I hope to find out who they are. Perhaps we can get together sometime and celebrate.

Unlike the first MINI E delivered in LA, the east coast deliveries have not been accompanied by a big media blitz. I have to admit that I’m disappointed. Read the rest of this entry »

Final Hurdle in Sight

I finally got a call last night to set up an appointment to install my charging unit. The installation will take place bright and early on Tuesday, June 9. Of course there will be no charging cord but it does mean that I’ll be ready to take possession of the car as soon as it’s ready.

MINI’s Plugged-In newsletter was brief this week. They wanted to make sure we knew that the cars are on their way to the east coast. I’d love to get a glimpse of those trucks loaded with MINI Es on the interstate.

I heard of two problems with the car so far. Todd and Kari reported that their high temp indicator on the batteries keeps coming on. This disables the regenerative braking. David Fliegler Tweeted that Jim Dow needed to reboot his MINI E at a stoplight.

The only other complaints I’ve heard is that the car isn’t being recognized. Without the lettering on the doors, everyone thinks it’s just another MINI. I’ve heard that the lettering will be offered at no charge. I hope so. I’ve also been considering ordering a vanity plate and putting the URL to my blog on the rear window.