Mini E Driver Reports on First Thousand Electric Miles

Lyle Dennis, editor in chief of the website AllCarsElectric.com, recently posted a review of his first 1,000 miles driving the Mini E all-electric prototype. After three weeks of driving the Mini E exclusively on his 26-mile commute, which blends mostly highway and some city driving, Dennis remains happy and impressed with the car.

Still, the particulars of his experience go a long way toward explaining why electric cars have a ways to go.

First of all, Dennis has been limited by the 110V charger, which manages only a paltry 3.5% of charge per hour. A 100% charge is good for 100 miles of range, according to BMW. He’s managed to get by on this, but eagerly awaits the 240V charging cord that will juice the E faster.

Dennis also calculates the real-world range of the E at more like 70 miles on a full charge when you factor in use of the air conditioner and the temptation to speed due to a “responsive” accelerator. This is still much more than he needs for his commute, but Dennis admits to experiencing “range anxiety” at times.

Also, keep in mind that when Dennis parks at work he merely plugs into normal outlets in underground parking garages, effectively stealing electricity. There are no charging stations, which remains one of the most severe obstacles that electric and plug-in hybrids must overcome. Because of how long it takes to charge and its limited range, the Mini E is effectively useless outside a certain radius.

The First 1,000 Miles of Driving the Mini E Electric Car (AllCarsElectric.com)

Comments

If he just bought a 250 mile long extension cord, he could easily increase his range.

How exciting! 30 miles less range than the 100 year old electric car in the Denver History Museum. Will technology never cease to amaze!