A PLUG IN MINI, WHY? 3 views... Part 2

The participants...

Recently I asked 3 MINI E lessees if I could come and talk about their MINI E's and if they would answer my questionnaire; all agreed. David Middlesworth, Pacific Palisades, Ca., Peder (Peter) Norby, CarlsBad, Ca., and Mark Winkworth, Pasadena, Ca. Let me say that all these guys were very gracious in allowing me to invade their homes and time. I no longer am amazed at the friendliness MINI owners.

My intentions...

My intentions were not to involve my own beliefs but to have a conversation about theirs. My thoughts will come at the end of the 3 parts.

Originally this was going to be an all in one post but as I look over the answers given, I think 3 parts would be better. My questionnaire consisted of 22 questions. Questions 1-4; name, city, age and occupation are covered early in this post.

3rd meeting, 2nd post...

My 3rd meet up was with Mark. Mark and I meet at a park in Pasadena, why a park, maybe he was just being cautious or maybe he talked to someone at SCMM, before meeting me.... ;-)

Mark, age group 50-60, does believe in Global Warming. Mark is a Writer and Marketing Consultant.

The Questions 5-22...

5. why did you choose it... "I’ve always been a big BMW fan, but have been waiting for the company to get practical about alternative automotive energy sources." "I went after the MINI E along with several thousand other drivers with the thought that if any manufacturer was likely to get it right, it would probably be Bavarian Motor Works."

6. how has your experience been, so far... "I remain jazzed by the performance overall – very exhilarating – notice I did not say sporty as it’s a heavy car with a weighted feel – but fun nonetheless - my only real complaints: no blue tooth, and still waiting for the fast charging cable" He now has that installed.

7. how do you charge your MINI E...Standard power grid

8. if using the standard power grid, how much has the "E" added to your electric bill... Too early to estimate costs.

9. are you concerned by the usage of coal in our power grid... "Coal is a real concern" "There seems to be some positive movement in alternative sources (wind, solar, nuclear)"

10. is solar power a future possibility for you... "Solar is a real possibility if the city and state were to get serious about incentives" "get creative in offering homeowners some practical solutions to reducing dependency on the grid"

11. how long does a FULL charge take... with his 110v cable, he now has full charge capabilities, it takes at least 12 hours.

12. how far have you gone on a full charge... "75 miles with about 15% on the gauge".

13. how do you find the fit and finish of the MINI E... "GREAT, F & F!!"

14. what are your views on batteries in landfills... "Batteries in landfills? Lousy idea just like so many other hideous, poisonous contaminants we routinely bury" "There are countries with mandatory battery recycling programs – why not the US?" "Li-Ion batteries now contain far less of the harmful poisons than previously" "This is 2009 – where are the 21st century solutions to these issues?"

15. would the battery replacement cost of $30,000 dampen your enthusiasm... "have driven a Prius for the last 6-years and the same question is routinely raised. I have yet to hear of one Prius battery array going bad. There’s always a first time I suppose but at this point I do not contemplate, nor would I welcome the prospect of a costly replacement. I would not buy or lease a car with even the remotest possibility of the scenario you suggest."

16. have you ever owned a MINI or Mini classic before... his 1st MINI.

17. compare the MINI E motoring experience to your other cars... "Not the most responsive or sportiest car I’ve ever driven (my 330i convertible was way more fun to drive) but spirited, solid and a whole lot more fun than I might have expected from my first all-electric vehicle."

18. will the scarcity of Lithium hamper the advancement of these batteries... “Scarcity is the father of low-cost innovation.” "As our President reminds us!"

19. do you know about "Carbon Offsetting"... "Great idea in theory – tough in practice I suspect until a state or city embraces the concept. Again, in CA, don’t hold your breath."

20. do you feel electric vehicles will overtax our energy grid... "No. Where is the company to partner with Clean Fuel Connection to provide an “off-the-grid” solution to providing energy to power your electric vehicle?"

21. should our government have done more to make us less dependent on foreign oil... "Yes. Yes. And did I mention YES."

22. If the MINI diesel came to the USA would you still choose the MINI E... "2 very different solutions to alternative transportation needs. Although imperfect, they both have a place at the moment in my view." Did Mark answer question 22....?

Thanks again Mark for your time and in depth answers.

I will be doing a recap of all 3 MINI E posts at their end.

PEACE... RB

Next Up: Peder Norby

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