Closing event

Deutsche Version
At the day I gave back #014 there was a closing event at the Stadtwerke München, the public utilities being part of the test project.

Some MINI E rowed up at the closing event

At the event the results of the MINI E Drive eCharged program were presented. The original (sorry, only german) presentation can be found at:
Abschlusspraesentation

Of course limited and unsteady range especially in winter and the handling of the bulky charging cord was criticized, but all in all the drivers were very pleased with the car and the MINI E was a joy to drive. It fulfilled the demands both for the private users and for the fleet car users.

 An ActiveE was also showcased at the event. Due it was one of the prototype cars with some additional emergency shut off switches and lacking interiour carpeting etc. we were not allowed to take a seat. Not a problem for me, I already have driven a 1series coupe for a couple of month and I know, that it is a great car.


Nevertheless we had a chance to examine the trunk. There are some additional bulges and covers housing the power electronics that require a significant part of the original trunk. I hope the space left is suitable to store some typical crates of beer to preserve the seats with their fine leather in Pearl Grey Dakota.

Needless to say that I and the other MINI E users had much interest in the car. But there was no information, if these cars will be available in Munich.

The first 700 cars will head to the US, another 160 support the olympic games in London and the first cars staying in Germany are planned to go to Berlin.

Maybe in mid 2012 or later there might be a chance for a test fleet of ActiveEs in Munich. But this all depends on the avaibility of the cars and the funding of a new test project by the authorities.


The fate of the returned MINI Es is unknown, the BMW staff could not give us any information. I hope #014 and the other cars are used for a follow on campaign (maybe London?).

Maybe a number of MINI Es will go again on the streets to fill the gap until the arrival of the ActiveE. But there was no confirmed information about this. In case this should happen, the former MINI E drivers will be contacted...

Of course there was some disappointment among the MINI E drivers that with the end of the Drive eCharged program a remarkable fleet of electric cars disappears from Munichs streets.

Traffic lights show red for MINI E.

So the traffic lights show red for the MINI E. Except some corporate cars used by BMW there are neither  private used electric MINIs nor the new ActiveEs on Munich's roads at present.