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.

Car hand back

Deutsche Version
 So, now is the end of june and there came the day when I have to give back #014 to BMW.

...one last photo.

The car return took place at the MINI service center. #014 was in good condition and there was no damage. So no problems occured.
The car had 11476km (7128mi) on it's odometer at the beginning and I gave it back with 19507km (12116mi).
So I had driven 8031km (4988mi) with the car within 9,5 month. This was quite a lot for my circumstances.

#014 had no failures, no breakdowns or unscheduled service and with it's moderate mileage it would be good for another test phase.
Unfortunately I did not get any info concerning the future use of the car.
I hope there is one and I was very sad about returning the car.

The service center employee told me that it was the same with the other cars that have been already returned.

For the present the adventure of electric mobility comes to an end. But I will follow the next steps of BMW closely and I still have some posts to write.

MINI E Munich - Drive eCharged

Deutsche Version

The test fleet of 40 MINI E in Munich is part of a government research project.
Funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport there are several test regions concerning electromobility. The experience made provide basic information for future strategy decisions.

Each test region has several individual projects. Depending on the focus of each project, the partners are manufacturers of all kinds of electric vehicles, electric power suppliers, universities, research institutions, public utilities, local transportation companies and companies from the electric industry.

Currently the Munich test region is the location of  four projects. One of them is called "Drive eCharged" with the following partners:


Federal Ministry of Transportation, Building and Urban Development
Project funding..

National Organisation of Hydrogen- and Fuel Cell Technology
Coordination and implementation on behalf of the Ministry.

Siemens
Development of the wallbox and public charging stations.

Stadtwerke München
Local coordination of the projects, maintenance of infrastructure and supply of electric power from renewable sources.

BMW Group
Supply and maintenance of the MINI E electric vehicles.

Psyma Research+Consulting
Not an official project partner, but supplies the test drivers with questionaires and interviews.

The project partners are named in the yellow decals at both sides of the roof. Additional a "MINI E München - Drive eCharged" lettering decorates the rear window.

The project partners listed at the lateral roof decals.

"MINI E München - Drive eCharged" with some damage after the use of an ice scraper.

Hand over event

Deutsche Version

So finally today the hand over of the cars was celebrated in a ceremony at Munichs Odeonsplatz and the Residenz. It was  a mind-blowing feeling to know that one of the cars parked at the place will be soon my primary means of transportation.

MINI Es at the Odeonsplatz

Between bites, cappuccino and talks to other prospective MINI E users I got the key and the contract documents. The car with the number 014 should be my future set of wheels.

Where is  #014?

Found!

Equipped with the key I could get a first impression of "my" MINI. The car was not a new car. It was one of those that already had a one year lease period in the USA. It was overhauled before beeing part of the new project.

The mileage was 11476 km (7132 mi).

Mileage.

Soon after the program started on the specially built stage at the Odeon Square with speakers from politics and from the project partners.
Unfortunately the weather was pretty cloudy, wet and windy, so it was difficult for the relatively few guests both holding the umbrella (which was by courtesy of the project) AND donating appropriate applause.

an example for both politics and project partners: Munichs mayor  Ude und BMWs member of the management board  Dräger

From the 40 MINI E the Bavarian Red Cross received 10 cars, 26 cars went to private users and 4 remained at the project partners.

On the stage there was a key hand over ceremony to a representative of the Red Cross as a carfleet user and to a representative of the private MINI E users (a photogenic lady with a daily commute of 54 km (33,5 mi) for the single distance).
In the end every speaker took part in a photo shooting demonstrating the "refueling" of a BMW MINI E at a charging station of SIEMENS, powerd by the SWM in MUNICH and subsidized by the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

Potoshooting

An official version can be seen at:
http://www.siemens.com/press/de/events/corporate/2010-09-emobility.php

What a coincident, at the street beside the event two cars were parked which represent also for the uncompromising e-mobility without restrictions (except range).

Tesla shows presence.

The first trip from Odeons square to my home was without any problems and was pretty fun.
Nevertheless #014s first practical test was imminent. 75km (46mi) to the home of my parents, predominately German autobahn.

SOC was at 80%, so I plugged the car to the new wallbox in the garage. It took 10kWh to achieve SOC of 100%. Estimated range was at 130km (80mi) which seemed to be sufficient to dare the journey.

First I was driving very cautious and keeping an eye on the SOC, which was rapidely moving. But the estimated range always had a safe surplus to the distance to destination.
So my driving became more briskly and I remembered one of the numerous "rate-the-following-statement"-style questions that was: I have convidence in the display of the estimated range. I answered by putting a check mark to: I largely agree.
So I should do so...
In short, despite a travelling speed between 120-140km/h (74-87 mph) and some 152 km/h (95mph) -peaks I arrived with a estimated range of 48km (30mi). So #014 passed its first test.