MINI Admits Issues with MINI E Program
Recently MINI revealed to us some insight into the current MINI E field trial program. We got to drive the car (a review is coming) and we talked about some of the insight that they have gotten from the program launched earlier this year.
There is little question that the MINI E field trial was a bold move for BMW. It was designed to give the automaker valuable data and feedback on a large scale roll-out of electric cars among other things. It also placed BMW in the electronic infrastructure business – something that was expected but still uncomfortable for the German manufacturer.
Some of the bigger issues MINI USA has had to deal with revolve around the plug design and installed the home charger. For one a worldwide standardization of connectors does not currently exist. The connector used on the MINI E was not compatible with previous generation chargers so it made installation of new equipment mandatory. On top of this the entire process required timely installation by electricians and checks by local inspectors. And of course local laws and permits needed varied greatly.
Some areas where MINI found issues around where fleet customers not working with MINI to determine charging locations quick enough. Also there was the issue of post-installation troubleshooting and who pays for that service visit.
MINI went on to say that the public infrastructure will be prioritized with next generation products. However this is assuming J1772 and ISO standards are harmonized, which is still a BIG IF. Also vehicle to grid communications will play a bigger role and will things like subscription plans, smart phone reservation apps and load leveling.
Range anxiety is a big issue with not only the MINI E but any fully electric car. Also MINI said that re-thinking residential charging options will be a must as will a more aggressive public infrastructure strategy.
But all is not wrong with the program. MINI has found that owners have been bordering on evangelical about their cars and their experiences. More important the vast majority are thrilled to be involved in the program.
Look for a review by Michael (editor of BimmerFile) in the coming weeks. Hopefully some day (once MINI invites me for an official test-drive) I’ll be able to add mine as well.
<p>April 19, 2009 … from <a href="http://www.gas2.org" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.gas2.org</a> : “Caroline Reichert, a spokeswoman for the Germany energy company RWE, said leading automotive and energy companies have reached an agreement for a standardized plug for electric cars. Some of the automakers include in that agreement are Volkswagen, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Fiat, Toyota and Mitsubishi”. I’m guessing this came after the MINI E program had their own design.</p>
<p>I gathered all the MINI E blogs I could, recently – it’s amazing there are so many, for so few cars in USA (and I didn’t include the Twitter-based ones!)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.google.com/reader/bundle/user/07139630650278968191/bundle/MINI%20E%20blogs" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.google.com/reader/bundle/user/07139630650278968191/bundle/MINI%20E%20blogs</a></p>
<p>Of course there’s a number that aren’t updating, but it still shows huge initial excitement – and a number of owners continue to update apparently enjoying their car :)</p>
<p>What’s also worth noting is the non-availability of this technology outside two areas – while I’m sure a bigger roll-out would include more parts of the country, it’s clear that these cars are limited to populous parts of USA, and so far batteries don’t like cold, surely keeping them out of New England, Chicago, for example …</p>
<p>It’s great for BMW/MINI to gain experience with this on a reasonable scale, especially in the Northeast where regulations often appear haphazard and outdated.</p>
<p>Just like hydrogen, it’s the infrastructure to support the technology. Electric cars appear like good alternatives for cities, but there are no charging stations and no quick way to establish them. I think of the local communities in and around Boston who are parking in the street or in rented spots at private homes and garages. Each of theses places would need to accomadate charging and individualized fee assessments for the electricity to make the electric car work. Right now I rent a spot in a garage in a private home. There’d be no way for me to set up a charge station.</p>
<p>For now, I guess we’ll focus on more effiecent engines and lowering weight to improve ecomony. I’m also looking forward to stop-start tech hitting the USA.</p>
<p>Unless there’s something like this:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-18766-Better+Place+Targets+Tokyo+Taxis+for+Battery+Switch+Application" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-18766-Better+Place+Targets+Tokyo+Taxis+for+Battery+Switch+Application</a>..html</p>
<p>A Battery Swap station, I cannot see EV’s taking off. The range is a big issue. Also, the fact that the range can be GREATLY changed by weather (too cold or too hot = less storage), the usefulness is going to be limited by location.</p>
<p>The more I read the more they botched the whole thing! Sad.</p>
<p>“Hopefully some day (once MINI invites me for an official test-drive) I’ll be able to add mine as well.”</p>
<p>Huh, that’s kinda weird they haven’t had you drive one yet? I got to drive one and the torque is amazing!</p>
<p>A lot of interesting information in this article featuring the BMW North America manager of electric vehicles:
<a href="http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/11/mini-e-field-test/" rel="nofollow">Mini E Field Test Highlights Roadblocks Facing Electric Cars</a> (Wired Magazine)</p>
<p>MINI/BMW should get together with Nissan. Nissan will be releasing the Leaf next year and them partnering together to try and make further influence upon the various State and Municipal Governments for amendments in the laws that govern electricity would be improved. From what I have read Nissan has made great inroads into building relatonships with a lot of the governments in some of the larger cities across the country to make it possible to form the infrastructure needed to support this kind of technology.</p>
<p>Edmund’s blog asked 10 owners of the MINI E if they had the offer to buy their MINI E after these lease runs out would they? All 10 owners said yes. Even with the 850 a month. They enjoy it and I think I would too. Not all the kinks are worked, but most of them should be if they release this thing.</p>
<p>BTW… the Torque steer is also amazing… amazingly bad.</p>
<p>If you read in detail about what the barriers were to rapid and smooth roll-out, almost all of them have to do with local permitting and charger installation issues. To some extent, these issues are a bit out of BMW control. It’s really hard to say “they botched the whole thing.”</p>
<p>This was launched as a learning effort, and learn they did!</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>This is exactly why it is good that MINI limited the number MINI-Es and the markets they are available in. Could you imagine the nightmare a large-scale national roll-out would be? Even if MINI did not foot the bill for charger installs they would still be expected to offer support. Then you have the major issue of training service technicians at all the service centers. They almost certainly don’t cover high voltage AC electric drive systems at auto repair school.</p>
<p>MINI learned again they had their heads up where the sun don’t shine.</p>
<p>@Peter Braun: How so? Please explain.</p>
<p>I don’t think that any reasonable explanation will be forthcoming. To some who think this whole effort is folly, every stumble will be seen as reinforcing the position that it was wasted effort even before it started. To those who think it’s a good idea (like me), we’ll see the bumps in the road as nessisary evils or growing pains.</p>
<p>Life will go on….</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>The biggest problem sofar besides the standardization of connectors is still the range for the car. If they would put the car on production it should have at least twice the range and a short charging time. If they could realise this, the car would be an instant hit.</p>
<p>@Peter Braun: I’d like to know why you think BMW are so anal over this too?</p>