+ 1000 Miles Later, "Good Evening Alejandro."

ZOOOOM! 

Hmmm, where do I start...  

Let me start by saying, this driving experience is one for the record. With well over 20 years driving, some flying and boating, I can say there is nothing like driving an 'Electric' car.  Wait a minute, "A Pure Electric Car!" (Laughing with a sinister smirk)

In today's chronicle, I'd like to share a few things I've picked up over the last three weeks.

  

-I have been able to achieve 110 miles to the full charge. (mixture of highway and city)

-Driving 70MPH or less conserves energy use.

-Driving in windy conditions will use more energy.

-Driving on cold days (50 degrees or below) will use more energy.

-Cruise control does fairly well with energy conservation.

-Regenerative braking is so cool.  It really doesn't matter to me if it works or NOT!  Say it with me, "Regenerative Braking!"  LOL

-Even in an Electric Car, BMW remains a 'Chick' magnet... (Hehe)

--->And I heard from all ages, that car is soo cool!

-Reminder to men and women who are 6' or greater.  This is a short base model and so will the i3.  

--->I have to retract your arm to use the iDrive controller.

--->Same applies when reaching for the door handle to unlock the door.

Some good learnings indeed...  Hey!  Have you ever wondered, what would it be like inside the ActiveE while you pull off and begin your electric mobility?  Well, ask no more.  Here's a sample.  Tell me what you think. 

                   Pleased to have reached the 1000+ mile club.

Alejandro, Our Newest Family Member...

Welcome back to another conversation about Alejandro - Our BMW ActiveE!

Mann... There is nothing like the feeling you get when something is 'New'. You can smile if any of these sound vaguely familiar.

                         -You check on your new thing.

                         -You clean your new thing.

                         -You appreciate all that surrounds this moment.

It's equally satisfying when the entire family share in the euphoria of the new thing. Yeah, I know Alejandro is another car in our collection but unlike days gone by, my ladies, (The 'Our' I refer to) - includes my wife, and two children are enthralled about Alejandro. "Hey Ladies!"

Enter Alejandro... I inspect the interior.  I take a deep inhale - using my senses of smell to sample the authenticity of our BMW ActiveE 1-Series; I know what a BMW should smell like.  I check the center console for favorable gadgetry.  I wrap my hands around the steering wheel.  Ahh Yes!  I know this feeling, this is no mock up.  The big question that remains to be answered is, will my ladies embrace Alejandro on our journey towards the future of automotive mobility? I am happy to say with an emphatic and a resounding 'YES!'  The ladies are impressed and satisfied so far.  Good start Alejandro!

In closing, there are a few things I've observed since driving our BMW ActiveE 1-Series I'd like to share.

• It is amazing quiet at low speeds.
• It is surprisingly smooth.
• It is Go-Cart 'FAST!'
• With smooth right pedaling - Regen is a snap! 
• ECO Mode (Need I say more)?
• It feels like an electric scooter (My daughters tell me).

Until the next time we meet, enjoy the ride, I promise to enjoy mine!

Gerald Belton

 

Introduction...

  Hello, my name is Alejandro. I am the New BMW 2011 ActiveE (135Ci).

Have you seen me on the road? 

Are you wondering what kind BMW is that?

Could this be an electric car and from BMW?

What's up with those designs on the car?

Of course 'YOU' know the answer to these questions.  Fact is, your friends may not and the passer by surely is befuddled by the looks  of your pristine 'Bimmer' and even more surprised that BMW has an electric car.  Some may also question themselves and say, "Why don't I have one of these 'Electric Cars?" (Smile) Some of us are really lucky to have one.


If you are reading this, you might be a current ActiveE Owner, an automotive connoisseur or perhaps someone who is interested in the future of mobility.  Whatever you call yourself, you are welcome to read and comment on my BMW ActiveE Blog.


In summary to my first post here.  I am Introducing Alejandro - 'The New BMW ActiveE' to my family, friends and readers.  Over the next 24 months, I will chronicle my experiences with the ActiveE.  I encourage my readers to participate with me and ask, comment on my posts; thank you.


Until the next time we meet, enjoy the ride, I promise to enjoy mine!


Gerald Belton

Other Blog: If You Don't Know, Now You Know!