So, I got an email this morning that the application period for the MINI E (100% electric, zero-emission MINI) field trial is open.
They are putting a fleet of 500 on the road, as sort of a beta-test. You have to live near metro LA or NYC. I'm just not sure how they define "near". Is Hartford CT close enough? It's like 100 miles... I think the point is so that you are close enough to a dealer that you can get there without the battery dying. (they say the range is 157 miles/charge under ideal conditions, 100-120 realistically.)
This thing sounds awesome- check it out:
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I think it would be super cool to try one.
So, what the hell, I filled out an application. I doubt I qualify, but what's the harm in trying.
They asked a bunch of interesting questions, like "who's your favorite pioneer/inventor/explorer?". And "do you own an iPhone? Original, or 3G?" ("both" was not a choice) "What three inventions could you not live without?" "What three historical figures would you like to have on a road trip?" "How do you see the state of transportation in 50 years?" "What do you do to reduce your impact on the environment?" "Why are you the perfect candidate to have a MINI E?" "do you maintain a profile on: myspace, facebook, twitter, yelp [etc etc etc they listed about 30]?"
And then...
"Do you have a blog? If so, what is the URL? And if so, would you be willing to contribute to a blog about your experience with the MINI E"
Crap. I wasn't really sure what to put there. I mean, yes, I have a blog. But do I want the head honchos at BMW/MINI reading it? Will my nonstop obsessive boy-drama and talk of brazilians automatically disqualify me? But at the same time, I think being like 'yes but you can't read it' would be frowned upon.
So... I gave them a link.
(And so Paul, if you start getting hits from BMW- keep me posted. ha!)
I doubt I'll qualify based on pure geography alone, but.... I guess you never know.
you're seriously willing to pay $850 a month for the lease of that thing??
that is insanity!!!
Who did you put as your fav. inventor?
wow, that's so awesome. I would buy one or blog about it in a heartbeat. Although, I guess that means I would have to rewire my garage.
Oh I don't know. The boy drama and brazilians might just get you in.