Wednesday, February 22, 2012

ChargePoint adds another Burbank, CA charging location

Happy to report that this site is now up and running.

I charged there during my lunch break today at 5.4 kwh with no problems. This is a great location and close to the 134 Freeway. Just exit at Pass Ave.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Yet another reason why I love driving the ActiveE!

As the gas prices climb, I'm thankful to be driving a 100% electric car.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Charging in Burbank, CA



Tried to get a Level 2 charge today at 327 N. Pass Ave in Burbank, CA but was bummed to find that both ChargePoint chargers at this location were down. They should be working soon but probably best to call ChargePoint first before stopping by. The website showed them being functional. I called in to alert them. Looking forward to this location being up and running soon.

Monday, February 13, 2012

2000 miles on electricity rather than gasoline!

As we close in on our first full month with the ActiveE, we just crossed the 2000 mile mark earlier today. Driving on electricity is wonderful. The technology and refinement that BMW has put into the ActiveE is top notch. I'm so happy to be testing this vehicle, knowing that when the BMW i3 arrives, most of the bugs and such will be worked out and finally everyone who wants one will be able to lease or purchase a BMW Electric Vehicle.

Something about driving a fast, smooth, exciting vehicle makes me smile. No matter what crazy stuff has happened during the day, I find that when I get behind the wheel of the ActiveE, it all melts away and the fun driving experience takes me away. Peaceful, Quiet, Fun, Fast, Exciting...it's quite the package. For those awaiting delivery of their own ActiveE, it's worth the wait, I promise.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Plugging in at work with the portable charging cable

I was going to write a little something about hitting 1000 miles but I'll be at 2000 tomorrow, so I thought what the heck, I'll wait and write about that then.

For now, click here to view a video where I show you the two different charging levels of the 110 portable charging cable.

When I shot this video I hadn't found the manual. Here's the official word from the manual: The cord set provides a selectable charge rate based on the minimum current capability of the interface plug and the cord set conductor sizes. The standard charge rate is 12A and the reduced (2 lights lit up) charge mode is 6A @ 125V Max. Depending on where the vehicle is being charged, the charge rate may need to be reduced to below the maximum current rating to prevent tripping the upstream circuit protection. This can be accomplished by pressing the big orange button as I do in the video which will select the low charge rate.