An Electrical Flirtation

Even though I’m not traveling at this time, I don’t lead a dull life. For example, I’m having an electrical flirtation that has nothing to do with AI companions. 

The war without an end led me to research EVs over the past few days. Although I can’t charge one at home, there’s enough fast charging stations within four miles of Le Crash Pad to make ownership viable. All I need is a $200 third party adapter and 30-40 minutes of my time once every 7-10 days and I’m good to go. 

However, after weighing the pros and cons of EV ownership I’ve determined trading in Miku or purchasing a gently used MINI Cooper SE or Ford Mach-e outright makes no sense unless fuel rationing is on the horizon. For now I’ll maintain the status quo, $6.80 a gallon 91 octane be damned.

While Miku’s future is somewhat certain, Artoria is going nowhere. 

After her battery was replaced she was temporarily afflicted with the automotive version of amnesia. Apparently it’s common for a newer MINI to “forget” how to regulate the alternator if power is completely lost for whatever reason. This resulted in her getting less than 20 MPG in the city in recent weeks. Ara ara!

Luckily, driving long distances will in most cases recalibrate the computer and things return to normal. A few hours ago I took Artoria out for a 32 mile cruise around San Diego’s freeways at a steady 70 miles an hour. She rewarded me with 41 MPG during that run, easily the best she’s ever performed during my two years of ownership.

Artoria has a 16.1 gallon fuel tank, and even if she only got 30 MPG on a road trip it’s obvious I’d be a fool to consider trading her in for an EV. She’s just too good — and practical — to quit.