Whats Worse than Range Anxiety?

After three predictable commuting weeks within comfortable EV range/recharge, including one longer trip into NYC and back, I was getting used to the range limitations of the MiniE. Then came my trip to the Jersey Shore this past weekend. Granted, the logistics of this trip were a bit daunting - 65 miles down to my son's place in Belmar, then relying on the 120V recharge during my 7 hour visit, to get back home with the thirsty battery for a full recharge at home all day the following Sunday.

Well, the brain of an EV driver is constantly running the algorithm of descending capacity against remaining miles (Range Anxiety, or RA), and about half way back I realized the worst was coming to pass. Yes, thats right, Range Panic (RP). My Plan B was hastily activated, which meant pointing the MiniE slightly West and visiting my Mom's house for an overnight refresh (shaving 15 miles from the drive), and continuing home the next morning. Any port in a storm - which was exactly what was coming as I faced the lightning and storm clouds directly ahead.

Initially, the RP receded back to the relatively more pleasant RA state, but again, as I neared the final destination, that feeling came back with a vengance - and this time amidst a torrential downpour and lightning bolts surrounding me... I will STILL not make it. I needed 5 miles more range. My kingdom for a kilowatt-hour. Then I saw it - the Lukoil station with the outdoor Coke vending machine. My prayer was answered with an available second outlet, and I was soon left to my meditations amid the pounding rain on the roof of the MiniE for the 1 hour 20minute battery booster shot, looking at the pump with the $2.45/gallon offer just out of my grasp. I am now back on the predictable path, a wiser EV driver, with no serious consequences. But lesson learned. Know thy limits.