I’ve now logged 20 consecutive days behind the wheel of the Electr02, covering 1,000 miles over the last month. Rain and out-of-town commitments were the only interruptions that could keep me from savoring its daily ritual. Most days, I managed to squeeze in 2-4 hours of charging at work; on others, I got by without it. All of this on a humble 120V outlet, without a Level 2 interface, relying on the onboard 3kW charger, even if it only utilized 1.5kW. With a 45-mile range, my routes were brief, but fortunately, a dozen or so small towns lie within that radius, including those hosting friends, family, and my office. Once I had the range dialed in and my makeshift ‘fuel gauge’ calibrated, there was just one instance where I came up short and required a tow. The process of tuning that gauge came with its hiccups—two incidents, in fact, that ended in tow trucks. Both happened within a mile of home, making for some embarrassment, but they were valuable lessons that put my range confidence in the right place.

Range:

• At an enthusiast’s pace through flat terrain: 45 miles.
• At a snail’s pace (keeping to speed limits, coasting to stops): 50 miles.

My goal for this summer was straightforward: daily driving the Electr02 and entering a couple of autocross events. I managed to sign up for two but didn’t get to run. The first event left me with a bit of philosophical musing about EVs, while the second was lost to an untimely illness. The nearest autocross track sits about 40 miles away, presenting a dilemma. Without charging facilities nearby, I’d need either a tow or an overnight stay. The flat tow dolly that came with the car seemed like the simplest answer, but come race day, we discovered that the 02, now lowered even further by its new springs, needed an absurdly low hitch—one we didn’t have. We had to call it quits for the day. It sparked a reflection on the car’s utility: a daily delight, yes, but limited by its range when it came to reaching the best roads and driving events. I’d envisioned doubling the car’s battery capacity over winter, imagining more freedom—enough to reach the great roads and return. But now, having lived with the car day in and day out, I realized that its lighter front axle and shifted weight balance made for an incredibly balanced twisty-road companion, especially on short courses. For now, I’ll leave the setup as-is and focus on equipping a better tow vehicle while mulling over future plans—whether that means a hybrid system, a battery trailer, a generator, or some mix of the three.

Performance:

• 140kw @ 4000rpm  into the motor, probably about 135whp.
• 2200 Lbs 48% Front / 58% Rear 
• 0-60 7 Seconds 1/4 mile TBD 

The Electr02 feels transformed with 250 fewer pounds on the front axle and the fuel tank weight moved ahead of the rear axle (and increased). Though I don’t have original corner weights for a stock 02, the electric motor and modern battery yield a distribution of 48% front and 52% rear. Initially, with the updated battery placement, the car rode on stock springs, cut in the front. The rear struggled with 300 pounds of batteries, leading to awkward handling in tight turns, as the tail bounced the front in and out of grip. Swapping in H&R springs brought balance, but introduced initial understeer as the front spring rate pushed weight off the nose. A pair of cut H&R springs at the front restored harmony, with an extra 100 pounds of weight on the front axle, yielding delicacy on turn-in and mid-corner corrections that felt almost telepathic. Under hard braking, the car straightens, with an inner front tire that protests just before lockup. The rear, with its weight and lack of an LSD, grips mightily until loaded to the edge, where the inside tire becomes the weak link. The dance at the limit between front and rear is exquisite. With the front singing at apex and a well-timed transition, the rear answers on exit. It’s a narrow window but one I hope to widen with better roll control.

Not all aspects of the performance shine, however. With enough torque to dust most 02s from a standstill, the Electr02 hits the next corner with more speed than before, and the brakes quickly find their limit. Initially suspecting a bad bleed, I discovered through summer work that the brakes were simply being cooked. A brake upgrade is needed, but one compatible with the 13-inch steel wheels I use daily, preferring to save the autocross tires. The transmission, shifter, and clutch system also need attention. The linkage and mounts cry out for a rebuild, and the master and slave cylinders have never inspired confidence. This winter, alongside the brakes, these will get a refresh, with urethane bushings for added strength. The rear subframe and trailing arms also await a rebuild, stiffer bushings, and camber compensation for the lowered stance. It promises to be a busy winter, but with dividends waiting in spring.

As a driving machine, the Electr02 is a joy—easy ingress, straightforward operation, free from distractions or grating intrusions. It’s all about the drive. While the 2 Series may be considered its modern-day equivalent, decades separate the Electr02 from when BMW last pushed the “sporting sedan” ethos forward. Modern cars, built for purpose, often lose out on that general motoring bliss, bliss that an electrified classic amplifies. The absence of engine noise clears the mental deck; fewer distractions mean a heightened drive. Modern EVs might isolate you with their tech and cabin cocooning, but the Electr02 amplifies each connection: a whisper of tire hum, the fleeting scent of heated brakes, a trace of rubber from the road. It’s an experience more intimate, one that demands the driver find their own engagement—the engine won’t do it for you.

Of course, even serenity has its disruptions. The battery and associated systems need proper enclosures to pass tech inspection for autocross and reduce NVH by securing the rear seat area with trim, covers, and sound insulation. The gauges need a refresh, carpets need replacing, the headliner needs cleaning, and the center console begs for installation, complete with a modern radio and center speaker.

Find joy in a light electric car, and you’ll notice yourself regularly carrying 10mph more at apex, neighbors smiling and waving as you pass. No one’s day ruined by the roar of exhaust; they hardly notice your pace. In smiles per mile, this might be unbeatable. Now, as fall wraps the Midwest, the Electr02 takes its place in the garage, awaiting winter improvements and another summer I can’t wait to greet.
 

Winter, Spring, and Summer Goals for 2025

Mechanical:

• Upgrade front brakes (final setup TBD).
• Replace front and rear bushings with urethane; solid subframe mounts; adjust RTAB and add bump steer spacers up front.
• Rebuild steering linkage bushings.
• Refresh shifter linkage bushings.
• Remove old rear battery boxes.
• Replace rear differential mount.
• Upgrade rear sway bar and bushings.
• Replace front sway bar with hollow, adjustable blades, and new bushings.

Exterior:

• Weld, repair, and repaint the front panel down to the lip.
• Replace rudimentary body electronics wiring with waterproof fuse and relay bus.
• Cut and buff paint.
• Replace window trim chrome inserts.

Interior:

• Rebuild and polish gauge cluster with new trim and bulbs.
• Update wiper and signal actuators.
• Install a proper battery enclosure.
• Create and install rear seat and parcel shelf covers.
• Install an interior light activated by door entry.
• Install a modern radio and console.