500 lucky 'select private and corporate customers' in California, New York and New Jersey are going to get their hands on an all-electric, 204bhp Mini Coopers. As part of BMW’s research and development of electric drive they are, "putting some 500 cars on the road under real daily traffic conditions will make it possible to gain widely applicable hands-on experience”. It is also great publicity and another sign that electric cars are going to be part of all mainstream auto manufacturers.
The Mini E comes with some funky electric yellow highlights and a non-too-subtle electric plug motif; the rest of the paint job is a high tech silver grey. Inside the Mini E, techie goodies include a battery level indicator, power consumption and regeneration gauges.
The costs of silent driving are pretty low, as the 28kwh drawn to charge the battery will cost around $2.80 (at 10cents a kwh) and gives 150miles (240kms) of driving. The gas powered Mini One gets 10miles (16kms) to the liter and with gas at around 90cents per liter (in the USA), it means the Mini E costs $2.80 versus $13.50 for the gas version.
The large battery means the mini loses the rear seats and weighs 600lbs more than a regular Mini. The suspension has been modified so the great Mini handling is still maintained.
BMW Mini are pitching the Mini E as being a zero emissions vehicle, which is true as it is driving but the electricity to charge it will come from coal and gas powered power stations. What these lucky owners really need, especially in California, is roof mounted solar panels on their garage and another battery to store the renewable energy that can then be put into the Mini E overnight. Then the Mini E truly will be a zero emissions auto.
The Mini E will have its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov 19th 2008
Visit: http://www.miniusa.com
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