BMW Mini Electric Cars Available in U.S. From Summer 2009
BMW has announced plans to sell all-electric versions of its popular Mini car in the U.S., starting from summer 2009.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mini USA Vice President, Jim McDowell, said that the company is still deciding whether to sell or lease the vehicles. He remained tight-lipped over exactly where in the country the cars will be available, and declined to comment on other aspects, such as range, power, charging time and price.
He also said that speculation that Mini will sell 500 EVs in California next year was premature, since no exact plans have yet been finalised. Mini will apparently make a further announcement later this year, possibly to coincide with the Los Angeles Auto Show.
- » See also: Factory Five Electric ‘33 Ford Roadster Debuts at SEMA
- » Get Gas 2.0 by RSS or sign up by email.
Commenting on the trend for U.S. buyers to move towards smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, he said, “The world is moving in our direction. The overall market is down 10 percent, but small car sales are up 11 percent. People are trading in Ford F-150’s and Hummer’s for Mini’s.”
Mini join a growing band of car-makers planning to sell electric cars over the next few years, including global brands like Nissan, Subaru, Mitsubishi and Mercedes, as well as new start-ups and independent companies such as Tesla and Th!nk. Given the Mini’s style credentials and proven customer demand, this announcement is bound to ruffle a few feathers amongst the competition.
Posts Related to Electric Cars:
- Tesla Begins Popping Roadster EVs Off Production Line
- Mercedes, Smart to Sell Electric Cars in 2010
- Th!nk Ox: An Electric Car With Style and Smarts
- California Based Ecopreneur Aims to Bring Electric Cars to the Masses
- Nissan to Sell Electric Cars in US by 2010
- New York Power Authority to Test Subaru R1e Electric Car
Image Credit - 18percentgrey on Flickr via a Creative Commons License
Uncle B. I have to ask, your refering to Ted Kennedy right? Not nice to kick the man when he is down.
“The next time you hear a blithering idiot spoiled brat, drunken, drug addicted, sociopath, rich daddie’s Arabic saber dancing boy,”
“Ford F-150’s”
Maybe.
“Hummer’s”
No.
“Mini’s”
No.
Aunt B said of Uncle B -”Also, if you’re going to chide a nation, at least spell “prophet” correctly.”
Why would you expect that, as nothing else he said in his overlong comment bore any relationship to ‘correct.’
Electric cars have EVERYTHING to do with politics, don’t kid yourself
CANT WAIT TO BUY ME ONE !
When an american once in a while make finally sense, is being honest and trow on everybody’s face the real truth, there is always the “classic” idiot that talk without thinking that the world might be reading what he is writing and laughing about how arrogant and stupid he is.
JIM, It is time for people like you to be deported on another planet among with IDIOTS like you.
JIM, shut up and go have a crap-bath. That seems the only place for imbecils like you and your friend “dablubush”.
I SUPPORT AND ADMIRE UNCLE B.
a FOREIGN!
Cant’s wait for the next report. The Mini is still a little too small for me. It is though a great concept from across the pond that will help drivers with less consumption, while still looking sporty.
I thought it was spelled “profit” when it comes to T. Boone Pickens plans for alternative energy.
Sounds good, but it all depends on how long it takes to charge and how far it will take you.
I support Uncle B. Don’t tell me Iraq war has nothing to do with oil. Don’t tell me killing so many people is justifiable. I am not a US citizen, but I think US can do much better than that.
Good for BMW - always a leader in technologies. First the hydrogen 7 series, land speed record for hydrogen cars (a modified Z8) and now this.
Good cars and environmentally friendly. Nice job guys.
While I am not opposed to electric cars, one should consider all of the costs and benefits. If you live really close to work, or have other associated costs, then it may make sense. London is a great example of where electric cars may make sense. I read a great article titled “Electric Car Finds its Niche” at http://economicefficiency.blogspot.com/2008/08/electric-car-finds-its-niche.html The lady talks about how the car helped her to save a ton of money, as well where it doesn’t work well with her.