The BMW Group is about to become the first manufacturer of premium automobiles to deploy a fleet of nearly 500 all electric vehicles for private use in daily traffic. Powered by a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor and fed by a high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the vehicle will be nearly silent and emissions free.
The Mini E will have a range of about 150 miles and will initially be offered to select private and corporate customers in California, New York and New Jersey, but will first be given its world premiere at the LA Auto Show on November 19th and 20th, 2008.
As for its speed, BMW claims that it will offer acceleration to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds with a top speed that is electronically limited to 95 mph.
BMW Group says that putting 500 cars on the road under real daily traffic conditions will make it possible to gain widely applicable hand-on experience. Evaluating these finding will generate valuable know-how, which will be factored into the engineering of mass-produced vehicles.
Based on the current Mini model, the car will initially be available as a two-seater. (The space in the back seat will initially be taken up by the lithium-ion battery.) The battery can be plugged into all standard power outlets and its charge time is strongly dependent on the voltage and amperage of the electricity flowing through the grid. That’s why, in the USA, buyers will receive a wall-box that will ship with every Mini E. The wall-box will be installed in the customer’s garage, enabling higher amperage. Wall-boxes will fully recharge the batteries after two-and-a-half hours.
The Mini E’s styling is a bit different. A specially designed logo in Yellow, depicting a power plug in the shape of an “E” is set against a silver backdrop. It will be applied to the roof, the front and back, and the charger port lid.
Production of the approximately 500 cars will take place at the company’s Oxford and Munich sites and is scheduled for completion before the end of 2008.
If you’re like me, you’ll be eagerly anticipating seeing these new cars on the road.
Source: BMW Group Press Club
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I hope they come to Australia soon. Pity there’s no pricing information mentioned. Thanks for the post – I Digg you
I hope they come to Australia soon. Pity there’s no pricing information mentioned. Thanks for the post – I Digg you
Hmm…interesting. How much does it cost?
Hmm…interesting. How much does it cost?
LOL, The “Mini-E” I love it!
Jiff
http://www.online-privacy.se.tc
LOL, The “Mini-E” I love it!
Jiff
http://www.online-privacy.se.tc
What if you don’t have a garage and live in an apartment building? How are you supposed to charge it then?
What if you don’t have a garage and live in an apartment building? How are you supposed to charge it then?
Thats funny. Looks like they are doing the exact same thing GM did with the EV1 over 10 years ago. Thats got to feel like a kick in the nuts huh GM. Now your about to go bankrupt, when you could have been in the front of the pack. I hope all that money from big oil was worth it…
Thats funny. Looks like they are doing the exact same thing GM did with the EV1 over 10 years ago. Thats got to feel like a kick in the nuts huh GM. Now your about to go bankrupt, when you could have been in the front of the pack. I hope all that money from big oil was worth it…
You can sign up to become a test driver here:
httP://www.minispace.com
You can sign up to become a test driver here:
httP://www.minispace.com
This vehicle runs on electricity, and electricity generation (in most cases) is not emission-free.
This vehicle runs on electricity, and electricity generation (in most cases) is not emission-free.
When can I get one? I drive 122 miles a day and this would save a lot.
When can I get one? I drive 122 miles a day and this would save a lot.
Now that’s what I’m talking about! A nice small car with a good engine. This is fantastic!
Now that’s what I’m talking about! A nice small car with a good engine. This is fantastic!
Wow more if these cars and we won’t have for the dot for no fuel taxes will get collected Look how many people will be out of work. At least coal and nuclear plants that produce energy happy
Wow more if these cars and we won’t have for the dot for no fuel taxes will get collected Look how many people will be out of work. At least coal and nuclear plants that produce energy happy
gm -i still remember flint michigan were you made 10 million in profit and closed the plant to ship to mexico paying workers a 10th ; and didnt a gm ceo say once even God couldnt close gm ? i like to see americans work even if under toyota///billion and million dollar ceos of greed usa you need ethics in managing
We all know all electric is the way to go and the technology is there. I hope you have the balls to deliver but watch you back.
Good luck.
Mini fan
We all know all electric is the way to go and the technology is there. I hope you have the balls to deliver but watch you back.
Good luck.
Mini fan
I’d love to be a selected person, but I live in teh Washngton, D.C area.
Is there any chance?
I’d love to be a selected person, but I live in teh Washngton, D.C area.
Is there any chance?
Over priced golf cart with no future.
Over priced golf cart with no future.
BMW is not going to produce the Mini E.
BMW is not going to produce the Mini E.
Could have had electric cars years ago if the oil companies and car manufacturers had not stopped it! Watch the DVD “Who Killed the Electric Car”!
Could have had electric cars years ago if the oil companies and car manufacturers had not stopped it! Watch the DVD “Who Killed the Electric Car”!
Is this another High Priced EV that requires a year’s waiting list just to get into a vehicle? The Oil Companies can restrict their oil production and bring up the price of gas. EV companies hold back production to keep prices inflated to where the common person can’t afford their pricey vehicles.
Is this another High Priced EV that requires a year’s waiting list just to get into a vehicle? The Oil Companies can restrict their oil production and bring up the price of gas. EV companies hold back production to keep prices inflated to where the common person can’t afford their pricey vehicles.
When and if succedes why not incorporate a small petrol charger waiting to get mobile beats sitting on your arse
When and if succedes why not incorporate a small petrol charger waiting to get mobile beats sitting on your arse
Google, Torrent, the movie “Who Killed The Electric Car” study it closely, weep for America, and get on with building a better place for your grandchildren! While you are at it gos see this monument the Detroit Automaker corperatists have left America:
http://uprooted.jessicareeder.com/2009/09/detroit-and-the-100-dollar-house/comment-page-1/#comment-3003
http://www.marchandmeffre.com/detroit/index.html
Google, Torrent, the movie “Who Killed The Electric Car” study it closely, weep for America, and get on with building a better place for your grandchildren! While you are at it gos see this monument the Detroit Automaker corperatists have left America:
http://uprooted.jessicareeder.com/2009/09/detroit-and-the-100-dollar-house/comment-page-1/#comment-3003
http://www.marchandmeffre.com/detroit/index.html