Mini has an electric car that they are putting into a one year test program. The Mini E is a fully electric Mini coupe. They will be leased to 450 people in California, New York and New Jersey in a one year test program. The cost to lease is $850 per month plus tax and insurance. The cost is approximately twice of what you can lease a standard Mini.
The Mini I can only seat two people since the back seat is taken up by the batteries. The motor is a 204 hp electric motor, with an estimated range of 150 miles. Performance is 0-60 in 8.5 seconds....with the top speed of the vehicle 95 mph.
The car boasts a 150 mile range off its 35 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Charging the electric Mini with a high current charging station is 2 1/2 hours. As with most hybrids and electrics it is equipped with a regenerative braking system to charge the battery in city driving. 
BMW will begin doing testing in Europe in 2010. No formal production plans have been announced, but BMW is using the Mini E as a test mule. They actually plan to deploy the technology in 2012 in another car.
Here is a great resource for additional information from the LA Times.... Mini E Leases Put Electricity In Air!
My take is that they should deploy this electric technology in the Mini! They would sell like hot cakes.
Peter, thank you for the information on the mini E. You keep us up to date on the cars that are coming out. That is a lot of money for a lease. You do not even own the the car after paying out $ 850. a month. $ 10,200. for the year. We choose to pay for something outright if we are going to spend that much money. We would rather own than rent, even a car. Thank you for the information. You will keep us updated on this. Have a good day.
ReplyDeleteDan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"
Hi Dan & Deanna,
ReplyDeleteYes, you are correct! That price would lease a very nice luxury car!
This lease is for a developemental car...so it is not the ususal lease. This is the kind of thing that die hard green people would want to be involved in! Yes...even pay for the privilege!
If someone is going to keep their car for a long time then owning is definitely the way to go. Leases generally work out better in the short run!
Thanks for commenting!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Dear Pete,
ReplyDeleteYou posted great information about future car. You are full of future technology trend of car. Many hybrid, some electric, and hydrogen technologies. All of them look good. But, I feel there are chaotic situation on which way current car makers would go. I think basically go for electric. There will be some other technologies adopted in transit period. I appreciate your opinion.
Thank you for your informative post.
Shaw Funami
Fill the Missing Link
Hello Shaw,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comments! I try to bring up cars that are interesting. The car business is in the most difficult time in it's history.
I am planning a series of posts to outline the situation. Look for my paradigm series!
My next car will probably be an electric car. I like what Tesla has done with the S Model. I will be going up to the factory to do a report from there as soon as Tesla schedules.
Thank you for your great comments!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Hi Pete .. the car I learnt to drive on .. wonderful .. except it wasn't electric.
ReplyDeleteIt looks good and sounds very interesting .. and we'll see how it goes ..
Thanks - brings back memories!!
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Hi Hilary,
ReplyDeleteThe Mini is such a classic British car! I was thinking that the Mini E would be a great electric car....Mini's are so much fun to drive!
Thanks for commenting!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online