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.
