Electric MINI revealed -- The Mini E

[graham]

UK next in line for MINI E testing?

the Telegraph is saying that a plug-in version of the MINI could be "on sale in Britain" by the end of 2009 (we assume the lease-only model for these cars will continue). If MINI's test program does move to the UK, it would expand the test areas beyond Germany and the U.S. to the iconic car's home turf. That's fitting, no?

As for the already-announced test locations, the New York and LA participants should be getting their MINI Es in the next few weeks while Berlin and Munich residents need to wait until later this spring

 

[vfx]

A friend of a friend here in LA has his now.

 

[DDB]

A friend of a friend here in LA has his now.

What does he think about it?

 

[vfx]

What does he think about it?

My connection is too far removed to get a quick answer. Maybe in a week or so.

 

[vfx]

Jay Leno drives it.

 

[TEG]

Jay seems to be getting more and more knowledgeable about EVs these days.
( Although there were a few little odd comments like "electricity doesn't like hot and cold weather", but I suppose some EVs do involve battery heaters and chillers ).

He has driven just about everything so it is fun to see his somewhat dispassionate reviews with the smirky humor to keep it interesting.

 

[vfx]

Jay teaches us regen:

"You step off the gas, you...you're putting electricity back in. You create friction* which runs the electric motor..."

*(rubs hands together on the word "friction")

 

[JRP3]

Not that long ago Leno was fairly anti-EV, constantly acting as if his 1909 Baker electric was the equal of the EV1 and other modern EV's since it could go 100 miles on a charge, ignoring the fact that it did so at 25 mph without modern conveniences like A/C and a stereo. I see he's still using the Baker as a comparison though he's forced to admit it doesn't really hold up. Good to see that he's being dragged kicking and screaming into the future.

 

[vfx]

I came back to say that too. He even gave the 23mph Baker speed twice in the piece.

Clearly he has come around -and wants credit as a pioneer.

 

[TEG]

To heck with their burnout proof traction control... A bootlegger turn is only a handbrake away!

 

[Palpatine]

Gearing up for the Mini E

A friend of mine in California, Stefano Paris, is very close to getting approved for one of the 500 Mini Cooper electric vehicles.

He just had the site inspection of his garage and electric service.

Gearing up for the MINI E « Peak Oil Garage

 

[TEG]

Cool... Well known EV supporter.
Stefano's Plug-In Electric Vehicles

 

[dpeilow]

MINI Spirit returns | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

All a bit speculative, but:

Electric models could further improve the car’s interior space by locating the batteries in a thin sandwich under the car, and placing electric motors in all four wheels.

Technology to propel this version of the machine is reportedly already well advanced, and has already been publicly trialled in a prototype MINI called the E. This machine, which uses a battery and engine set up similar to that developed by American sportscar firm Tesla is set to be made available in small numbers in both the USA and Germany.

There’s no word on pricing for the newcomer, but given the advanced technology it’s expected to offer, it’s likely that flagship models will cost at least £20,000. A concept paving the way to full production is tipped to make an appearance at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

 

[TEG]

Electric models could further improve the car’s interior space by locating the batteries in a thin sandwich under the car, and placing electric motors in all four wheels.

As apposed to the Mini-E where the batteries took over space previously occupied by the back seats!

 

[doug]

EV WORLD COMMENTATOR PERSPECTIVES [BLOGS]

...imported vehicle preparation facility with scores of BMW Mini E electric cars being prepped for delivery. The three additional photos below are courtesy of Mr. Ormesher.

 

[Ripper]

Mini-E

They are billing this one as the opportunity to lease the first highway legal electric vehicle in the U.S. that's priced below $100,000.
Mini E Enthusiasm On The Rise As Deliveries Begin - AllCarsElectric.com

 

[graham]

They are billing this one as the opportunity to lease the first highway legal electric vehicle in the U.S. that's priced below $100,000.

Can it truly be priced below $100,000 when they are not actually for sale?

 

[doug]

From Stefano:

 

[TEG]

IEEE Spectrum: Top 10 Tech Cars of 2009

By the way, the Mini-E being front wheel drive, but with the pack in the rear, has got to be rather traction limited. I think the ACP150 could easily smoke/spin the tires, so they probably have to "detune" it a lot via traction control.

Tesla has the right performance approach with much of the battery weight resting on the driven wheels.

(Discussion of weight distribution vs traction here)

 

[dpeilow]

First MINI E delivered to customer