Introducing the green Mini E
October 20, 2008 by Matt Brogan
The BMW Group will be the world’s first manufacturer of premium vehicles to deploy a fleet of some 500 all-electric vehicles for private use in daily traffic to act as a test bed for the new technology.
Mini E will be powered by a 150 kW electric motor fed by a high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion battery, transferring its power to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox which is also both noise and emission free.
The new battery technology developed for Mini E, which was specially engineered for automotive use, has a theoretical range of more than 240 kilometers. Mini E will initially be made available to select private and corporate customers as part of a pilot project in the US states of California, New York and New Jersey with the possibility of the program being extended to European buyers.
Peak torque of 220Nm is available from word go and delivers seamless acceleration to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds (top speed is electronically limited to 152 km/h to save battery life). The suspension system has also been modified to match the weight distribution characteristics offered by a car laden with batteries. Surprisingly though, Mini E is said to lose none of the agility and outstanding handling made famous by the brand.
By introducing the Mini E, the BMW Group has drawn strongly on its unique technological expertise in the field of drive systems to develop a vehicle concept enabling zero emissions without renouncing the joy of driving. Putting the cars on the road under real daily traffic conditions will also make it possible to gain widely applicable hands-on experience.
Evaluating these findings will generate valuable know-how, which will eventually be factored into the engineering of mass-produced vehicles. The BMW Group aims to start series production of all-electric vehicles over the medium term as part of its Number ONE strategy. Mini E will give its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19 and 20, 2008.
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Very Cool
THE best looking electric car,this side of the tesla,with real power and range………
Any idea on charge time?
TMR says it charges up in about 2 and a half hours
Charge time is dependant on the source. It can be charged from any normal power outlet but a ‘wallbox’ which is included with the car charges a completley flat battery in around 2.5 hours.
how’s about induction charging at all intersections, charge while u wait. some people on here may wonder if there is any facility/option to electrocute cyclists as you hoon past them
Done.
Mass produce it, sell millions.
Why test this? It’s 2008 ffs.
I wan’t my electric car now, stat!
Wow a real car rather than a Prius!!!
150kw is more power than a R56 cooper S!!
I think the biggest challenge for electric cars are the batteries.
I mean, if they can’t even get the battery right in my Macbook Pro or Nokia Navigator phone, I can’t say I have much confidence in using a battery operated car.
I’d hate to see how much it’s going to cost to replace the batteries once they don’t hold a charge anymore.
You’d be suprised to learn (perhaps)that alot of the battery technology in this world is controlled by oil companies. ie, companies with an hidden agenda.
Like most things with computer it’s kept at a certain controlled level, no point giving you a 24 hour battery when you can buy more accessories or upgrade when the old one stops charging as fast :) this is why we’ve seen few advances over the years.
You only have to look at companies like Tesla which have a battery with awesome range, good recharge times and is relatively environmentally safe/easily recyclable and that’s just the first edition.
They can make them better, but they are just holding them back.
About time the mini was given a sensible sibling. Issigonis would approve albeit only a 2 seater. Clubman/Crossman are all a waste of time. Still not sure plug-ins are the way though. Brave move that bmw are finalising development using realtime feedback in ‘owners’ hands. If more manufacturers did this they might learn a bit more, much faster and at lower costs.
^and pinkie, are you stirring things again? haha
Y did they not put 2 in wheels motors in the rear wheels and the battery up front? Very the speed by varying the current to the motors. A small low RPM high torque car with rear wheel drive, now that would be fun.
Fantastic! I agree with Ray E. Lets stop stuffing around and give it to the people. We need these cars yesterday!