| Company: | BMW |  |
| Brands: | Mini E | |
| Pricing: | $850 a month lease | |
| Range: | 150 miles on one charge | |
| Speed: | 95 mph | |
| Batteries: | Lithium Ion |
BMW’s experimental electric car, the Mini E, is coming out next year. 500 vehicles will be made available to those living in the New York or Los Angeles area. At $850 a month, the lease will cover “all required technical service and maintenance”. The cars must be returned to BMW at the end of the lease, though options to extend will be available.
The Mini E features it’s own regenerative breaking technology. When you take your foot off the accelerator, the motor reverses and acts like a generator, using the energy to recharge the battery.
Charging is performed using a standard wall outlet, or by a special charger installed in the customer’s garage. The special charger can complete it’s job in only 2.5 hours. “Only customers with lockable garages or some other secure space in which to charge the car will be eligible to lease the Mini E.”
I really like the ideas presented in this car, even if it’s a 2 seater. Leasing one for $10,200 a year is a bit much, considering I could buy the gas powered 2008 mini cooper for $18,000. But for those looking for a temporary electric solution, this car might be perfect. It looks sporty and fun to drive, just like the rest of the Mini Cooper family. CNN reports the Mini Cooper to be reveiled at November 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show
13 Comments Received
October 31st, 2008 @9:14 am
I’m so disappointed about the cost! I knew it was going to be expensive, but I was hoping it would be reasonable.
November 1st, 2008 @5:38 pm
I own a mini and loved it. I think it would be a great candidate for electric.
The main reason I wanted to leave a reply or comment. Why don’t someone put up a 500 mile race at some race track and all enters must be electric. Give them a big purse and have parameters similar to a street cat. 500 miles would give the winner enough of a challenge.
November 22nd, 2008 @4:35 pm
It could be great when we see a mix of electric and petrol cars, be cause as we all know its not the cars that blast CO2 everywhere, it only counts for 5-7%.
have you seen the electric mini?
December 3rd, 2008 @11:48 am
When Millions of cars are charging their batteries every day will the current electric networks overload?
December 4th, 2008 @7:39 am
No, the batteries won’t overload the network. Most cars would charge slowly overnight when the demand for electricity is low. During the day people could park their car in a sunny place and use a solar panel in their windshield to get an additional free charge. I think the bigger issue is how to recycle or dispose of the millions of batteries.
December 7th, 2008 @10:14 pm
hello!!!!!please visited this websites to see a new model….
June 24th, 2009 @3:57 am
Very sexy car! And perfect for driving in any city!
But one question: every time you recharge the battery, does the battery life shorten? (like in laptops ect.)
Also a pity about the price… But its probably a huge investment in the long run!
January 30th, 2010 @7:53 pm
Yeah,a bit expensive but i love the fact that bmw and other car companies is working out to continuously produce electric cars.They are much environment friendly and fuel efficient.
March 1st, 2010 @12:48 am
I’m curious how much it cost in electric bills per 2.5 hour charge.
May 1st, 2010 @1:05 pm
Can’t wait to see more of this…I’ve been really impressed by the Mini cars I’ve seen lately. Not cheap by any means, especially compared to similarly-priced cars.
May 11th, 2010 @6:00 pm
It could be great when we see a mix of electric and petrol cars.
May 23rd, 2010 @2:04 am
question: every time you recharge the battery, does the battery life shorten? (like in laptops ect.)
May 23rd, 2010 @2:05 am
I own a mini and loved it.
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