MINI E finally official, 500 available soon for US test drivers

The much-anticipated, well-expected MINI E -- the first all-electric MINI -- is headed our way before you know it. BMW's built itself a decent performer, offering 204 hp of electric motor in a setup quite similar to the Tesla. The car boasts a 150 mile range off its 35 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, can hit 62 mph in 8.5 seconds, and does a full charge off of an included high current charging station in a mere 2.5 hours. There's naturally a regenerative braking system on board to help beef up the battery in city driving. BMW plans on leasing 500 of these to commercial and private customers in California, New York and New Jersey sometime early 2009, and Europe might get a crack at the car soon after that. No word yet on when we'll see this car ready for the masses, but perhaps we'll get more info when the MINI E makes its "debut" at the LA Auto Show next month.

[iansilv Posted Oct 18th 2008 7:41PM]

a mini just pulled up beside me...

You know what cracks me up? These stupid f&@$ing car companies doing tests like this to we if consumers like them. Like it takes a Harvard grad to figure out people don't like paying for gas....

"gee thompson, does the rear arch show consumers want electric cars that don't need gas?"

"well after we have spent five years and millions of dollars on market research, it turns out people are pissed about high gas prices! Who knew?!? So yeah, we think we might sell a few 150 mile range pkugin 2.5 hour charge minis!"

I WANT the American manufacturers to fail because of their stupidity. That volt better be pretty freaking cool.

[Valicore Posted Oct 18th 2008 10:01PM]

I don't think he should get downvoted for being frustrated with American car companies. Toyota starting kicking our ass 35 years ago after the oil embargo in the early 70s. They were complacent and powerless to do anything while they got clamored. I must add however I really think that American manufacturers have stepped up their game in every way: reliability, gas mileage, and design. I've seen cars carrying Ford logos that made me do a double take recently because they actually looked good. While I'm sad to see our car companies struggling, Toyota has done well by us in terms of making affordable, reliable cars, and doing it in the US with American employees. In the end I think the best will be for both of them to survive, because now that American car companies have up-ed their game, Japan and Korea will innovate even more to compete creating a competitive environment that leads to good things for us - the consumers!

[JohnnyGTO Posted Oct 18th 2008 7:59PM]

I think they need to give me one to test in the Arizona desert heat, it's not a dry heat when it makes you sweat so much.

[Strangedaze Posted Oct 18th 2008 8:24PM]

I hate to be the kill-joy but we've seen this senario played out in "Who Killed the Electric Car". They know there's a market for the EV why not just sell it? Instead of 500 available to lease, make it 5000 available to buy and move forward with more production based the first year's data. How are we as consumers expected to commit to electric vehicles if the auto makers are only going to dabble in it?

Aside from my gripes with the leasing, I think this would be a great if it were available at $35k and would sell well.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2008 6:36PM]

RB beat me to the punch. All you who are excited about this, I hate to burst your bubble, but they are playing you.

Read closely: LEASE.

Then go rent "Who Killed the Electric Car?"

[Eddy120876 Posted Oct 20th 2008 4:00AM]

Im all for 100% freedom from Oil,coal or any other form of fossil fuel. The only problems I have with the Mini and most electric cars are :

1- Most of the Minis and that other electric car comp(sorry can't recall the name) are not made for poeple that are taller then 6'5"(trust me i been on both duringt the NY autoshow and it was hell.

2- If you are a family men or plan to be you can't fit your family and groceries there

3- Also those eletric cars are not so visible to trucks or SUV's so not a good idea to drive then from state to state.


Aside from that I'm in favor of Fossil Fuel Independence.. Go Obama

[Valicore Posted Oct 18th 2008 8:49PM]

Am I the only one who thought this was Google's Android car?

[WebOn Posted Oct 19th 2008 1:38AM]

yes, ur alone

[kingu Posted Oct 18th 2008 9:20PM]

Is this modeled after the prototype that was not endorsed by bmw? Wonder if it has hub motors?

[fourblades Posted Oct 18th 2008 10:46PM]

I'm sure this will be expensive as this is BMW engine afterall. Their basic is close to 20k, their extended Clubman is close to 30k, so I'm assuming this would be close to 40k or above it... I must say that 204hp is a lot more powerful than their supercharge or their turbo engine... and that's not in JCW edition.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2008 12:10AM]

HOARY NEW JERSEY. Oh God, please no one rape me.

[maestro610 Posted Oct 20th 2008 11:32AM]

I have to say I was excited when I saw Jersey listed on there too... I'd love one myself, but it depends on the pricing at the end of the day... If they're smart they'll put this up for test drive at the New York Auto Show next year I'd wait on line to give it a drive around the course.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2008 1:22AM]

I'm pretty sure BMW are going to change their pricing strategy completely after reading these posts and the $5000 seems to be a going rate for all their models. Oh, BTW, they just started adding BMW 1s to every Happy Meal!

[WebOn Posted Oct 19th 2008 1:39AM]

mini M.E.

fixed

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2008 6:12AM]

the real problem for city dwellers...like me...is where do you plug it in? I have to park on the street or in a garage, which i can tell you isnt equipped to charge my car and when they will be the customer will be billed for it.

[frankenbeans Posted Oct 19th 2008 9:14AM]

Great, now can I get the roof in... no, not a British flag... how bout,
solar panel!

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2008 2:31PM]

Sign up to become a test driver here:

http://www.minispace.com