Yes, this is a Mini and it is electric!
An electric Mini has been in the pipeline for a while and recent rumours that Tesla had provided the technology to help bring it to fruition have led to the first image of the Mini E which is being showcased soon at car shows. Equipped with a 572-pound lithium ion battery of unknown capacity, the MINI E reportedly has a range of 150 miles after an 8-hour charge. Its electric heart beats out 204-horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, which should be plenty to make this MINI scoot. Indeed, the run to 60 should take a bit over 8-seconds and the top speed has been limited to 95 miles per hour. The entire car weighs in at a bit over 3,200 pounds and regenerative braking is used to extend the range. Body modifications are minimal, with unique badges and paint separating the E from its gas-powered siblings. On the inside, the gages have been switched up, with a multi-function unit in front of the driver, though the speedometer is still front and center in the middle of the dash.
It's good to see the introduction of vehicles like this at a time when the Government is putting a huge cash injection into the automotive industry. Do YOU think the future's electric?
48 comments:
This looks like a standard Mini . . . which is FANTASTIC! I can't wait for this to come out. I loved the whole reinvention of the Mini and they are so cool, but I never got one. This would make me get one as long as the price is right. Bring it!
Looking good, and some nice specs.
The electric mini is a huge leap forward. It's not a purpose built electric car, it's a MINI!
If all car manufacturers offered a standard car and an electric version at the same price, I'm certain the sales of the electric ones would be through the roof.
Yes you're right they would. The change needs to come from the manufacturers and so these cars are common. Then we can lead the e-revolution.
The electric mini (using tesla technology) is a breakthrough. I am very impressed.
TThe MINI E:
572-pound lithium ion battery
150 miles range per 8-hour charge
Consumption 4.4 miles/kWh
204-hp & 162 lb-ft of torque
0-60 bit over 8 seconds
Top speed limited to 95mph
A bit over 3,200 pounds
Regenerative braking
WOW!
Super, thanks Frank!
More details:
Lithium pack maximum capacity 35kWh.
Nominal 380 Volts to motor.
Contains 5,088 cells grouped into 48 modules.
Edit Charge port looks similar to but definitely is not the same as the Tesla's.
Seems like it's using commodity cells, just like Tesla is.
No details on pricing.
Update: Between 500 and 1000 examples will be made and leased out to selected customer in New York, LA, New Jersey and possibly London, cities where the necessary recharging infrastructure is already in place.
E-Mini would be so cool. When's it out and how much will it cost????
That's a work of beauty even when not electric! Add the zap of pizzazz and you have a classic,.
An amazing addition to the increasingly great list of EVs
The interior is so sexy. This car is dripping in it.
I love it, I want one. I'll take two. Wonder if Madonna will too.
and electricity comes from where? Hydrogen is the future.
The future us ELECTRIC! YES!
The future is ELECTRA!
I am so pleased this has happened. It's the first commercially available vehicle to simply be modded to be electric for consumers. It's simply brilliant. I really hope this is out for everyone after the tests mentioned above. Hail Mini!
I think the Mini will make a whole new type of comeback when this comes out. You'll see a lot more Mini owners and alot more businesses with Minis. I persnally am so exited and cant wait!
Brilliant, I can see it now: a whole bunch of minis making no noise and creeping up on everyone! I love it!
I really really like this, bring it please. NOW!
a wonderful little car and here's hoping it materialises and is available to the wider consumer.
if cars continue to look like normal cars withstanding upgrades that add to their style and design, I believe e-cars are the future. But ones like the GWhiz need to be put to bed. They've done more against the cause of electric cars than for it.
I am loving this Mini E. I own a normal mini and can't wait to trade it in for thi±!
I cannot find any more details on this. Please divulge.
is anyone else snowed in?
Any electric cars have problems in the snow yesterday?
Hi gang, had a great day off from college yesterday because of the snow. Was thinking about walking in but the college closed! I would have liked to trudge through the snow though, it wasn't so cold, just deep.
A good day for walkers and car drivers but hell for public transport and cyclists. Sometimes you're just at the mercy of the elements eh?
The G Wiz my neighbour owns just died in the snow. I don';t think he wants to give it a burial as it's pretty much buried anyway. So much for this little electric car.
Bring on the big boys and the REAL electric babies, including the Mini E!
LOL@Your name! That name again is Mr Plow..
I spent much of my time online yesterday due to the snowfall and searched for the Mini E, it looks ace!
No release date is annoying and no guarantee it'll come to consumers.
the future is definitely electric!
I love this car and the electric plug logo, please release it soon!
Super car, better than the electric ones out there and with the backing of a manufacturer like Mini it's sure to attract a lot more buyers. Here's wishing it every success, and awaiting the all important price tag announcement.
Has anyone seen the Toyota IQ? Not electric but hybrid I think. Looks like a smart car but greener?
I saw something about it in yesterday's metro, looks ok but i'd rather hold out for the Mini E.
The IQ is cool in that it's a small car with few emissions (hence no road tax) but it's more a GWhiz than a Mini.
The Toyota is basically a small 4 seater and is not suitable for tall people of around 6 foot.
Here's more info:
http://www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/frame_start.jsp?id=iQ_exp
Its a bit pricey too at just under 10k!
Save your money, that's £10,000 you can put towards your ZERO fuel cost electric Mini which you can drive in style knowing it has the backing of a massive reputable car maker such as BMW.
There's a new post up with a picture of the IQ!
It does look nice, but yes, I'll stick to a Mini E!
This one's a winner if it has the guts to go straight for a standard release. If they guage reaction to how many businesses lease it there really is no point at all. They should allow it to be out on the roads by consumers and not be afraid and wait for the business litmus test.
Never thought of it like that, the business release is a test and PR exercise then they decide if it's worth mass producing?
The electric Mini will be as exciting and revulsionary as the original mini when it came out, I'm certainly looking forward to it!
James, do you really mean 'revulsionary', Here's hoping it doesn't revulse anyone!
I think he meant revolutionary!!!!
enuff, whens this out!!!!
I WANT ONE TOO!
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