MINI E

The MINI E is currently undergoing field trials in the UK, as well as in the US and Germany.  In autumn 2009, a total of 40 electric MINI Es began a six month research period in the South East of England. The carefully-selected drivers pay a government-subsidised monthly lease of £330 to use the cars in their normal daily driving routine. BMW will be recruiting a further 20 pioneering drivers for their second trial period in mid 2010. The results of the research will play an essential role in the car’s development and the company says that ‘there is a long way to go before such a vehicle is truly ready for mass production.’

Lithium-ion batteries make MINI E a 2-seater electric car

The lithium-ion batteries are made up of 5,088 individual cells grouped into 48 modules which are connected in series. High power wall boxes are installed in research drivers’ garages which fully charge the vehicles in around 4.5 hours, although BMW warns that using an adapter in an ordinary 13A socket will take 10+ hours.

The batteries are located in the space that would normally be occupied by the rear seats in a three door MINI, making the MINI E a two-seater with limited cargo space in the back.

Range and performance

The range of the cars is between 100 and 120 miles under normal driving conditions, which gives a comfortable margin of safety compared with an average round trip between home and work of 40 miles.

The car’s output is 201hp with 220 Nm of torque, powering the car to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds and on to a top speed (with electronic cut-off) of 95 mph. The single stage helical transmission is derived from the Cooper S gearbox.

One reason for the extended research programme may be to reduce the effects of ‘regenerative braking’ in the MINI E. This process captures the kinetic energy generated when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator, and the car coasts, and tops up the electricity stored in the battery. BMW say that, ‘While we’re all used to the car slowing down a bit when you take your foot off the accelerator, in the MINI E, the resulting slowing of momentum is dramatic.’ It also gives time to educate the potential customers that this is something they’ll just have to get used to.