The Mini E - Batteries included
The battery-powered Mini E is set to go on a 12-month trial of UK roads, after the Technology Strategy Board - the government body responsible for promoting business innovation in technology - approved part of a £25m fund to help finance the project.
The cars will be run for a year by a variety of business, private and public-sector users in the south-east of England, with the aim of evaluating the practical and technical realities of using an all-electric vehicle in a real-world environment. (Stop yawning at the back! Ed.)
The Mini E’s lithium-ion battery-powered drivetrain produces 201bhp and 162lb ft of torque (from 0rpm, of course), meaning that the 1465kg car can get to 62mph in 8.5sec and reach a limited top speed of 95mph.
The significant drawback of the Mini E, however, is the fact that the battery pack sits where the rear seats really ought to be
Fully re-charging the battery using off-peak electricity takes four-and-a-half hours and, at current prices, will cost around £1.50. Using higher-rate daytime electricity, the cost will still be less than £4.00.
Mini has not yet confirmed a specific launch date or any pricing details for potential UK customers.
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