The all-electric MINI E will be powered by a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor powered by a high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion, transferring its power to the front wheels via a helical gearbox nearly without a stage a sound and entirely free of emissions. Specially designed for automotive use, the battery technology will have a range of over 240 km, 150 miles. The MINI E will initially be available to select customers, individuals and companies as part of a pilot project in the states of California, USA, New York and New Jersey. The possibility of offering the MINI E in Europe and is being reviewed. The MINI E will give its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19 and 20 November 2008. The BMW Group will be the first manufacturer in the premium automotive world to deploy a fleet of 500 electric vehicles for private use in daily traffic.
By introducing the MINI E underlines BMW Group is the determination with which he is working to reduce energy consumption and emissions in road traffic. BMW Group is drawing on its unique technological expertise in the field of drive systems to develop a vehicle concept enabling zero emissions without renouncing the joy of driving. Putting some 500 cars on the road under real daily traffic, it will be possible to gain widely applicable experience. The evaluation of these findings will generate valuable know-how, which will be a factor in the design of mass-produced vehicles.
