BMW MINI Cooper E

Recently, BMW has unveiled some information and photos of the much anticipated MINI E. For those who haven't been paying attention, late last spring BMW announced plans to build and lease a fleet of 500 battery powered MINIs starting sometime in 2009. The battery can be fully charged through a standard outlet in about eight hours.

MINI E All Electric Plug-InWeighing at 1,456 kg or 3,230 lbs, the MINI E is now lightweight champion. However, the electric motor compensates for the extra weight by producicng an impressive output of 204HP (150kW) and a peak torque of 220Nm which is good enough to accelerate the "electrifying MINI" from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 8,5 seconds. The vehicle's top speed is electronically limited to 152 km/h (95mph).

MINI will offer each buyer a wallbox with higher amperage that will be installed in the customer's garage enabling a full recharge in just 2 1/2 hours. The MINI E also features a brake regeneration system that transforms kinetic energy to electricity replenishing the battery. According to BMW Group officials, the lithium battery offers the MINI E a driving range of more than 240km or 150 miles.

For the exterior, we can see there is an absence of an exhaust pipe(s), the MINI E is distinguished by the bright yellow decals on the rooftop and a stylish logo depiciting an electric plug that makes its appearance on the hood, the roof, the fuel-cap which now hosts an electric socket, and on the rear door.

The two-tone grey-yellow color scheme is continued in the vehicle's interior. The only differences between the 'E' and its conventional siblings in the cabin is the battery level indicator behind the steering wheel that replaces the MINI's rev counter and the absence of the rear seat bench.