Friday, February 5, 2010

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New Electric MINI Launched

Oct 22nd, 2008 by Mary Perkins

MINI has manufactured a new ‘MINI E’ model, which will go on show for the first time next month. It is electric drive, with lithium-ion batteries, which are charged through an electric plug.

The MINI E, which looks set to be another classic, will be released in a limited number, on a leased basis, to select customers in Los Angeles, New York and New Jersey. BMW, who own the MINI, have hinted that they are already considering expanding its sales to other cities like London.Â

Mini E

The car is a 2-seater, with its electric motor under the bonnet supplying 204 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It drives the front wheels directly using a single-stage helical gearbox, and draws its energy from the battery pack where the MINI’s rear seats would usually be. MINI say that the car will accelerate to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds. As a city car, its top speed has been limited to 95 mph in order to conserve energy. It will travel 4.4 miles per kWh (approx 227Wh/mile), and 150 miles per recharge. One recharge takes about 8 hours. MINI says it will retain the agile handling of more conventional models.

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