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Mini Cooper goes electric

The BMW Mini Cooper E plug-in is a zero CO2 emission car that will be available in 2009 in a limited rollout of 500 vehicles in New York, New Jersey, and Los Angeles.

BY JOSE MORENO | jose.moreno@newsday.com

October 21, 2008

The Mini E can go from zero to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds and will have a range of 150 miles on a single charge.
(BMW USA Photo)

BMW is getting on the electric-car bandwagon with what may be the most stylish alternative-fuel vehicle to date. The Mini Cooper E plug-in will be available in a limited rollout of 500 cars in New York, New Jersey, and California in 2009.

This will be the German manufacturer's first foray into the alternative fuel world, competing directly with the Honda FCX, Chevy Volt, Tesla Roadster, and Toyota Prius plug-in. CHECK OUT THE MINI E PHOTO GALLERY

The MINI E features a 204-hp. motor propelling the car from zero to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 95 mph. The car has a range of 150 miles on a charge.

The cars are not identical to their gas-powered counterparts because they have to haul a lithium-ion battery pack, which takes up so much room that the Mini E is forced to ditch the backseat. This extra gear also bumps the Mini E's weight to 3,230 pounds, up from a Mini Cooper's 2,568 pounds. The car will also come with a special charging adapter installed at an owner's home that recharges the Mini E in 2 1/2 hours. It also can plug into a standard wall socket, but will take longer to recharge.

The electric Mini Coopers will be leased to customers for one year with an option for an extension, the Munich-based automaker said in a statement. Potential customers can visit Minispace to get the latest news from BMW and sign up the test series.

If the the MINI E is eventually sold, it would meet the same standards as the Chevy Volt for a maximum tax credit of $5,000.