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Mini E full-electric car to debut at LA International Auto Show in November
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The Mini E, a completely electric version of the Mini Cooper, debuts at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November, to be followed by a fleet of 500 leased “to select private and corporate customers as part of a pilot project in the US states of California, New York and New Jersey.” BMW, Mini’s parent organization, says the use of that number of vehicles in real world use will provide the experience it needs for mass production of the Mini E for sale to consumers.
According to BMW, “The BMW Group aims to start series production of all-electric vehicles over the medium term…” The operative phrase is “medium term,” which we take to mean not this year or the next, but within the normal lead time that includes not only developing production engineering and facilities. What it means, however is that consumers will in the foreseeable future be able to buy a fully electric Mini.
BMW claims the Mini E will have a range of 150 miles running on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. BMW has been working in a joint project with Mercedes-Benz on developing lithium-ion batteries, along with battery (and tire) manufacturer Continental. The lithium-ion batteries are scheduled for use in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid next year.In the Mini E, a 204 horsepower electric motor is mounted transversely, sending power to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox, nearly soundless, says BMW, and “entirely free of emissions.” The batteries are positioned where the back seat would normally be in a Mini, making the Mini E a two-seater.
The lithium-ion battery pack is made up of 5,088 cells grouped in 48 modules. The modules are packaged into three battery elements. Maximum capacity is 35 kilowatt hours with transmission to the electric motor at a nominal 380 volts.To recharge the batteries, a wallbox will come with every unit to be installed in the owner’s garage. Because the wallbox enables higher amperages, complete recharging will be accomplished in only two-and-a-half hours. (BMW will require wallboxes to be located in locked garages or secure facilities).
Regenerative braking will be a major factor in expanding the Mini E’s range, up to twenty percent in urban driving. As soon as the driver’s foot is lifted from the accelerator, the motor begins functioning as a generator, thus producing braking force. In city driving, as much as 75 percent of barking can come from the generator.
At 3,230 lbs, the Mini E will be significantly heavier than the standard Mini Cooper hardtop which has a curb weight 2546 lbs. However, BMW says the Mini E will have an even weight distribution, with suspension changes and changes to the stability control to deal with the vehicles extra weight. The standard Mini Cooper uses electric power steering which will not have to be changed, however a new electric “underpressure pump” will be used to provide hydraulic pressure for the braking system. The air conditioner compressor will also be electrically powered, of course.The 500 Mini Es will all have the same exterior color scheme, Dark Silver on the body with Pure Silver on the roof. A large stylized electric plug E logo will be emblazoned on the roof and other internal and external locations. A central gauge, including an LED display in red and green to indicate electric consumption and recharge, and battery level indicator will replace the standard Mini’s tachometer on the steering column.
The Mini Es will be manufactured in Mini’s UK plant in Oxford, with installation of the motor and battery pack at BMW facilities in Munich. The cars will have a one year extendable lease and will be returned to BMW after the lease period for evaluation. Forget about getting one second-hand. BMW has not announced the lease rates or how leases will be available.And for being a production model owner, it’s much too early to know how cars will be distributed, although because of the specialized maintenance requirements, we expect that sales, or perhaps only leases, will be available in the same areas where the initial leases will be made. Wherever it will be available, it can seen in Los Angeles in November.
Photos courtesy BMW/Mini.
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