The long anticipated electric version of the MINI will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on the 19th and 20th November 2008.
Named the MINI E, it can achieve an impressive 62 mph in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 95 mph. Not at all bad for an electric vehicle. However there is a price to pay, based on the current MINI Hatch, the car will initially be available as a two-seater. The space normally inhabited by rear passengers will be lost to the lithium-ion battery. The battery can be recharged from a standard mains socket however using the specially supplied Wallbox which allow a higher amperage, the Mini E can be completely recharged in two and a half hours.
Intially, 500 will be made available to lease in the US although the Oxford plant in the UK will become its home. Oxford will be responsible for manufacturing the entire vehicle on the standard production line. Sadly it will not be available to UK customers for the meantime.
