The cool electric Mini test

Starting early next year, Californians will be able to lease an electric Mini. The Mini E will make its official debut later this month at the L.A. Auto Show, when all the details will be announced. But we do know this — it will cost $850 a month and prospective lessees must have a lockable garage to qualify. The car must be kept in there along with a 220-volt wall charger that comes with it.

Anyone who does go for the deal will be a de facto test driver, since BMW (manufacturer of the Mini) is making the car available only in certain parts of the country while the hardware and maintenance facilities undergo final-stage shakedowns before going to a wider market. BMW will stay in touch with Mini E drivers on a regular basis for feedback.

The Mini E has a range of 150 miles, but since it needs to be recharged at home, that’s a radius of 75 miles tops, although it can recharged fully in 2 1/2 hours. It’s also a two-seater because the lithium-ion battery pack goes in the rear quarters. But BMW still promises some noise-free, zero-emissions driving fun. The lease lasts for one year with an option to extend.

—Colin Ryan

Photo: Mini

Comments

[Christopher Higgins]

I think the mini rocks and this one is even better!
Wish I could get one.

[Arye Michael Bender]

This Mini is too limited and too costly. Plug-in hybrids seem to be a more practical answer.

[boogie]

Why don't we just convert all cars to compressed natural gas. CNG is clean, easy to distribute, plentiful everywhere, and CHEAP. Current vehicles can be converted for about $1000, and new cars can be built for little or no extra cost. There would be no distance restriction, because current gas stations could be converted to CNG stations for almost nothing.

[Radical Raul]

Two thumbs down to both BMW and the elitist who lease these vehicles, and this PR program.

How about selling it a reasonable mark up?

Disgusting.

[Sal B]

$850 a month for a 2-seater that won't have the performance of a regular Mini? I don't think so.

[richard schumacher]

If it's such a bargain then T. Boone Pickens should convert cars for free, knowing that he'll be selling them CNG forever after.

[Steve]

I would much rather drive the BMW 1 Series diesels that they have in Europe. Way better than either an overpriced two seater Mini or a Prius,

[sean]

what's with all the negativity? it's a test car. I don't believe in trickle down tax policies, but trickle down technology works. $130 for a 100watt equivalent LED light is expensive, but over time the price could plummet.

[tiddlywinks]

How much will my household electricity bill go up?

[Peter M]

To boogie:
IIRC, in California, you can't have a CNG or LPG tank in the same compartment as the driver and passengers of the vehicle. That means that all hatchbacks and station wagons, Mini included, are out of this option.

[dss]

Think about it like this... the early buyers, or in this case leasers, are helping fund the R&D. The excessive first year prices (on this and the Volt and others) help the manufacturs with costs, testing and gauging public reaction. They get to be the first on the block with the cool stuff while helping it to make its way to market.

In a few years, they should have an electric mini for the rest of us.

[Agnostic Free Thinker]

A 75 mile radius doesn't sound too practical to me.

Would have to be able to recharge the Mini on the road in a reasonable amount of time. Otherwise, the impracticalty of a rechargable electric car will restrict it's market severely.

[RabbitR]

Carting around 500 pounds of batteries is such a waste. When those batteries are tossed out they will cause much more pollution than they would have saved.

The real story is that the 65mpg diesel Mini will finally be coming to America. England has had 60+ mpg cars (Honda/Toyota/etc) for years but the manufacturers and our own government have made sure they are not available to us.

Also be on the lookout for the diesel Accord in 2009/2010.

[Renegade]

BMW should offer the car for free to word-of-mouth trendsetters in alternative energy like Larry David, Ed Begley, Dicaprio...even Villaraigosa....with an advertisement on the side of the car. $850 to regular customers is just not even remotely affordable to us regular people who embrace Pres-Elect Obama's support and spirit of volunteerism towards our future.

[NV]

Obviously none of the cheapskates on this blog can afford $850 monthlies much less a locking garage.
Now, if you're trying to make sense please sell me on a Ford Expedition, or a Chevy Suburban or something ...

[KenR]

$850 a month to lease a MINI E? That's ridiculous! I'm a supporter for more efficient vehicles but cost is and always will be a factor. I suppose because it's a limited amount of 500 that it's priced this way. Perhaps in the future, they'll go down in price. :-( At this point...Goodluck to the first 500! And...The MINI E may not emit any CO2 but one has to consider the way the electricity was generated to run it. Coal? Unless you charge the MINI E from sustainable sources (i.e. sun & wind), it won't be a REAL emission free ride.

[Jeff]

BMW is a for profit company and they will do well with this car for those that are the early adopters.

For those wanting to convert cars to CNG, you can pay for the conversion kit for me, and I'll be more than happy to drive it. 'Till then, call me when the shuttle lands.

[Keith]

Nobody is forcing you people to lease this. Why are you whining about the price? It's a test car. A beta version. A status thing. What don't you get?

[Ben]

Boogie, where can you find a conversion to CNG for $1,000?

[A Scanner Darkly]

If you leased this and set it up as a R&D expense would the $850 month be tax deductable? If so, after tax consideration, the net cost would be less than $600 (assuming a 30% bracket).

[356man]

$850 a month will buy a lot of gas. I'd hate to get rear ended in one of those crates, too...

[Jose Cervantes]

What a farce!! Who in there right mind would spend this amount of money for an electric vehicle and a two seater at that ?? Has to be locked in a garage-what?! Get rid of the restrictions! We will never be free of Mid east oil and start driving alternate powered vehicles if we don't make it easy for the consumer. You need a second car- probably an SUV to carry your stuff and family because there will be no room with that battery! what a joke!!