Since its entry onto the world stage in 2001, the Mini Cooper has built a solid reputation as a fuel-saver with a go-kart style fun factor. And now, BMW, Mini's parent company, is taking the vehicle in a decidedly greener direction with the Mini E -- a factory-built, fully electric Mini with an estimated range of 150 miles or more.
After the Mini E's debut at the upcoming Los Angeles auto show, 500 Mini Es will be distributed to customers in California, New York, and New Jersey early next year as part of a pilot project to road-test the car. Select private and corporate customers will lease the cars for one year with the possibility of an extension, during which the Mini Es will be inspected every 3000 miles or six months. BMW will also stay in regular communication with the drivers to keep track of vehicle performance. All repairs will be covered by the lease and performed by special technicians at bases set up in the states where the cars will be leased. If necessary, the technicians will travel to other Mini dealerships if a car can't make it back to a base.
Powering the Mini E is a lithium-ion battery that contains 5088 cells grouped into 48 modules which can store 35 kW-hrs of electricity and transmit up to 380 volts to the electric motor under maximum acceleration. The 201-hp electric motor is coupled to a single-speed gearbox driving the front wheels with 162 lb-ft of torque. While considerably more powerful than a Cooper S, the Mini E is saddled with 3230 lb to pull, up from a manufacturer-estimated 2500 to 2900 lb in a 2009 gas-powered Mini. The extra weight prevents the Mini E from beating the Mini S in terms of performance, but it matches the nonturbocharged model, scooting from 0 to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds according to Mini, though its top speed is electronically limited to 95 mph. While not as quick to 60 as a Mini S, the Mini E will likely feel quick off the line thanks to the electric motor's instantaneous torque.
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To compensate for the Mini E's extra heft, BMW has made some minor modifications to the suspension and reprogrammed the Dynamic Stability Control in an effort to retain the handling characteristics of its gas-powered siblings. Since there is no gasoline engine, the power steering, air conditioning and power brakes are all electrically driven. To save power, the air-conditioning pump activates only when needed, and the car features regenerative brakes. In fact, as soon as you take your foot off of the gas pedal, the electric motor becomes a generator and begins reclaiming energy. Doing so immediately begins to slow the car without applying the brakes, allowing the driver to let the electric motor slow down the car and generate as much power as possible, thereby increasing its range. BMW estimates that, in city driving, as much as 75% of all braking can be done by letting the electric motor slow the car rather than using the brakes and that the power regenerated can extend the car's range up to 20%, or approximately 30 miles.
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