Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Most Mini E drivers adapt to their electric vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/most-mini-e-drivers-adapt-to-their-electric-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/most-mini-e-drivers-adapt-to-their-electric-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/most-mini-e-drivers-adapt-to-their-electric-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini e
Mini E - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the battery-powered Mini E certainly has some limitations - like two seats instead of four and a real-world driving range that's well below 100 miles - it seems that the vast majority of Mini E drivers have adapted to the vehicle's shortcomings and are extremely pleased with their electrified rides.

In conjunction with BMW, the University of California, Davis Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Research Center compiled testimony from a subset of "more than 40" of the 450-odd drivers who took possession of their Mini Es back in June of 2009.

Among other things, the year-long survey revealed the following:
  • All of the respondents agreed that electric vehicles are fun to drive and practical for daily use
  • Respondents claims that the Mini E met 90 percent of their daily driving needs
  • 71 percent of respondents drove less than 40 miles a day; 95 percent drove less than 80 miles a day
  • 88 percent of respondents showed a strong interest in buying a plug-in vehicle within the next five years
  • By the end of the lease period, Mini E drivers overwhelmingly thought that the electricity used for charging their vehicle should come from renewable energy sources.
More importantly and perhaps a deal breaker for some, several of the Mini E lessees "adapted their driving around the capabilities of the vehicle." For example, the reduced range due to running the heater or A/C led some drivers to make do without those comforts. Would you be willing to make such sacrifices?

Continue reading Most Mini E drivers adapt to their electric vehicles

Most Mini E drivers adapt to their electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwelectric vehicleminimini emini electricmini evMon, 13 Jun 2011 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19965758/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/13/most-mini-e-drivers-adapt-to-their-electric-vehicles/19965758/article-detail.xml 19965758 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mini-e-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mini-e-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Mini E to be phased out in a year, Coupe goes on sale this fall]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/14/mini-e-to-be-phased-out-in-a-year-coupe-goes-on-sale-in-the-fal/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/14/mini-e-to-be-phased-out-in-a-year-coupe-goes-on-sale-in-the-fal/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/14/mini-e-to-be-phased-out-in-a-year-coupe-goes-on-sale-in-the-fal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini E
Mini E - Click above for high-res image gallery

When asked about the arrival of the production Coupe and Roadster at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Mini Communication Manager Nathalie Bauters told us that the Mini Coupe "will go on sale in the fall, probably as a 2012 model year. The Roadster will come six months later as a 2012 or 2013 model."

What won't ever make the retail playground is the Mini E. "It will not go on sale, it was for research," she said. Some of the leases on the first year trial for consumers and electric companies have been extended to a second year, but the end of the second year will mark the phase out of the program. A lease program with the 1 Series-based BMW Active E will follow, also to gather intelligence on electric cars, with both programs helping to prepare for the arrival of the BMW Megacity.


Gallery: MINI E

Mini E to be phased out in a year, Coupe goes on sale this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active ebmwmegacityminimini coupemini emini roadsterFri, 14 Jan 2011 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19799082/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/14/mini-e-to-be-phased-out-in-a-year-coupe-goes-on-sale-in-the-fal/19799082/article-detail.xml 19799082 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/mini-e-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/mini-e-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Race-spec Mini E laps Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/video-race-spec-mini-e-laps-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/video-race-spec-mini-e-laps-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/video-race-spec-mini-e-laps-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mini E Race - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 13-mile long Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of the most treacherous race tracks in the world, even on the best of days. Taking it on in the fog seems like a recipe for disaster. Nonetheless, that's exactly what a BMW engineering team did recently with a very special edition of the Mini E. The team took one of the battery-powered Mini models and applies some weight reduction measures to the body and then installed the usual array of racing bits. The latter included new tires, brakes and a roll-cage.

The electric powertrain underwent some recalibration, likely to tone down the overly aggressive regenerative braking before ex-DTM race driver Thomas Jäger took to the 'Ring. Jäger managed to set a reasonably respectable lap time of 9 minutes, 51.45 seconds with a maximum speed of 116.2 miles per hour. No word from BMW on how much juice remained in the battery at the end of the lap. Check out a highlight real of the lap after the jump.


Gallery: Mini E Race


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Video: Race-spec Mini E laps Nürburgring

Video: Race-spec Mini E laps Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwDTMminimini emini e racemini e testmini electricmini evMiniEMiniElectricMiniERaceMiniETestMiniEvNürburgringNordschleifeNurburgringNurburgring nordschleifeNurburgringNordschleifeThomas JägerThomasJägerTue, 13 Apr 2010 11:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19437380/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/13/video-race-spec-mini-e-laps-nurburgring/19437380/article-detail.xml 19437380 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/p90059149highres-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/p90059149highres-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Mini E range plummets as winter hits the northeast]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/mini-e-range-plummets-as-winter-hits-the-northeast/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/mini-e-range-plummets-as-winter-hits-the-northeast/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/mini-e-range-plummets-as-winter-hits-the-northeast/#commentsFiled under: ,

MINI E - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our friend Dr. Lyle Dennis of GM-Volt.com is one of 450 privateers in the regions of New York or Southern California who managed to get on the list of lessees for the battery-powered Mini E. Dennis has been driving his Mini E for the past six months, although it has not been ideal. This past week in particular has been trying as the northeastern part of the United States got slammed by heavy winter weather and cold temperatures.

As we learned recently from the guys at Consumer Reports with the Mitsubishi i MiEV, winter and battery cars are a less than perfect pair. All cars loose efficiency for a number of reasons when the mercury drops, but EVs are particularly problematic. When outside of their optimum temperature range, batteries become reluctant to release their electrons.

Dr. Dennis has a daily commute into Manhattan of about 27 miles each way, which we don't consider an unusual distance in the U.S. As the thermometer read 23 degrees Fahrenheit last week, the battery level gauge was on 0 after a 55-mile round trip to the office that included two hours on the plug while there.

The temperature affects not only the battery directly but also adds load to the entire electrical system. The car's heater is driven directly off the battery so staying warm cuts range as well. In warmer weather, Dennis has been getting about 75-80 miles out of the same car. Perhaps General Motors really is onto something with the extended-range Volt.


Gallery: Quick Drive: MINI E


[Source: GM-Volt]

Mini E range plummets as winter hits the northeast originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cold weather EV performancecold weather workoutsColdWeatherEvPerformanceColdWeatherWorkoutsElectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehiclelyle dennisLyleDennisminimini emini electricmini evMiniEMiniElectricMiniEvMon, 28 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19295544/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/28/mini-e-range-plummets-as-winter-hits-the-northeast/19295544/article-detail.xml 19295544 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/mini-e-drive-580-01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/mini-e-drive-580-01.jpg <![CDATA[Underwriters Lab holdup means some MINI Es will take all day to charge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/07/underwriters-lab-holdup-means-some-mini-es-will-take-all-day-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/07/underwriters-lab-holdup-means-some-mini-es-will-take-all-day-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/07/underwriters-lab-holdup-means-some-mini-es-will-take-all-day-to/#comments

With MINI Es finally being delivered to the 450 test drivers in New York and California, a problem has cropped up that will limit the ability of many of those people to actually use the car. When MINI USA was taking applications for leases on the new EV, among the requirements were a garage with 220V electrical service. This was necessary in order to be able to charge the 35 kWh battery in four hours. When the car is delivered, MINI sends along an electrician to install a special wall box for charging.

The problem is the non-standard charging cable. In many of the areas where the cars are being distributed, local building codes require Underwriters Laboratories approved electrical hardware. Approval is still pending from UL on the 220V charging cable so it can't yet be distributed in those areas. The cars are all being delivered this month but roughly 300 of the recipients will have to charge from 110V wall sockets until they get UL-approved cables. That means a full charge will take about 23 hours. MINI USA spokeswoman Nathalie Bauters told USA Today that the company expects to have UL approval for the cable and have them all distributed by the end of July.


Gallery: Quick Drive: MINI E



[Source: USA Today Open Road]

Underwriters Lab holdup means some MINI Es will take all day to charge originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Jun 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>high voltage charging cablehigh voltage wiringHighVoltageChargingCableHighVoltageWiringmini emini e deliverymini evMiniEMiniEDeliveryMiniEvulunderwriters laboratoriesunderwriterslaboratoriesSun, 07 Jun 2009 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19059426/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/07/underwriters-lab-holdup-means-some-mini-es-will-take-all-day-to/19059426/article-detail.xml 19059426 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/06/mini-e-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/06/mini-e-580.jpg <![CDATA[First MINI E delivered to LA customer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/first-mini-e-delivered-to-la-customer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/first-mini-e-delivered-to-la-customer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/first-mini-e-delivered-to-la-customer/#comments
MINI E - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Despite thousands of people signing up for a chance to lease the MINI E, only 500 are being produced at this stage, with 50 of those are destined for Berlin. Now, after months of winnowing down the list, the very first car has been delivered to one very happy customer. After meeting all the necessary requirements and having a charger installed in his garage, Peter Trepp took delivery of his shiny new ride last Friday. He had actually just test-driven one the day before where he learned of his impending good fortune.

Numbered 111, the electric two-seater is Peter's to enjoy for a year and he already expects that the parting will be difficult. His first drive in his car, like ours, occurred in bad L.A. traffic, but he was more than content and enjoyed the entire slow ride home. Trepp advises other future MINI E "pioneers" they'll get used to not having to touch the brake pedal. The regenerative braking is relatively strong and, he says, "not bad at all." Drivers won't have to worry about the people behind them being unaware when the car's momentum decreases as the brake lights will come on when the foot is lifted from the accelerator. You can follow Peters MINI E experience at his blog which he has diligently been updating since March.


Gallery: MINI E


[Source: Plugged-In With Peter's Mini E via USA Today]

First MINI E delivered to LA customer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>111AutoblogGreenBMW MINI EBmwMiniEfirst customerFirstCustomerMINI EMINI EVMiniEMiniEvPeter TreppPeterTreppThu, 28 May 2009 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1563302/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/28/first-mini-e-delivered-to-la-customer/1563302/article-detail.xml 1563302 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/05/bmw-mini-e-with-1st-owner_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/05/bmw-mini-e-with-1st-owner.jpg <![CDATA[MINI E delayed due to overwhelming demand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/mini-e-delayed-due-to-overwhelming-demand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/mini-e-delayed-due-to-overwhelming-demand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/mini-e-delayed-due-to-overwhelming-demand/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the MINI E

BMW is facing the unenviable task of telling over a thousand applicants that they will not be receiving a new electric MINI E. Apparently, the German automaker has taken applications from around 1,800 people that would like to drive home in one of 450 available vehicles. Of course, that means that the majority of those wanting a MINI E won't get one.

Just to be considered for the program, a potential driver must live near Los Angeles, New York or New Jersey and must not require a range longer than the battery-powered MINI can provide. Other requirements include a lockable garage that can accept a built-in charger and a willingness to shell out $850 per month for a one-year lease.

The backlog of applications has caused a delay in getting the cars out to dealers. Originally, the EV MINIs were scheduled for delivery around the beginning of the year, but now the cars aren't expected to arrive in driveways until April.

Gallery: MINI E


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

MINI E delayed due to overwhelming demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric miniElectricMinigreenmini emini e applicantsmini e deliveryMiniEMiniEApplicantsMiniEDeliveryMon, 09 Feb 2009 12:54:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1454123/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/02/09/mini-e-delayed-due-to-overwhelming-demand/1454123/article-detail.xml 1454123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/mini_e_580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/mini_e_580.jpg <![CDATA[MINI E: An American sellout?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/mini-e-sold-out-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/mini-e-sold-out-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/mini-e-sold-out-in-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the MINI E's unveiling

Is the new MINI E sold out? If by "rented through," yes, it looks like you may have missed your opportunity to be a beta tester for BMW's new electric Cooper.

BMW is leasing around 500 of the diminutive hatchbacks at a cost of $850-a-month (including insurance) for one year in the New York/New Jersey metro area as well as Southern California, and according to a new Bloomberg News story, applicants for the program have outnumbered the cars by more than a 4-to-1 ratio, though there is always the possibility that not all of the cars have been doled out yet.

If you're still pondering how you might be able to muscle your way to the front of the queue, be prepared for some changes from your everyday motoring routine. For one, the MINI E's range is limited to 120 miles, at which point you'll have to plug the car into the 220-volt outlet you've had installed in your garage. If you're stuck away from home, you can plug the MINI E into a 110-volt wall outlet, but be prepared to wait-a charge takes about 26 hours (versus around three for the 220-volt outlet). Beyond that, expect for MINI to require you to keep track of your driving experience with a diary and various online surveys.

Despite all of the various hoops to jump through, we're not at all surprised to learn that the opportunity to noiselessly motor about in a zero-emissions Cooper has charmed more than 2000 lease applicants. Given the brand's fanatical (and generally well-heeled) following, we're almost surprised that the number isn't higher. So don't feel bad if you applied for a MINI E of your very own, only to get turned down. Besides, there's always the PML MINI QED...

Gallery: MINI E live reveal


[Bloomberg News]

MINI E: An American sellout? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>110-volt220-voltBMWelectric carElectricCarEVhybridMini CooperMini EMiniCooperMiniEpure electricPureElectricTeslazero-emissionsTue, 06 Jan 2009 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1419766/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/06/mini-e-sold-out-in-america/1419766/article-detail.xml 1419766 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/mini-e-plinth-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/mini-e-plinth-580.jpg <![CDATA[Finalists announced for Green Car Journal's Green Car Vision Award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/finalists-announced-for-green-car-journals-green-car-vision-awa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/finalists-announced-for-green-car-journals-green-car-vision-awa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/finalists-announced-for-green-car-journals-green-car-vision-awa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Green Car Vision awards celebrate a car that's got its headlights pointed down the road of the future. Among this year's five finalists are two serial hybrids (Chevrolet Volt and Fisker Karma) two electric cars (MINI E and Mitsubishi i-MiEV), and one hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (Honda FCX Clarity). It seems like a pretty good breakdown of where things stand now, with serial, plug-in hybrids and electric cars duking it out in center court and a hydrogen vehicle thrown in to keep things honest. Three of those cars -- the MINI E, i-MiEV, and Clarity -- are on the roads right now, albeit in limited numbers, and the Fisker is due to hit the scene at the end of 2009, while the Volt bows in 2010. The winning car will be announced on February 3 at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show. You can read the full press release after the jump and check out a high-res gallery of the finalists below.

Gallery: Green Car Journal 2009 Finalists

Chevrolet VoltHonda FCX ClarityMitsubishi I-MiEVMINI EFisker Karma

[Source: Green Car Journal]

Continue reading Finalists announced for Green Car Journal's Green Car Vision Award

Finalists announced for Green Car Journal's Green Car Vision Award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res image gallery of the MINI E

BMW board member Dr. Friederich Eichiner unveiled the first MINI E this afternoon at a press event in Beverly Hills, California. The company has built 500 of the battery-powered cars that will be leased to customers in Southern California and the New York City area starting in January. Each car is equipped with electric drive systems and battery packs provided by California's AC Propulsion. The 35 kWh packs are expected to provide a range of about 125-150 miles on a charge and accelerate the car to 60 mph in an very reasonable 8.5 seconds. BMW is using the MINI E as the first step of its Project I, which is focused on developing new innovations for urban mobility. A web site will be launched in the next couple of days where people will be able to officially apply for the program. For those who get selected, the MINI E lease will cost $850 /month and only last one year. Check out ABG for more information on the car and what BMW is trying to achieve with it.

Gallery: MINI E reveal LIVE


[Source: AutoblogGreen]

LA 2008: Live reveal of the MINI E in Beverly Hills originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la 2008la auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLa2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008mini emini evMiniEMiniEvTue, 18 Nov 2008 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1376168/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/18/la-2008-live-reveal-of-the-mini-e-in-beverly-hills/1376168/article-detail.xml 1376168 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/mini-e-reveal-1280-04_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/mini-e-reveal-1280-04_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA Preview: 204-hp lithium battery-powered MINI E revealed!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/la-preview-204-hp-lithium-battery-powered-mini-e-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/la-preview-204-hp-lithium-battery-powered-mini-e-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/la-preview-204-hp-lithium-battery-powered-mini-e-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the MINI E

BMW has finally unleashed some information and photos of the much anticipated MINI E set to debut next month at the LA Auto Show. For those who haven't been paying attention, late last spring BMW announced plans to build and lease a fleet of 500 battery powered MINIs starting sometime in 2009. The front wheels of the MINI E receive torque through a single speed gearbox from a 204 hp, 162 lb-ft electric motor. Those numbers are rather unusual for an electric drive system which usually has much more torque. Nonetheless, the MINI E can hustle to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds and, according to BMW, can cover about 150 miles on a full charge of its lithium ion battery pack.

Anyone who has driven a MINI knows that the back seat is for small kids or occasional use only. For the purposes of this electric version, that is no longer an issue as that area has been completely consumed by the battery pack. The pack itself has a capacity of 35 kWh and judging by the description the company has used a similar set up to the Tesla Roadster. Instead of larger cells specifically designed for automotive applications, this pack uses 5,088 cells arranged in 48 modules. As always, charging time depends on the current and voltage of the outlet the car is plugged into. MINI will be supplying a high current charging station with the cars that can be installed in the driver's garage to facilitate quicker charges, providing a full charge in 2.5 hours. The regenerative braking system can provide three-quarters of the braking requirements when running in urban stop and go driving. Aside from the battery pack replacing the rear seat and the yellow trim, the main change inside is a battery meter that replaces the tachometer in front of the driver. BMW will be leasing the 500 cars to commercial and private customers in California, New York and New Jersey starting early next year. They may eventually expand the program to Europe as well.

Gallery: MINI E


[Source: MINI]

Continue reading LA Preview: 204-hp lithium battery-powered MINI E revealed!

LA Preview: 204-hp lithium battery-powered MINI E revealed! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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