The official press release is here with pictures. Too bad it's being released only in select states.

http://luxvelocity.typepad.com/luxve...-revealed.html

 

I would love to have one.

 

I'm a little hesitant about the must-recharge-after-only-150 miles, though...so much for long trips! I wonder how long it would take to recharge for another 150? It's not like taking 15 min gassing up on a long trip, I'm sure...

 

sign up to become a test driver here:

http://www.minispace.com

 

It would be a perfect car to commute in during the week.

 

This is interesting, imagine what the next MINI E will be with 50-100% improvement in efficiency + 50% lighter/smaller battery within the next 3-4 years.

 

While it does a nice job for the environment, it comes with a whole new can of worms.
Lets say you can drive about 100 miles from home and expect to make it back. 200 miles round trip with some to spare. Any pilot can tell you why you never want to play on "bingo fuel". That is pretty limiting.
Bikers swear "loud pipes save lives". While the MINI isn't as small as a bike, it does have a low profile. We all know you can be overlooked. With the limited distance, I bet these cars see way more city than highway driving. The silence of an electric car is gonna catch those folks crossing the street with a phone pinned to their ear not paying attention. Hmmm. Maybe the body changes are gonna come in handy after all?

That aside, I congratulate MINI/BMW for getting in the game. A nice step in the right direction.

 

Kind of bummed I don't live in one of the target market areas - I'd sign up straight away (probably trading in my '06 MCS for an '09 soon).

If you've never ridden in a higher performance electric car you need to put it on your bucket list. I got to ride in the Tesla Roadster for work (directed a short promotional documentary about them) and it was incredible.
Check it out here - hopefully it will give you a sense of what it was like:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1691027998/bclid1685979041/bctid1695326693
(Click on the Automotive Tab)

I did all of the camera work - when Stefano floored the pedal it was impossible to hold the camera out in front of me. Still one of the most fun days I've had at work! The electric MINI has a much slower 0-60 time but the torque looks to be pretty impressive. I'd bet it's a total blast to drive.

Hope some people here get their hands on them!

 

Trust me, being a native New Yorker, we do walk around with a cell phone pinned to our ear, but we NEVER step out into the street without looking. Remember, we only have to look one way too. Makes it easier to get around. Plus, the crosswalks have these nice little red light/green light when it's safe to cross and they really work. They even count down how much time you have before you get run over.

Don't block the box.