BMW to use MINI E platform for future electrics
Click above for a high-res gallery of the MINI E
We've spent plenty of time going over the design of the new MINI E electric car since it was formally unveiled at the LA Auto Show. We've been inside, underneath and even behind the steering wheel a few times, and we can therefore say with authority that the car works as advertised. There are a few niggles, especially the loss of the back seat, reduced cargo area and some rather aggressive regenerative brakes, but all in all it's a solid first effort. That's exactly how BMW seems to view its first EV, with the goal of further refining the same basic system for use in other future models, including for electric versions of its 5 Series and range-topping 7 Series sedans.
Because the 5 and 7 are much larger cars, there is more room to hide the lithium ion battery pack away and the added weight won't be nearly as noticeable. After the size of the EV components are further reduced, the 3 Series is likely to get an EV option as well. Besides four-door passenger cars, BMW is likely to use some variation of the MINI E's electric drivetrain in its upcoming city car. Sounds like the future is, ahem... electric at BMW.
Gallery: MINI E
[Source: Auto Express]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Doc 1:07PM (12/01/2008)
"There are a few niggles, especially the loss of the back seat, reduced cargo area and some rather aggressive regenerative brakes"
A few niggles? The folks who want to carry 4 passengers or cargo just need to move on ;-)
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Yanquetino 7:11PM (12/01/2008)
BWM seems to be on the right track by taking advantage of these MINI E field tests to produce EV versions of its other models.
I do hope, however, that they will continue to include the MINI E in their future plans. Yes, it would be nice to redesign it to accommodate 4 passengers, but I purport that there would be plenty of consumers lined up to buy the 2-seat version as is. Consider the Tesla, the Aptera, the Th!nk City, even the EV1.
For daily commuting, most folks don't need seats for the entire family, and in most cases will likely have a PHEV or even an ICE larger vehicle on the other side of the garage for those times when they do. As the saying goes, "the right tool for the right job."
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Mike!!ekiM 7:48PM (12/01/2008)
I'd like to see an Electric BMW One, you know the 4 door with the hatch. Sorta like the old MG hatch.
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Mike R 2:01PM (3/11/2009)
I once had to drive a transit van with a big heavy HRD racing motorbike behind my seat and was really glad to survive the journey wihout being flattened. I'd feel the same way about driving with half a ton of LiPo cells following in close formation right behind me. I could end up serving as their own personal airbag.