Didn’t make it to the press preview at the LA Auto Show yesterday? No worries, we’ve got you covered with a full look at the MINI E introduction and press conference as well as some shots of the car itself driving around the LA area.
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So MINI claims this car has a battery range of over 150 miles. But what they have not yet answered is whether this range takes into account the use of A/C, radio, lights, what traffic conditions, etc, etc.
I would like to see a real world test of this car to see how different variables and operating conditions affect the overall range of the batteries.
I think they do, too…that’s the idea behind this 500 car “pilot test”
BTW, this pilot test looks to be geared towards those “Green Celebrities”… Who else can afford $850/month for a year to be a Guinea Pig?
This car won’t be a success when officially released unless it’s priced under $30,000 and has at least 4 seats. Otherwise, it won’t be practical nor economical. Unless of course, you’re rich and money isn’t an issue.
I may have missed it, but has there been any announcement as to when they realistically expect to produce this vehicle for the U.S. market?
BTW, this potential “Guinea Pig” is far from a “Green Celebrity.” Just a lowly teacher with w/out kids and some extra cash to spend on an interesting idea.
I think its full circle, the IJ MINI’s drove those same streets back in 02′ , now the MINI E drives the same roads in downtown LA. Now they just need to take the MINI E into the subway.
The LA crowd will be a large market, thats why they are their now.
. . . and GM’s answer? Running a national radio ad campaign touting the merits of their ingenuity by announcing the creation of an electric vehicle with a range of 40 MILES!!! . . . in 2010!!!!!
(the Chevy VOLT)
I think the initial videos of electric vehicles really reveal the new challenge to advertisers in their marketing efforts to make them “sexy”, viseral and desirable, particularly to those who respond in ads and in person to the sound of a car. The vehicle noise in these current clips seems to run the stock audio gambit from taxiing Lear Jet to kitchen exhaust fan. There was a moment of audio excitement when the tires chirped a bit as they scuffed the crosswalk tape. 😉
Bluzeke, believe it or not, the Volt is a more viable and reliastic solution to a bigger problem. Not a perfect approach, but better than the MINI E. Late next year you can go to a Chevy dealer and actual place an order to purchase (Not just a 12 month lease with lots of strings attached like for the MINI E)a 5 passenger, 4 door Volt sedan.
Most people don’t drive more than 10-15 miles per day in their daily commutes. Having a vehicle that won’t use a drop of gasoline for the first 40 miles is quite remarkable and can help make a difference for the vast majority of consumers.
GM did have an impressive electric car in the ’90’s called the EV-1. The MINI E is the 21st century rendition of the same exact idea that GM already pioneered in the past decade.
The Volt is expected to retail between $30K-$40K.
One thing C4 your presuming that they don’t move it back to 2011 like they have already been talking about. Next their track record bringing cars to markets doesn’t really leave one with confidence.
They have already been working on this for years, meanwhile BMW/Mini has actual vehicles on the ground, lets face it the only way this car is going to happen is with the American paying for the entire development. Also not sure how shorter range is a good thing, maybe thats just me.
Who knows what the ultimate solution is…I’m just glad MINI is part of the discussion. I expect much more from them in the future…the E (according to the way it is being marketed) is certainly not the final word.
Do I recognize “test drive man?” Seems he’s been in some of MINI’s other videos, too!!!