MINI E vs the MINI D – Which Would You Rather See in the US?
(This poll is primarily for our US readers.)
The US market is now MINI’s largest in the world. Yet it’s made up only of petrol powered models. Yes, there are good and sensible reasons for this. However we can’t help but find it ironic that it was the US market where the MINI E debuted and continues to be tested. So that got us thinking about what you want.
It appears that not only has the MINI Cooper D (in hatch form) been shelved for the US market, but it would now seem the a diesel Countryman has been as well. Costs are the big issue but beyond that BMW just doesn’t believe MINI USA could sell enough of the diesel powered MINIs to make up for the federalization. Even if the model in question shares a four cylinder diesel with a fully federalized BMW X1 it would seem BMW corporate just doesn’t see a reason to take a risk.
But what about the costs associated with the MINI E program? Yes the MINI E costs quite a bit of money, but in BMW’s eyes it’s an investment in the future of the transportation where diesel is simply a solution for today’s efficiency issues. With higher efficiency petrol engines on the horizon, BMW is betting that they can stay the course in the US and not have to introduce a diesel model.
So that brings us to our question, what would you rather see? Vote below:
<p>My long-term ideal would be a MINI E that functions with as much power as the current S with a seamless and fast recharging (maybe I am reaching pretty far here, but I think they can do it!). I was tempted to choose the MINI D in this poll, but that would be a short-term solution. My answer only applies to a MINI E with all the kinks worked out of it and ready to market to the entire population like other competitive automobiles, not just a test vehicle.</p>
<p>I would like to see MINI US dealers to have the same options as the European market (diesel & petrol) as well as adding the MINI E to the lineup. Most likely that’s close to impossible to have the same options, but atleast engine wise. Why not have 3 or 4 engine options for future MINI owners. Just a thought.</p>
<p>i picked the mini D because that seems like a proven solution that is a good blend of efficiency and performance. without seeing some reviews / giving it a shot, the mini E scares me for the added weight / reduced space due to the battery pack.</p>
<p>i think charging is something that just needs ironed out and standardized, but until it’s confirmed that the mini E can still drive like any other mini, i’ll be a skeptic…</p>
<p>Well for me personally I would love to see Mini bring the One D to the states. A crisp handling commuter would be ideal with the mix of higher efficiency and a solid design this would fit well. I also know this has zero chance of happening as I think Mini rightfully or wrongly worries that such a move would tarnish Mini’s perception here. Still rather funny when a micro SUV doesn’t seem to concern them on the same front lol.</p>
<p>Mini D definitely. Right now I’ve got the mini I’m going to have for long time. A 07 MC, gets outstanding gas mileage and rock solid. I won’t be buying another for a long time, and when I do, it could be the US Fiat 500, euro Ford Fiesta, or other new small hatchback.. A mini D could get me to change my mind.</p>
<p>The MINI D is the ultimate dream for me. MINI E… its okay, but lack of rear seat, extra weight, 100+- mile range, slow off the line, and it would cost way way more. I live 3 miles away from work and the MINI E should be the perfect fit for me, but I don’t want to buy something I can’t take on a trip across country.</p>
<p>My vote was for Diesel. I understand the desire of BMW to continue development of electric vehicles, but I don’t see MINI Es selling more than MINI Ds would if either were brought to the states.</p>
<p>P.S. Why are there always qualifiers on the polls? Why not just have a simple A or B answer?</p>
<p>WTF! Here we go AGAIN!!! Why why why are we the BASTARD childs of BMW/MINI are we not the TOP seller for MINI. Seems like an ADIOS for MINI and Hello X1/VW Diesel for me.</p>
<p>The error of MINI is that they are trying to make the diesel an option rather than STANDARD! If you are buying a regular cooper, you are doing so for efficiency to start with. the base engine should be a diesel and the S can have a turbo’d NA engine.</p>
<p>I will not pay a premium for a diesel engine, but I would always choose a diesel over a NA engine if there is no cost difference.</p>
<p>The poll answers don’t match the title of the thread! I’d like Mini to continue developing ever more efficient petrol engines for the US, including stop-start technology, regenerative braking and (sorry) less power.</p>
<p>Keep the E around because batteries may be a solution for future commuters, but only if a wide array of electric cars are developed to spur demand for supporting infrastructure.</p>
<p>Keep the diesels for Europe, or bring a One D to the US as a base model. Some people might go for a Cooper D, but I disagree with dr – people want a Cooper to be a zippy small car. Diesel torque might be fun for some, but I think the majority of drivers would rather have the petrol engine. Having a One D would give Mini a lower-priced, more efficient model in their line-up to open their stores to a different set of customers.</p>
<p>I like the idea of the MIni E, but until it becomes more than just a city car i think the viability is limited.</p>
<p>As I like to motor across the country seeing new sites and attractions, the Mini Diesel has long been a car I have wanted. Based on mileage figures, driving from say Dallas to El Paso on one tank of diesel is a great option.</p>
<p>i agree with dr above the diesel should be a standard engine choice and not an option. so miniusa its time to step to the up to the plate and give us something we really want and need.</p>
<p>I would buy a MINI D tomorrow if available here, so I voted for it, but from a business perspective it is too little, too late at this point; in order to be progressive, development of a diesel MINI should have started a decade ago for the US market.</p>
<p>The future is now alternative energy, so I get parent BMW’s EV project in its lightest and most progressive brand. Eventually they will get the weight down and range up so that it is as fun and practical as the D. It’s nice to know that eventually there will be something fun to drive that can be powered by my solar panels if the situation in the Middle East becomes dire.</p>
<p>How many decades before I’d be able to take a MINI E or any electric car for a cross-country road trip? Even a local rally might wear out the batteries too soon. There’s some aspects of the MINI life that would be difficult to give up. I rather liked the Cooper D I drove.</p>
<p>MINI E would be terrific, but I can’t afford 2 cars. Maybe the solution isn’t either or, but a blend of options. Who says there should only be one green/efficency solution?</p>
<p>MINI should make the diesel the only way you can get the Cooper in the USA. That way they are guaranteed to sell a large number of them. Development costs would be spread over a much larger number of units and they could boast much higher fuel economy averages. The Cooper already requires premium fuel, so diesel isn’t too much of a stretch. The Cooper S and JCW will remain as gasoline motors, of course.</p>
<p>Drop the diesel, redesign that hot and fussy little French Prince, and pull the “technology” in the E somewhere north of 1995. Then we can talk.</p>
<p>I’d love to have an ‘E’, but until someone comes up with a more environmentally-sound battery technology, I’m voting for the diesel.</p>
<p>Besides, at the price-point they’re trying to hit, I just don’t see how they’ll be able to hit our power and range expectations for the ‘E’.</p>
<p>As someone said, the Diesel is a tried and true technology (and with a few mods, it can even run on veggie oil). And, yes, I actually would trade my Cooper S in for a Diesel! Bring it on MINI!!!</p>
<p>I’m with Caren Pilgrim on this. I prefer Mini D. While Mini E may be the future, it’s not ready yet (given battery technology and range limitations.</p>
<p>I’m quite fed up with the whole chicken or the egg conundrum — well, they can’t make money unless you can sell a lot of Mini D, but you can’t sell a lot of Mini D unless you invest the time, money, and energy campaigning for the Mini D. One can argue the same thing about Mini E. The only difference is the curiosity factor of a new technology associated with the Mini E. Nevertheless, it seem illogical to focus on “vaporware” over something that has been proven to work elsewhere.</p>
<p>I suspect that X1 diesel engine uses urea injection to solve the particulate “problem” in diesel engines, which is more costly than particulate filter solution used in VW Jetta TDI. Since Mini represents the low-end of the BMW product line in the U.S., it makes it less profitable than its gasoline counterparts.</p>
<p>MiniD here. I think BMW has to launch electric drivetrains under a new brand. When they are ready for primetime they will make their way into the existing brands.</p>
<p>If MINI was concerned about the cost of introducing new models, they should have stuck with the notion of bringing the diesel to the U.S. and shelved the MINI E until a proper infrastructure exists to support this platform. I know this goes against being a leader/innovator of green technology, but converting more drivers to diesel-powered vehicles fueled with cleaner burning diesel fuels would certainly be a step in the right direction.</p>
<p>After re-reading between a Mini D SUV and a Mini E I vote Mini E. Think $.20 spent on developing a suv within the brand is to much. X1 D will do fine for a 4 door suv with the 2.0 L D motor for those that need a suv imo</p>
<p>The more I think about it, MINI switching the Cooper 100% to the diesel, cold turkey is the way to go. It would be similar to when Apple Computer dropped the floppy drives from all their computers. Almost everyone said that the move would doom Apple to failure. Nothing could be further from the truth.</p>
<p>In the USA, people seem to focus on the Cooper because of its fuel economy anyway. So why not trump everyone by switching to diesel?</p>
<p>…the MINI D;however,considering MINI’s recent ball-dropping(i.e.,delay of the Countryman,etc.),I don’t expect to see the MINI D in any U.S. Showrooms anytime soon.</p>
<p>The MINI E is never going to capture a credible share of the market, simply because it would require a huge paradigm shift from the driving public, i.e., with the foreseeable technology one can’t simply pull in to a regeneration station as needed for a quick fill up. It remains, as do all of the E-vehicles, as a curiosity that fills a limited uber-green or urban niche. Don’t expect battery technology to advance fast enough to change this anytime soon.</p>
<p>If an alternative to fossil fuel power is the long-term vision of BMW, why not hydrogen power? Seems like the Honda Clarity has already laid much of the ground work for broad public appeal.</p>
<p>Drop the diesel, redesign that hot and fussy little French Prince, and pull the “technology†in the E somewhere north of 1995. Then we can talk.</p>
<p>I have been a diesel proponent for a while. If MINI doesn’t bring a diesel to the U.S. I’ll buy a VW. The trouble is that when most Americans hear the word diesel they think of a ’78 Olds or a semi. Most Americans are ignorant of the new diesels.</p>
<p>Both? There’s a business case for both the EV and the D in the States.</p>
<p>As a TDI owner, I have to wonder why a Cooper D wouldn’t make BMW a decent return. After all, the VW TDI was one of the only shining stars during the recent car-sales slump (see truecar.com’s data from 01/09-06/09). I believe fully 1/3 of Jetta sales are fitted with their diesel engine, and the TDI premium is, frankly, rather steep (benefitting VW, of course).</p>
<p>The EV is, as other have mentioned above, part of our automotive future. As I understand it from some of my friends in the EV conversion business, recent technology has move forward by leaps, yet it’s (obviously) not quite there yet. The automotive world still needs battery technology to improve significantly. Batteries need to be much smaller and capacity needs to be vastly increased. But improve they will, you can bet on it.</p>
<p>Just look at the Tesla Model S. Sure, it’s going to be spendy, but so were the first calculators. Remember, we’re not talking rocket science here. It’s just a matter of time before the EV hits a sweet spot, and I think it’s requisite that BMW is in the game relatively early.</p>
<p>I agree with Matthew, but the way forward is not to stuff the electric drivetrain into an R56 platform. It was a convenient test bed, but it begs a dedicated chassis, and imho a dedicated brand.</p>
<p>If you take a road trip from (or a rally), say NJ to Boston with the Mini crew (like a few years ago), then you’d be stuck without juice somewhere in the middle of nowhere.</p>
<p>You can usually find diesel, just not as easy as gasoline, but its getting easier.</p>
<p>Mini D. When I was in Europe a few years ago we rented a diesel Passat and it was fabulous. Real balls, very good mileage despite hauling two adults/two teens/two weeks’ worth of luggage.</p>
<p>Too many compromises on the Mini E. As someone else has noted, do a dedicated platform instead for an EV.</p>
<p>A fuel cell Mini would be trick if they can resolve space issues.</p>
<p>I think ‘Gary’ and ‘Irmiger’ are on point. What a lot of consumers are not aware of, is that these “green” batteries are not good for the environment and are not recyclable. Waste is another issue to consider when thinking of a “green option”. Besides, the electricity used to power your MINI E is still mainly comprised of burning fossil fuels. Hate to kill your buzz…</p>
<p>I think hydrogen is the way to go (if the components required are also safe for the environment) or if we ever find a way to harness the power of the sun – until then…if BMW/MINI could work on clean diesel and minimize outputs as best as possible, that’s our best bet. Plus, it will make us less dependent on “foreign sources”.</p>
<p>In fairness, lithium ion batteries, the battery technology chosen for the MINI E project, are in fact recyclable. They’re also the least harmful battery, generally speaking, out of the three current EV options; lead, nickel and lithium.</p>
<p>Additionally, it appears as though the idea that EVs pollute as much as a gasoline car is a myth. BMW, and other independent organizations, have explained why an EV is meaningfully more efficient (read less harmful) than a fossil fuel-powered car, all things being equal.</p>
<p>I think we all can agree that regardless of the energy source, it’s the sheer number of cars on the road in aggregate that is the real issue. Humans need to do something. Experimentation is the only path to a vehicle that resembles a solution.</p>
<p>In that context, any and all experimentation BMW, or any other manufacturer, does in search of an alternative to fossil fuel(s) will only result in an incrementally better solution. A miracle is nothing to bet on.</p>
<p>My guess is that within the next 5-10 years the EV will prove to be a viable option for enough drivers to make a difference environmentally. That’s a very short time, considering how long we’ve been dependent on fossil fuels. Like I said above, this isn’t rocket surgery; an EV can can and will be a very attractive alternative. (Just ask RC car enthusiasts how much has changed in the last year or two.)</p>
<p>Currently we have an 05 Cooper S and an 09 JCW Factory car. We would like a MINI with AWD and a strong diesel engine so we can drive a MINI in the winter. The last two years we have had in excess of 6 feet of snow and have had to park both cars and use large SUV’s to get arround. All we need is AWD and ground clearance and good fuel economy. If MINI doesn’t make the diesel available in the new Countryman,we will look at different brands. Too bad because we would rather drive a MINI. Some of us need the cargo capacity and AWD, and I would much prefer to stay with the MINI brand than go somewhere else.</p>
<blockquote>Just ask RC car enthusiasts how much has changed in the last year or two.</blockquote>
<p>The past two years? I built my first electric RC car in 1977. Back then you were piecing things together from electric trimmer motors and make-shift rheostats. In the past 20 years electric RC cars have almost completely replaced gas as entry level to get into the hobby. Andy why not – no mess, no nasty fuel, and less maintenance, more fun.</p>
<p>No doubt that the same thing will eventually happen with cars. Personally I can’t wait</p>
<p>@ lavardera, agree. Lipo batteries and brushless motors are, as you know, an insane step forward from the nickel varieties. And these are recent developments. The jump in performance is exponential, and that’s what will happen with EVs.</p>
<p>While some might scoff at the RC > automobile comparison, the “guts” of the EV platform looks a lot like an RC car’s. They have the same problems, and enjoy the same benefits. Ie, performance. When the tuners get their hands on a fully-cooked MINI E the numbers will astound.</p>
<p>My long-term ideal would be a MINI E that functions with as much power as the current S with a seamless and fast recharging (maybe I am reaching pretty far here, but I think they can do it!). I was tempted to choose the MINI D in this poll, but that would be a short-term solution. My answer only applies to a MINI E with all the kinks worked out of it and ready to market to the entire population like other competitive automobiles, not just a test vehicle.</p>
<p>I would like to see MINI US dealers to have the same options as the European market (diesel & petrol) as well as adding the MINI E to the lineup. Most likely that’s close to impossible to have the same options, but atleast engine wise. Why not have 3 or 4 engine options for future MINI owners. Just a thought.</p>
<p>i picked the mini D because that seems like a proven solution that is a good blend of efficiency and performance. without seeing some reviews / giving it a shot, the mini E scares me for the added weight / reduced space due to the battery pack.</p>
<p>i think charging is something that just needs ironed out and standardized, but until it’s confirmed that the mini E can still drive like any other mini, i’ll be a skeptic…</p>
<p>Well for me personally I would love to see Mini bring the One D to the states. A crisp handling commuter would be ideal with the mix of higher efficiency and a solid design this would fit well. I also know this has zero chance of happening as I think Mini rightfully or wrongly worries that such a move would tarnish Mini’s perception here. Still rather funny when a micro SUV doesn’t seem to concern them on the same front lol.</p>
<p>Mini D definitely. Right now I’ve got the mini I’m going to have for long time. A 07 MC, gets outstanding gas mileage and rock solid. I won’t be buying another for a long time, and when I do, it could be the US Fiat 500, euro Ford Fiesta, or other new small hatchback.. A mini D could get me to change my mind.</p>
<p>The MINI D is the ultimate dream for me. MINI E… its okay, but lack of rear seat, extra weight, 100+- mile range, slow off the line, and it would cost way way more. I live 3 miles away from work and the MINI E should be the perfect fit for me, but I don’t want to buy something I can’t take on a trip across country.</p>
<p>My vote was for Diesel. I understand the desire of BMW to continue development of electric vehicles, but I don’t see MINI Es selling more than MINI Ds would if either were brought to the states.</p>
<p>P.S. Why are there always qualifiers on the polls? Why not just have a simple A or B answer?</p>
<p>WTF! Here we go AGAIN!!! Why why why are we the BASTARD childs of BMW/MINI are we not the TOP seller for MINI. Seems like an ADIOS for MINI and Hello X1/VW Diesel for me.</p>
<p>The error of MINI is that they are trying to make the diesel an option rather than STANDARD! If you are buying a regular cooper, you are doing so for efficiency to start with. the base engine should be a diesel and the S can have a turbo’d NA engine.</p>
<p>I will not pay a premium for a diesel engine, but I would always choose a diesel over a NA engine if there is no cost difference.</p>
<p>The poll answers don’t match the title of the thread! I’d like Mini to continue developing ever more efficient petrol engines for the US, including stop-start technology, regenerative braking and (sorry) less power.</p>
<p>Keep the E around because batteries may be a solution for future commuters, but only if a wide array of electric cars are developed to spur demand for supporting infrastructure.</p>
<p>Keep the diesels for Europe, or bring a One D to the US as a base model. Some people might go for a Cooper D, but I disagree with dr – people want a Cooper to be a zippy small car. Diesel torque might be fun for some, but I think the majority of drivers would rather have the petrol engine. Having a One D would give Mini a lower-priced, more efficient model in their line-up to open their stores to a different set of customers.</p>
<p>I like the idea of the MIni E, but until it becomes more than just a city car i think the viability is limited.</p>
<p>As I like to motor across the country seeing new sites and attractions, the Mini Diesel has long been a car I have wanted. Based on mileage figures, driving from say Dallas to El Paso on one tank of diesel is a great option.</p>
<p>i agree with dr above the diesel should be a standard engine choice and not an option. so miniusa its time to step to the up to the plate and give us something we really want and need.</p>
<p>I would buy a MINI D tomorrow if available here, so I voted for it, but from a business perspective it is too little, too late at this point; in order to be progressive, development of a diesel MINI should have started a decade ago for the US market.</p>
<p>The future is now alternative energy, so I get parent BMW’s EV project in its lightest and most progressive brand. Eventually they will get the weight down and range up so that it is as fun and practical as the D. It’s nice to know that eventually there will be something fun to drive that can be powered by my solar panels if the situation in the Middle East becomes dire.</p>
<p>How many decades before I’d be able to take a MINI E or any electric car for a cross-country road trip? Even a local rally might wear out the batteries too soon. There’s some aspects of the MINI life that would be difficult to give up. I rather liked the Cooper D I drove.</p>
<p>MINI E would be terrific, but I can’t afford 2 cars. Maybe the solution isn’t either or, but a blend of options. Who says there should only be one green/efficency solution?</p>
<p>MINI should make the diesel the only way you can get the Cooper in the USA. That way they are guaranteed to sell a large number of them. Development costs would be spread over a much larger number of units and they could boast much higher fuel economy averages. The Cooper already requires premium fuel, so diesel isn’t too much of a stretch. The Cooper S and JCW will remain as gasoline motors, of course.</p>
<p>Drop the diesel, redesign that hot and fussy little French Prince, and pull the “technology” in the E somewhere north of 1995. Then we can talk.</p>
<p>I’d love to have an ‘E’, but until someone comes up with a more environmentally-sound battery technology, I’m voting for the diesel.</p>
<p>Besides, at the price-point they’re trying to hit, I just don’t see how they’ll be able to hit our power and range expectations for the ‘E’.</p>
<p>As someone said, the Diesel is a tried and true technology (and with a few mods, it can even run on veggie oil). And, yes, I actually would trade my Cooper S in for a Diesel! Bring it on MINI!!!</p>
<p>I’m with Caren Pilgrim on this. I prefer Mini D. While Mini E may be the future, it’s not ready yet (given battery technology and range limitations.</p>
<p>I’m quite fed up with the whole chicken or the egg conundrum — well, they can’t make money unless you can sell a lot of Mini D, but you can’t sell a lot of Mini D unless you invest the time, money, and energy campaigning for the Mini D. One can argue the same thing about Mini E. The only difference is the curiosity factor of a new technology associated with the Mini E. Nevertheless, it seem illogical to focus on “vaporware” over something that has been proven to work elsewhere.</p>
<p>I suspect that X1 diesel engine uses urea injection to solve the particulate “problem” in diesel engines, which is more costly than particulate filter solution used in VW Jetta TDI. Since Mini represents the low-end of the BMW product line in the U.S., it makes it less profitable than its gasoline counterparts.</p>
<p>MiniD here. I think BMW has to launch electric drivetrains under a new brand. When they are ready for primetime they will make their way into the existing brands.</p>
<p>If MINI was concerned about the cost of introducing new models, they should have stuck with the notion of bringing the diesel to the U.S. and shelved the MINI E until a proper infrastructure exists to support this platform. I know this goes against being a leader/innovator of green technology, but converting more drivers to diesel-powered vehicles fueled with cleaner burning diesel fuels would certainly be a step in the right direction.</p>
<p>After re-reading between a Mini D SUV and a Mini E I vote Mini E. Think $.20 spent on developing a suv within the brand is to much. X1 D will do fine for a 4 door suv with the 2.0 L D motor for those that need a suv imo</p>
<p>The more I think about it, MINI switching the Cooper 100% to the diesel, cold turkey is the way to go. It would be similar to when Apple Computer dropped the floppy drives from all their computers. Almost everyone said that the move would doom Apple to failure. Nothing could be further from the truth.</p>
<p>In the USA, people seem to focus on the Cooper because of its fuel economy anyway. So why not trump everyone by switching to diesel?</p>
<p>…the MINI D;however,considering MINI’s recent ball-dropping(i.e.,delay of the Countryman,etc.),I don’t expect to see the MINI D in any U.S. Showrooms anytime soon.</p>
<p>The MINI E is never going to capture a credible share of the market, simply because it would require a huge paradigm shift from the driving public, i.e., with the foreseeable technology one can’t simply pull in to a regeneration station as needed for a quick fill up. It remains, as do all of the E-vehicles, as a curiosity that fills a limited uber-green or urban niche. Don’t expect battery technology to advance fast enough to change this anytime soon.</p>
<p>If an alternative to fossil fuel power is the long-term vision of BMW, why not hydrogen power? Seems like the Honda Clarity has already laid much of the ground work for broad public appeal.</p>
<p>Really, an all-weather golf cart that seats 4 would make more sense for us than our 2nd MINI.</p>
<p>That car seldom is driven farther than 5 miles at a time, and rarely over 35mph.</p>
<p>Drop the diesel, redesign that hot and fussy little French Prince, and pull the “technology†in the E somewhere north of 1995. Then we can talk.</p>
<p>I have been a diesel proponent for a while. If MINI doesn’t bring a diesel to the U.S. I’ll buy a VW. The trouble is that when most Americans hear the word diesel they think of a ’78 Olds or a semi. Most Americans are ignorant of the new diesels.</p>
<p>Both? There’s a business case for both the EV and the D in the States.</p>
<p>As a TDI owner, I have to wonder why a Cooper D wouldn’t make BMW a decent return. After all, the VW TDI was one of the only shining stars during the recent car-sales slump (see truecar.com’s data from 01/09-06/09). I believe fully 1/3 of Jetta sales are fitted with their diesel engine, and the TDI premium is, frankly, rather steep (benefitting VW, of course).</p>
<p>The EV is, as other have mentioned above, part of our automotive future. As I understand it from some of my friends in the EV conversion business, recent technology has move forward by leaps, yet it’s (obviously) not quite there yet. The automotive world still needs battery technology to improve significantly. Batteries need to be much smaller and capacity needs to be vastly increased. But improve they will, you can bet on it.</p>
<p>Just look at the Tesla Model S. Sure, it’s going to be spendy, but so were the first calculators. Remember, we’re not talking rocket science here. It’s just a matter of time before the EV hits a sweet spot, and I think it’s requisite that BMW is in the game relatively early.</p>
<p>I agree with Matthew, but the way forward is not to stuff the electric drivetrain into an R56 platform. It was a convenient test bed, but it begs a dedicated chassis, and imho a dedicated brand.</p>
<p>If you take a road trip from (or a rally), say NJ to Boston with the Mini crew (like a few years ago), then you’d be stuck without juice somewhere in the middle of nowhere.</p>
<p>You can usually find diesel, just not as easy as gasoline, but its getting easier.</p>
<p>Mini D. When I was in Europe a few years ago we rented a diesel Passat and it was fabulous. Real balls, very good mileage despite hauling two adults/two teens/two weeks’ worth of luggage.</p>
<p>Too many compromises on the Mini E. As someone else has noted, do a dedicated platform instead for an EV.</p>
<p>A fuel cell Mini would be trick if they can resolve space issues.</p>
<p>The Countryman, BTW, b-o-r-e-s me.</p>
<p>I think ‘Gary’ and ‘Irmiger’ are on point. What a lot of consumers are not aware of, is that these “green” batteries are not good for the environment and are not recyclable. Waste is another issue to consider when thinking of a “green option”. Besides, the electricity used to power your MINI E is still mainly comprised of burning fossil fuels. Hate to kill your buzz…</p>
<p>I think hydrogen is the way to go (if the components required are also safe for the environment) or if we ever find a way to harness the power of the sun – until then…if BMW/MINI could work on clean diesel and minimize outputs as best as possible, that’s our best bet. Plus, it will make us less dependent on “foreign sources”.</p>
p>@Helen,</p
<p>In fairness, lithium ion batteries, the battery technology chosen for the MINI E project, are in fact recyclable. They’re also the least harmful battery, generally speaking, out of the three current EV options; lead, nickel and lithium.</p>
<p>Additionally, it appears as though the idea that EVs pollute as much as a gasoline car is a myth. BMW, and other independent organizations, have explained why an EV is meaningfully more efficient (read less harmful) than a fossil fuel-powered car, all things being equal.</p>
<p>I think we all can agree that regardless of the energy source, it’s the sheer number of cars on the road in aggregate that is the real issue. Humans need to do something. Experimentation is the only path to a vehicle that resembles a solution.</p>
<p>In that context, any and all experimentation BMW, or any other manufacturer, does in search of an alternative to fossil fuel(s) will only result in an incrementally better solution. A miracle is nothing to bet on.</p>
<p>My guess is that within the next 5-10 years the EV will prove to be a viable option for enough drivers to make a difference environmentally. That’s a very short time, considering how long we’ve been dependent on fossil fuels. Like I said above, this isn’t rocket surgery; an EV can can and will be a very attractive alternative. (Just ask RC car enthusiasts how much has changed in the last year or two.)</p>
<p>Currently we have an 05 Cooper S and an 09 JCW Factory car. We would like a MINI with AWD and a strong diesel engine so we can drive a MINI in the winter. The last two years we have had in excess of 6 feet of snow and have had to park both cars and use large SUV’s to get arround. All we need is AWD and ground clearance and good fuel economy. If MINI doesn’t make the diesel available in the new Countryman,we will look at different brands. Too bad because we would rather drive a MINI. Some of us need the cargo capacity and AWD, and I would much prefer to stay with the MINI brand than go somewhere else.</p>
<blockquote>Just ask RC car enthusiasts how much has changed in the last year or two.</blockquote>
<p>The past two years? I built my first electric RC car in 1977. Back then you were piecing things together from electric trimmer motors and make-shift rheostats. In the past 20 years electric RC cars have almost completely replaced gas as entry level to get into the hobby. Andy why not – no mess, no nasty fuel, and less maintenance, more fun.</p>
<p>No doubt that the same thing will eventually happen with cars. Personally I can’t wait</p>
<p>@ lavardera, agree. Lipo batteries and brushless motors are, as you know, an insane step forward from the nickel varieties. And these are recent developments. The jump in performance is exponential, and that’s what will happen with EVs.</p>
<p>While some might scoff at the RC > automobile comparison, the “guts” of the EV platform looks a lot like an RC car’s. They have the same problems, and enjoy the same benefits. Ie, performance. When the tuners get their hands on a fully-cooked MINI E the numbers will astound.</p>
<p>I need 4 seats and like being able to fill up in less than, say 3 hours. Until the technology advances, I’d rather see the oil-burner.</p>