Discussions

E-mini's new electric car

Posted by timethief • 10/22/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: automobiles, carbon emission reduction, electric cars, plugin mini coopers

The BMW Group is about to become the first manufacturer of premium automobiles to deploy a fleet of nearly 500 all electric vehicles for private use in daily traffic. Powered by a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor and fed by a high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the vehicle will be nearly silent and emissions free.

The Mini E (plugin mini Cooper) will have a range of about 150 miles and will initially be offered to select private and corporate customers in California, New York and New Jersey, but will first be given its world premiere at the LA Auto Show on November 19th and 20th, 2008.
Read the article here -> money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/autos/0810/gallery.electric_mini_cooper/index....

Discussion questions:
(1) Would you consider leasing or purchasing an electric car?
(2) If so why? And, if not, why not?

User Comments

10/22/08

ekim941

They're so cute

#1 NO
#2 Sure, my gas bill goes down but my electric bill goes up. Besides, I couldn't really haul a bunch of lumber in the back of that thing.

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10/22/08

timethief

They are cute and we already have a pickup an my old van. So I'm looking towards the future and thinking after my van is no more "yes" I may go for one when they are available.

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1. 10/22/08
  
  ekim941
  
  They need to start producing mid-sized and full-sized hybrid pickups.
10/22/08

ekim941

I think the bigger problem is not the availability of alternate fuel cars, it's the "I'm poor" stigma that is associated with them. In the U.S. there is a certain illusion of status that comes with driving a huge SUV.

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10/22/08

Arcticulates

I wouldn't be too happy to go outside and see that a big moose squashed my car by stepping on it.

I think they can be a great idea, but I just can't see them being very useful with our road and weather conditions yet... hmmmmm.... maybe a couple of modifications like monster truck tires and a cow-bar attached to the front bumper...
Yes! I could definitely see the possibilities...

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