Jay Leno is no stranger to electric vehicles, having owned or driven EVs as wide ranging as the 1909 Baker Electric to the Vectrix motorscooter, Zero X motorcycle and the Tesla Roadster. The latest EV that seems to have caught the denim-clad celebrity's attention is the new MINI E. Jay found some time to meet with a couple of representatives from BMW and they discussed the merits of the zero-emission vehicle on video. Later, Jay took the car out for a quick little silent drive and he stretched the legs of the AC Propulsion drivetrain in both city and highway loops. Overall, Jay had plenty of good things to say about the experience, especially about its performance and the short recharge time due to the high-capacity charger that's included as part of the $850 per-month lease package. Click past the break to watch the video. Thanks for the tip, M. Broz!

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

The new MINI E is proving once again that there is a significant pent up demand for electric vehicles. Apparently, BMW is grappling with roughly 1,800 applicants and only 450 cars to deliver. Sounds like a good number of electric MINI hopefuls are going to miss out. While it's certainly good news that so many people have put their names on the list to get a gas-free car, BMW is reportedly finding it tough to sort through all of the worthy individuals, making for extended delays in vehicle deliveries.

There are a number of guidelines that must be met to receive a new MINI E, such as the average daily driving distance required. So far, the list has shrunk down to 1,000 applicants that have made it through the first set of cuts. All those who are chosen will live in or around Los Angeles, New York or New Jersey, have a lockable garage and will need to pay $850 a month for a one-year lease.


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

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]

We've known for a little while now that BMW would be introducing an electric version of its iconic MINI, and now we have the photo proof as Autocar has taken the wraps off the new electric car. Equipped with a 572-pound lithium ion battery of unknown capacity, the MINI E reportedly has a range of 150 miles after an 8-hour charge. Its electric heart beats out 204-horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, which should be plenty to make this MINI scoot. Indeed, the run to 60 should take a bit over 8-seconds and the top speed has been limited to 95 miles per hour. The entire car weighs in at a bit over 3,200 pounds and regenerative braking is used to extend the range. Body modifications are minimal, with unique badges and paint separating the E from its gas-powered siblings. On the inside, the gages have been switched up, with a multi-function unit in front of the driver, though the speedometer is still front and center in the middle of the dash. We'll be seeing it in person next month at the LA Auto Show.

UPDATE: We've added a high res gallery of the MINI E.


[Source: Autocar]

We won't have any official details on what will be powering the electric MINIs that we know will be prowling the streets next year until the vehicle is unveiled at the LA Auto Show later this year. That doesn't mean that we can't all speculate until then, right? We've seen spy shots of test vehicles (minus tail-pipes) on the road and we've seen some engine-less MINI carcasses coming out of the Oxford plant in England. While we can't pinpoint what type of battery or electric motor(s?) the car will come with, we may be able to rule a few things out. For instance, an inside source has reportedly told EVO that the Bavarian parents of the MINI brand have been testing both lithium ion batteries and hub-mounted electric motors with unsatisfactory results. So, it won't look like this. Will the cars get a nickel metal hydride battery or a Zebra battery like the current electric smart? Not sure. Any thoughts?

[Source: EVO]

Click above for a high-res gallery of the MINI Cooper D

It looks like it will be even harder to get your hands on a MINI Cooper than ever before. Sales of the diminutive little hatch have been hot so far this year, as MINI had just a four day supply of unsold vehicles on hand at the close of June. This month, supply is even tighter with just one day's supply available. Unfortunately, the manufacturing plant in England is at full capacity, so there is no real way to increase supply. Therefore, if you are looking to get your mitts on either of the current gas-powered models, you'd better get your name on whatever list your dealer can offer. Those who want an electric MINI should certainly do the same.

In much more exciting and favorable news, we hear that BMW is seriously considering offering the diesel version of the urban car on U.S. soil. First, though, the automaker needs to produce a model of the vehicle is is legal for sale in all fifty states. Based on our driving impressions, especially considering the 47 miles per gallon we achieved with it, that day can't come soon enough!


[Source: Green Fuels Forecast]

Want an electric MINI? Click above to sign the petition online.

Awesome! BMW will be converting MINI's from gas to electric drive! Oh, wait... the vehicles sill be sold only in California? And the number is capped at five-hundred regardless of how many people actually want one? Yes, and that is not awesome. For this reason, a man by the name of Mike S. has created an online petition begging BMW to offer more of them for sale at a price of $35K or less. A worthwhile goal for sure, though one we can't imagine actually happening as a result of the support of a few hundred EV devotees.

So far, there are nearly one-hundred-fifty signatures, with many of the signers suggesting that they would purchase them if available. Honestly, this kind of thing happens regularly, and many of those who say they will make the purchase simply don't for any number of reasons. Still, the idea of a small electric vehicle backed by A BMW warranty and service department is a very exciting prospect. Maybe it's worth a signature after all. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: iPetitions.com]

Although there may be a very small number of BMW's Mini on American roads that have already been converted by individuals or aftermarket folks to run on electricity, now the factory is going to get in the game itself. Five-hundred Minis will come off the line in Oxford, England sans drivetrain. The powerless shells will be sent to Germany painted silver with contrasting yellow roofs... what, no green motif? Workers in Munich will convert the vehicles into battery electrics, and the cars will then be shipped to California where they will be offered for sale. Unofficially, that is, as BMW has yet to confirm these plans, though that just seems like a formality at this point. Therefore, we don't have any specifications or pricing information to share just yet.

BMW could be making more electric vehicle plans as we speak, as the German automakers claims it is considering a line of zero emissions vehicles. What's more, rumblings have been heard of an Isetta revival as well, and those rumors also indicate a possible electric version of the smart competitor.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

About a month ago Hybrid Technologies sent out press release that they were slashing the price of their electric vehicle conversions. For some time now, they have been offering up MINI Coopers, Chrysler PT Cruisers and even Crossfires among others. The flaw in the plan however was the pricing. There have been questions about actual performance and how many vehicles the company has actually delivered. The one independent test that we are aware was a battery powered Chrysler PT Cruiser the company provided for testing as a New York City Taxi. That one ended badly after only a few months in service when the car was unable to approach the claimed range and it performed poorly in cold weather. Well, some of the staff from Hybrid Technologies were on hand with a few of their vehicles at the New York Auto Show this week and I managed to get answers (sort of) to a few questions. Their MINI conversion is now priced at $57,500 and they have built two prototypes for testing. However, to date none have been ordered by potential customers. As for their latest offering, a converted Toyota Yaris called Liv Wise, priced a slightly more reasonable $39,500, HT claims to have gotten fifteen serious inquiries and they are attempting to firm up the first order. Once an order is confirmed they will deliver a car within four months. So apparently people are looking for actual demonstrated capability at an affordable price when it comes to electric vehicles and conversions of existing cars may not be the way to get there.

[Source: Hybrid Technologies]

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw you face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.
You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.

See... we're cultured here at AutoblogGreen. Alright, maybe not... I copied the lyrics off the web. But, I can say that I have heard that song enough times that I should know the lyrics by now. And now... for something completely different. James Blunt drives an electric car. Not just any electric car, mind you -- a brand new electric Mini from Hybrid Technologies. And, they gave it to him! But, that's OK, I hear that he is pretty green anyway; so maybe he deserved it.

[Source: Ecorazzi]