Everybody loves a Mini, whether you’re a big fan or not. That’s because it’s the consummate symbol of style and elegance, embodied in four wheels. For decades, the Mini has been a staple of different roads for decades using only gasoline power. This time around, this iconic model will soon have an electric version that will be out in the street, albeit for a limited period. That’s because BMW has finally announced that it will be leasing the Mini E Electric Car to select people and use the results of that lease period to eventually perfect the Mini E Electric Car. The Mini E Electric Car is not yet available to the public, but at least it’s a step towards the right direction.

Basically, the Mini E Electric Car is powered by a 204-horsepower electric motor that is tucked comfortably underneath the hood. When it comes to torque, the Mini E Electric Car can generate as much as 162 lbs-ft, while being able to accelerate to 60 mph in only 8 seconds. Its top speed is not pretty bad at 95 mph for an electric car. Of course, you would expect that it is 800 lbs. heavier than the traditional Mini Cooper because of all the electric wirings and gadgets that are needed to make electric power feasible. BMW says that it’s almost perfect and I would not be surprised if this becomes the future of electric cars.

Just like most electric cars, the first that everyone would talk about it its the range. Fortunately, the Mini E Electric Car isn’t that limited in this category, since it has enough gas, I mean power to cover 150 miles using its superb lithium-ion battery. The Mini E Electric Car has its electric power transferred to the motor at a rate of 380 volts. You won’t have any trouble charging because it will only take two hours and 30 minutes to have the battery fully recharged. That’s a significant improvement because most electric cars take at least hours to be fully recharged.

Meanwhile, the Mini E Electric Car’s suspension allows it to have superb agility, drivability, and control. That’s because it uses a unique Dynamic Stability Control system that is designed to distribute the weight of the Mini E Electric Car properly. Just like any other electric cars, the Mini E Electric Car has a standard air conditioning system. However, you don’t have to worry about the power that you have to spend when you turn it on because the Mini E Electric Car is designed to minimize consumption.

Compared to other electric cars out there, the Mini E Electric Car uses regenerative braking wherein the motor itself acts as a generator, once you let go of the accelerator pedal. With this feature, you can expect the driving range to increase by as much as 20 percent. When it comes to design, the Mini E Electric Car has a metallic, dark paintwork that makes it stand out on the road. The best thing about its appearance is that it does not look that different from the traditional Mini Cooper. In fact, it’s simply a small car that happens to run wild in electric power.

Meanwhile, the Mini E Electric Car uses a battery level indicator instead of the conventional tachometer. This indicator tells the power consumption that is indicated in red and the power recuperation in green.

Although not yet sold in the market, the Mini E Electric Car will be leased to 500 select private and corporate customers in one year. This contract will include all the necessary maintenance that will be handled by BMW’s staff and technicians. After one year, all the cars would be returned to BMW to be checked and repaired.

It will take several years before this electric vehicle becomes fully available to the public. However, BMW is upbeat about its potential and the possibilities that it brings to the table.

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