As reported by MINI
Today at MINI’s Oxford plant, forty electric MINI E cars were handed over to their test drivers, who are all members of the public. This marks the start of two consecutive six-month field trial periods which will evaluate the psychological, social and technical aspects of living with an electric car. The findings will be used both to inform the BMW Group engineering teams, as they create zero emissions vehicles for the future, and the wider world to help guide power providers, policy makers and component manufacturers in their decision making.
The BMW Group has played a pioneering role in the development of sustainable private transport through ever more efficient petrol and diesel power plants. This is being achieved through the comprehensive application of a wide range of technologies, collectively known as Efficient Dynamics. More than 1.6 million cars worldwide have been sold with Efficient Dynamics technology integrated into their design. The company also has a long-term commitment to the development of both hybrid and hydrogen powertrains.
The trial is a collaborative effort within a BMW Group UK-led consortium. Additional funding is provided by the Government-backed Technology Strategy Board and the Department for Transport (DFT) as part of a UK-wide programme involving trials of 340 ultra-low carbon vehicles from several manufacturers.
The MINI E pioneers package
To cover the research and investment costs of the project a MINI E would normally cost in the region of £550 a month to lease, however part funding from the Government’s Technology Strategy Board means that the lease cost to MINI E pioneers is just £330 per month, which includes VAT, insurance, service and maintenance. Over and above this payment, the only other costs that MINI E pioneers will incur are for the electricity they use when charging their car. A full charge at home (for a completely flat battery) costs just £1.50 when using off-peak electricity or around £4.00 when charging during peak hours. This translates to just over a penny a mile when charging off-peak.
The BMW Group UK Consortium
Following the launch of the MINI E research projects in North America and Germany, the UK trial is a collaborative effort from a BMW Group UK-led consortium.
Scottish and Southern Energy is responsible for the electrical infrastructure in the field trial area and through its supply brand Southern Electric is committed to supplying ‘green energy’ from sustainable sources to all MINI E drivers. Part of the trial involves measuring the loading on the electricity supply network, which can only be done by testing the MINI Es in a network area owned and operated by Scottish and Southern Energy.
Today at MINI’s Oxford plant, forty electric MINI E cars were handed over to their test drivers, who are all members of the public. This marks the start of two consecutive six-month field trial periods which will evaluate the psychological, social and technical aspects of living with an electric car. The findings will be used both to inform the BMW Group engineering teams, as they create zero emissions vehicles for the future, and the wider world to help guide power providers, policy makers and component manufacturers in their decision making.
 |
The BMW Group has played a pioneering role in the development of sustainable private transport through ever more efficient petrol and diesel power plants. This is being achieved through the comprehensive application of a wide range of technologies, collectively known as Efficient Dynamics. More than 1.6 million cars worldwide have been sold with Efficient Dynamics technology integrated into their design. The company also has a long-term commitment to the development of both hybrid and hydrogen powertrains.
The trial is a collaborative effort within a BMW Group UK-led consortium. Additional funding is provided by the Government-backed Technology Strategy Board and the Department for Transport (DFT) as part of a UK-wide programme involving trials of 340 ultra-low carbon vehicles from several manufacturers.
The MINI E pioneers package
To cover the research and investment costs of the project a MINI E would normally cost in the region of £550 a month to lease, however part funding from the Government’s Technology Strategy Board means that the lease cost to MINI E pioneers is just £330 per month, which includes VAT, insurance, service and maintenance. Over and above this payment, the only other costs that MINI E pioneers will incur are for the electricity they use when charging their car. A full charge at home (for a completely flat battery) costs just £1.50 when using off-peak electricity or around £4.00 when charging during peak hours. This translates to just over a penny a mile when charging off-peak.
The BMW Group UK Consortium
Following the launch of the MINI E research projects in North America and Germany, the UK trial is a collaborative effort from a BMW Group UK-led consortium.
Scottish and Southern Energy is responsible for the electrical infrastructure in the field trial area and through its supply brand Southern Electric is committed to supplying ‘green energy’ from sustainable sources to all MINI E drivers. Part of the trial involves measuring the loading on the electricity supply network, which can only be done by testing the MINI Es in a network area owned and operated by Scottish and Southern Energy.
 |