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BMW's Mini E
BMW is getting on the electric-car bandwagon with what may be the most stylish
alternative-fuel vehicle to date. The cars are not identical to their gas-powered
counterparts.
As the name suggests, this is Mini's long-rumored all-electric model. It relies on the latest plug-in-
electric and lithium-ion-battery technology to provide zero emissions capability. [1]
Based on the current MINI Hatch, the MINI E will initially appear in two-seater form with rear seats
dropped to make way for the battery pack. Rather than an in-hub motor arrangement, an electric
motor mounted under the bonnet drives the front wheels through a single-stage helical gearbox
derived from the Cooper S, and being all-electric, the full power is delivered from a standing start
delivering quite adequate acceleration of 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds with a top speed electronically-
limited to 95 mph. [2]
Mini also has subjected the E to a series of crash tests, including nine front, five side and four rear
tests, to ensure that it meets all relevant U.S. safety regulations. [2]
Rather than releasing the Mini E as soon as possible, BMW has decided to conduct a limited test run
of 500 vehicles to investigate the viability of such a vehicle in New York, Los Angeles, New Jersey,
and possibly London. [3]
The cars will change hands based on a one-year lease with an extension option. Monthly lease
instalments will cover any required technical service including all necessary maintenance and the
replacement of wearing parts. [4]
[1] L.A. debut for all-electric Mini E Autoweek 10/18/08, 18:50 [2] Mini: Small, Cute, and Electric
Businessweek.com October 21, 2008 [3] TRANSPORTATION TUESDAY: The Electric Mini Revealed!
inhabitat.com October 21, 2008 [4] Pilot Project with 500 All-Electric Minis in Three US States ATZ
Online October 2008 [5] 迷你電動車，Mini E純電動車預告洛杉磯車展首演 news.u-car.com.tw
2008/10/19
BMW is getting on the electric-car bandwagon with what may be the most stylish
alternative-fuel vehicle to date. The cars are not identical to their gas-powered
counterparts.
As the name suggests, this is Mini's long-rumored all-electric model. It relies on the latest plug-in-
electric and lithium-ion-battery technology to provide zero emissions capability. [1]
Based on the current MINI Hatch, the MINI E will initially appear in two-seater form with rear seats
dropped to make way for the battery pack. Rather than an in-hub motor arrangement, an electric
motor mounted under the bonnet drives the front wheels through a single-stage helical gearbox
derived from the Cooper S, and being all-electric, the full power is delivered from a standing start
delivering quite adequate acceleration of 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds with a top speed electronically-
limited to 95 mph. [2]
Mini also has subjected the E to a series of crash tests, including nine front, five side and four rear
tests, to ensure that it meets all relevant U.S. safety regulations. [2]
Rather than releasing the Mini E as soon as possible, BMW has decided to conduct a limited test run
of 500 vehicles to investigate the viability of such a vehicle in New York, Los Angeles, New Jersey,
and possibly London. [3]
The cars will change hands based on a one-year lease with an extension option. Monthly lease
instalments will cover any required technical service including all necessary maintenance and the
replacement of wearing parts. [4]
[1] L.A. debut for all-electric Mini E Autoweek 10/18/08, 18:50 [2] Mini: Small, Cute, and Electric
Businessweek.com October 21, 2008 [3] TRANSPORTATION TUESDAY: The Electric Mini Revealed!
inhabitat.com October 21, 2008 [4] Pilot Project with 500 All-Electric Minis in Three US States ATZ
Online October 2008 [5] 迷你電動車，Mini E純電動車預告洛杉磯車展首演 news.u-car.com.tw
2008/10/19
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Scibean's Cafe
Hawaii to be first state with electric car stations 12-5-08 Hawaii imports foreign oil for almost
90 percent of its energy needs. One-third of that oil is used to power cars and buses on island
streets. Consequently, Hawaii has unveiled plans to be first in the nation to roll out electric car
stations statewide —- a move the governor hailed as a major step toward weaning the islands off
oil. The local government plans to have the stations open for the mass market by 2011. It expects
to build between 50,000 and 100,000 charge spots —- in parking lots, downtown streets, and
neighborhoods —- across the state by early 2012.[6]
Better Place, a Palo Alto, Calif., company, will build the car recharging stations and provide
recharged batteries for electric cars. The company will purchase renewable energy — such as wind
power — from Hawaiian Electric Co., the state’s largest utility. [7]
90 percent of its energy needs. One-third of that oil is used to power cars and buses on island
streets. Consequently, Hawaii has unveiled plans to be first in the nation to roll out electric car
stations statewide —- a move the governor hailed as a major step toward weaning the islands off
oil. The local government plans to have the stations open for the mass market by 2011. It expects
to build between 50,000 and 100,000 charge spots —- in parking lots, downtown streets, and
neighborhoods —- across the state by early 2012.[6]
Better Place, a Palo Alto, Calif., company, will build the car recharging stations and provide
recharged batteries for electric cars. The company will purchase renewable energy — such as wind
power — from Hawaiian Electric Co., the state’s largest utility. [7]
[6] http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2008/12/06/carhawaii.html
[7] http://www.kansascity.com/business/story/924447.html
[8] http://www.ibtimes.com/prnews/20081205/zap-electric-car-truck-dealer-opens-in-silicon-valley.htm
[9] http://www.newsoxy.com/electric-cars/article11445.html
[10] http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_11032113
[11] http://www.chevrolet.com/electriccar/
[12] Nissan’s Ghosn Says Electric Cars to Be 10% of Demand Bloomberg Aug 2, 2009
[13] Richard Pike Electric car subsidies do not serve green goals FT.com June 5 2009
[14] Electric bicycles ride 'green' demand in Japan Reuters 2nd August 2009
[7] http://www.kansascity.com/business/story/924447.html
[8] http://www.ibtimes.com/prnews/20081205/zap-electric-car-truck-dealer-opens-in-silicon-valley.htm
[9] http://www.newsoxy.com/electric-cars/article11445.html
[10] http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_11032113
[11] http://www.chevrolet.com/electriccar/
[12] Nissan’s Ghosn Says Electric Cars to Be 10% of Demand Bloomberg Aug 2, 2009
[13] Richard Pike Electric car subsidies do not serve green goals FT.com June 5 2009
[14] Electric bicycles ride 'green' demand in Japan Reuters 2nd August 2009
05 December 2008
Silicon Valley has become a hotbed for electric car enthusiasts; now a San Jose entrepreneur
has signed up with industry pioneer ZAP to open a dealership for innovative electric economy
cars and trucks starting at $11,700.
ZAP's vehicles target niches where electricity can be more cost-effective than gasoline while
being safer for the environment. Electricity costs about two cents per mile and saves money
with less overall maintenance.Xebras recharge at a normal 110-volt outlet and take about four
hours foran average recharge. They reach speeds up to 40 MPH with an average range of 25
miles per charge. [8]
Silicon Valley has become a hotbed for electric car enthusiasts; now a San Jose entrepreneur
has signed up with industry pioneer ZAP to open a dealership for innovative electric economy
cars and trucks starting at $11,700.
ZAP's vehicles target niches where electricity can be more cost-effective than gasoline while
being safer for the environment. Electricity costs about two cents per mile and saves money
with less overall maintenance.Xebras recharge at a normal 110-volt outlet and take about four
hours foran average recharge. They reach speeds up to 40 MPH with an average range of 25
miles per charge. [8]
ZAP
Electric Car
Electric Car
Dec 7, 2008 The first electric car has completed a trip around the world. The journey took 17
months to complete. The electric vehicle traveled across 32,000 miles powered by solar energy.
Electric cars are on their way to becoming a reality. Auto markers such as General Motors, Ford,
Chrysler, Nissan, and Toyota have all pledged new electric vehicles in 2009 and 2010. [9]
11/20/2008 Research indicates that 100,000 electric cars would have "a moderate effect" on the
California electric grid. The Global Venture Lab at the University of California, Berkeley, says two
decades of "significant adoption" of electric cars here would lead to $175 billion in savings at the
gas pump and result in a $120 billion boon for the battery industry.
With large-scaled deployment, electric cars will cost $7,000 less than comparable gasoline cars,
according to the lab. [10]
months to complete. The electric vehicle traveled across 32,000 miles powered by solar energy.
Electric cars are on their way to becoming a reality. Auto markers such as General Motors, Ford,
Chrysler, Nissan, and Toyota have all pledged new electric vehicles in 2009 and 2010. [9]
11/20/2008 Research indicates that 100,000 electric cars would have "a moderate effect" on the
California electric grid. The Global Venture Lab at the University of California, Berkeley, says two
decades of "significant adoption" of electric cars here would lead to $175 billion in savings at the
gas pump and result in a $120 billion boon for the battery industry.
With large-scaled deployment, electric cars will cost $7,000 less than comparable gasoline cars,
according to the lab. [10]
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Tesla's Roadster
A Nice Looking Electric Car!
A Nice Looking Electric Car!
John McChesney Electric Car Manufacturer Hopes To Generate Sales npr
December 9, 2008 This car here is 100 percent electric, operates off a lithium ion battery
pack. A few beeps tell you the car is on; the engine is so quiet, you wouldn't know otherwise.
It has a single-speed transmission that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Step
on the gas and it's like a slingshot — and just as quiet. There's no exhaust blast, just a gutsy
whine when you floor it.
December 9, 2008 This car here is 100 percent electric, operates off a lithium ion battery
pack. A few beeps tell you the car is on; the engine is so quiet, you wouldn't know otherwise.
It has a single-speed transmission that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Step
on the gas and it's like a slingshot — and just as quiet. There's no exhaust blast, just a gutsy
whine when you floor it.
| The Extended-Range Electric Vehicle that is redefining the automotive world is no longer just a rumor. |
Chevy Volt
Chevy Volt is designed to move more than 75 percent of America's daily commuters without a
single drop of gas.(2) That means for someone who drives less than 40 miles a day, Chevy Volt
will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions. [11]
Chevy Volt is designed to move more than 75 percent of America's daily commuters without a
single drop of gas.(2) That means for someone who drives less than 40 miles a day, Chevy Volt
will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions. [11]
Aug. 2 2009
Demand of The Electric Car
Nissan Motor Co. Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn said electric cars will make up at
least 10 percent of global vehicle demand by 2020, depending on conditions. [12]
Are electric cars energy-savers?
Let's take UK's electric cars as an example. From a pure energy perspective, electric
cars are slightly less good at turning fuel from a power station into movement than the
average engine is at extracting energy from petrol or diesel. With a modern internal
combustion engine, 32 per cent of the energy in petrol ultimately drives the pistons.
Whatever fuel is used in power stations – gas, oil, coal, nuclear or biomass – just over two-
fifths of the available energy is captured as electricity by linking the turbine to dynamo. But,
because of electrical transmission losses over miles of cabling, only 36 per cent of the
available energy ends up as useful power. In charging and discharging the lithium-ion
battery of an electric car, a further seventh is lost, leaving about 31 per cent of the original
fuel’s energy available to the motor. Thus, there are no compelling energy-saving reasons
for moving to electric cars in U.K. [13]
Electric bicycle is another alternative
Companies in Japan are looking to cultivate a market that beats even hybrid cars in green
credentials: electric bicycles. Japan's motor-assisted bicycles use a small electric motor
and battery pack mounted inconspicuously on the bicycle to propel the rider, constantly
adjusting the motor's force to the speed and resistance of the pedalling. Sales of electric
bicycles more than doubled from 2000 to 315,000 last year, as they became more
affordable and practical. [14]
Demand of The Electric Car
Nissan Motor Co. Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn said electric cars will make up at
least 10 percent of global vehicle demand by 2020, depending on conditions. [12]
Are electric cars energy-savers?
Let's take UK's electric cars as an example. From a pure energy perspective, electric
cars are slightly less good at turning fuel from a power station into movement than the
average engine is at extracting energy from petrol or diesel. With a modern internal
combustion engine, 32 per cent of the energy in petrol ultimately drives the pistons.
Whatever fuel is used in power stations – gas, oil, coal, nuclear or biomass – just over two-
fifths of the available energy is captured as electricity by linking the turbine to dynamo. But,
because of electrical transmission losses over miles of cabling, only 36 per cent of the
available energy ends up as useful power. In charging and discharging the lithium-ion
battery of an electric car, a further seventh is lost, leaving about 31 per cent of the original
fuel’s energy available to the motor. Thus, there are no compelling energy-saving reasons
for moving to electric cars in U.K. [13]
Electric bicycle is another alternative
Companies in Japan are looking to cultivate a market that beats even hybrid cars in green
credentials: electric bicycles. Japan's motor-assisted bicycles use a small electric motor
and battery pack mounted inconspicuously on the bicycle to propel the rider, constantly
adjusting the motor's force to the speed and resistance of the pedalling. Sales of electric
bicycles more than doubled from 2000 to 315,000 last year, as they became more
affordable and practical. [14]