During the summer BMW announced they were going to create a Mini powered by an electric motor with a planned production run of just 500 units. All has been pretty quiet in the meantime, but our spies have caught what appears to be the first prototype whilst out testing.
You will notice the stickers plastered on the side and rear of the vehicle saying “hybrid erprobungfahrzeug” which means hybrid test vehicle immediately gives the game away, but the most damning evidence is at the rear – there is no exhaust. We can further back up our evaluation with the small piece of camouflage on the front grille which obviously hides the electricity plug in socket.
The electric Minis will be built at the Mini Factory in Oxford, UK, featuring a silver livery with yellow roof minus an engine, gearbox and fuel tank. They will then be shipped over to Germany where BMW will equip the models with the new electric powertrain.
Of the 500 units set to be produced, 490 will be heading the the sunny state of California where strict emission guidelines state mass vehicle manufacturers must also offer zero emission vehicles as well. Dependant on the success of the limited edition vehicle, full production may follow.
mmr66
September 25, 2008 11:40 PM
