BMW draws lessons

electric Mini trials

BMW's Mini E UK field trials programme which began in December 2009, ends today. Two groups of forty drivers took part in the trials, which involved “real world” use of adapted battery-powered versions of the Mini.

Few of the Testdrivers actually had any problems in practice. Although they wanted more public charging points

impressed by their acceleration

cars' performance was affected by the very cold weather of December 2009 and January 2010

i3 BMW

Future plug-in BMWs such as the recently announced i3 will be designed from the ground up as EVs

source: independent.co.uk

The 40 'pioneers',

who are the second set of participants in the trial handed back their MINI Es at an event at MINI Plant Oxford.

o MINI E usage differs only marginally from a control group

o There was a very strong feeling from both private and fleet users that renewable energy should play an important role in future electricity generation

o Drawbacks include current mileage range for certain journeys,

source: carpages.co.uk/mini

Experienced EV Driver Compares Prius, Mini E and His New Chevy Volt

March 19, 2011

The Mini E Rocked

He loved the handling of the Mini E. “It was a go-cart rocket. When you turned the wheel, you could really feel the road.”

No drive-by-wire feeling

Mini E’s lack of space—only two seats and no cargo room in the back. Mini E’s range of about 90 miles, he had to fire up Google and carefully plan trips—a worry and hassle that he doesn’t have in the Volt with its extended gas-powered range.

Plug-in hybrids are great, but the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is lacking. “The engine kicks on all the time," he said, about his test drie in the car.“They should have a variable option for strong, light or no regen,” depending on if you’re on the highway, in the city, or coasting down a windy mountain road.

The Volt doesn’t have enough regenerative braking.

video clip chevy volt: chevrolet.com/volt

Mark sees the Chevy Volt as a major accomplishment and the most technologically advanced car he’s ever driven. “I love this car. Everything that GM said this car would do, it actually does,”

click to enlarge

source: plugincars.com