BMW Mini E coming to the US

BMW announced yesterday that they will indeed be releasing their new Mini E to the US market. They will be making 500 cars for a limited release by the end of 2008, then ramping up production after that. BMW has developed a special wallbox outlet charging system that the claim car fully charge the car in 2-3 hours rather than the 8+ hours of most EVs. The car can also charge from a normal outlet. The Mini E will have a beefed up weight of 3,230 lbs which is about 700 lbs more than the standard gas powered Mini.   In order to accommodate  the extra weight and space requirements, BMW has scrapped the 4 seater and made the Mini E a 2 seater.

Here are some quick specs:

Batteries: Lithium Ion

Range: 150 miles

Top Speed: 90 MPH

0-60 time: 8.5 seconds

Charge time: 2-3 hours using special “wallbox” outlet