Mini E Comes To Big Apple

BMW Mini E

BMW recently announced that it will loan 10 Mini E electric cars to be used in New York’s Street Condition Observation Unit (SCOUT). SCOUT prowls the NYC in search of graffiti and potholes. The Mini E cars are part of 500 vehicles the automaker is bringing to the United States as part of a research-and-development test of the viability of a small electric vehicle in the U.S. Of the group, 450 Mini E’s will be leased (for about $800 per month) in the New York and Southern California markets.

The other 50 will be used for publicity programs. BMW hopes to promote the all-electric Mini and also to collect information on how to best market the small electric car and apply whatever it learns to larger and more functional cars. The Mini E’s battery pack takes up most of its back seat and trunk areas, severely limiting its usefulness, but if the cars attract attention and buyers, BMW will invest in upgrading and expanding the new technology.