Backseat Driver Moves To the Front: MIT's AIDA
All-lithium electric Mini Cooper enters production

All-lithium electric Mini Cooper enters production

James Martinez July 11th, 2007 James Martinez By James Martinez Author July 11th, 2007
  • Articles Contributed: 893
  • Comments Posted: 100
  • Leaderboard Rank: #17

December 31st, 1969 Nevada’s Hybrid Technologies has started production of its electric-powered BMW Mini Cooper all-lithium model. In development for the past two years, the new electric Mini uses Hybrid Tech’s own proprietary advanced lithium management and battery-balancing system, which promises a cycle life in excess of 1,500 recharges. The powertrain consists of a brushless AC motor with peak power of 105hp (78kW), and sees the 1,315kg electric Mini complete the 0-60mph dash in just six seconds. Top speed is only around 80mph but driving at a slower speed preserves battery-life and means owners will be able to travel up to 120 miles on a single charge. Hybrid Tech takes delivery of the Mini Cooper rolling chassis from the Oxford plant in the UK, and then completes the conversion to all-lithium in North Carolina at its Mooresville plant. The maintenance free lithium ion packs weigh a significant 250kg and takes around 8-10 hours to completely charge when plugged into an ordinary household power outlet.
All-lithium electric Mini Cooper enters production

All-lithium electric Mini Cooper enters production

Enlarge Photo

Nevada’s Hybrid Technologies has started production of its electric-powered BMW Mini Cooper all-lithium model. In development for the past two years, the new electric Mini uses Hybrid Tech’s own proprietary advanced lithium management and battery-balancing system, which promises a cycle life in excess of 1,500 recharges.

The powertrain consists of a brushless AC motor with peak power of 105hp (78kW), and sees the 1,315kg electric Mini complete the 0-60mph dash in just six seconds. Top speed is only around 80mph but driving at a slower speed preserves battery-life and means owners will be able to travel up to 120 miles on a single charge.

Hybrid Tech takes delivery of the Mini Cooper rolling chassis from the Oxford plant in the UK, and then completes the conversion to all-lithium in North Carolina at its Mooresville plant. The maintenance free lithium ion packs weigh a significant 250kg and takes around 8-10 hours to completely charge when plugged into an ordinary household power outlet.

Tags:

Posted in: MINI, News, Hybrid


Comments (2 total)

Meet the top commenters on the Leaderboard

  1. By Logic #1, Posted: 7/11/2007

    This would imply that there is some kind of problem/limitation with the current hybrid technology. Note to hybrid manufacturers...don't rush technologies to the market to make a buck!

  2. By Johannes #2, Posted: 9/10/2008

    There is a old technology that would deliver more electricity while driving with very low resistance .001 % this old technique could be added to each wheel .
    It is called the Naaf dynamo, made for bicycle`s but one could be engineered for a car.

    Johannes

Post a Comment

Post anonymously
Sign In |
will stay private
your 'posted by' name will link to the URL

More from MotorAuthority

More from High Gear Media