BMW, the manufacturers of the Mini car, joined Mitsubishi in kicking off a trial of their flagship electric vehicles this week.
As part of a scheme which is being backed by the Technology Strategy Board, the vehicles were launched to participants in the trial, which is intended to provide data for the government’s wider green automobile plans.
Customers picked up 40 of the new Mini E, which is based on the current hatchback model, with the back-seat being converted to store batteries.
The 35kWh lithium-ion battery powers the 201bhp electric motor, which gives a similar performance level to the one which is in the current petrol models.
Prime minister Gordon Brown praised BMW for the hard work that it has put into the initiative.
“I congratulate BMW and Mini for their ground-breaking electric Mini project and I welcome the extensive user field trial that has now begun,” he added.
BMW also said that its new Beachcomber concept model will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in mid-January.
Designed for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, the Beachcomber is based on the Countryman, with a few tweaks to its body and design.