Mini E, electric vehicle

Only 500 examples of the Mini E will be available in the U.S. through a leasing program, focusing on the California, New Jersey, and New York markets.

The Mini E's electric motor produces 162 pound-feet of torque, shuffling the little EV to 100kph (62mph) in 8.5 seconds. The electronic speed limiter is hit at 95mph.

Zero-emissions and almost zero-noise, the E's drivetrain is whisper quiet. Mini insists that the performance of the E is on par with its gasoline and diesel variants. The suspension has been modified to compensate for the E's very different weight distribution.

While it can be charged on standard 110-volt power outlets, charge time will depend on grid voltage and amperage. With this in mind each Mini E will be shipped with a high amperage wallbox charger that can fully recharge the E's batteries in 2.5 hours.

A full charge will get you electrically powered 156 miles from home before requiring a recharge.

The Mini E's rear seat has been replaced by a 48 module, 5,088 cell Lithium Ion battery array. The additional weight of the batteries, less the removal of the gasoline power train, brings the E's weight to 3,230 pounds. Mini claims that moving the bulk of the weight backward and into the cabin has resulted in a better weight distribution than the standard Cooper.

The interior of the E is immediately familiar with the Mini trademark gigantic center gauge. If the lack of an exhaust pipe and the stack of batteries in the back seat didn't tip you off, yellow trim and E-plug graphics distinguish the Mini E from its gasoline- and diesel-powered brothers.