BMW (BMW.DE) announced it will begin leasing its all-electric version of the Mini Cooper in the United States next year--but only 500, and only in California, New Jersey and New York.
Nonetheless, it is an important step in bringing electric vehicles to U.S. roads, and the all-electric mini sounds promising as a commuter vehicle.
BMW says its lithium-ion battery has a range of 150 miles, and the vehicle has a top speed of 95 miles per hour. The car is designed to be recharged overnight on a standard wall outlet--or quick-charged (2.5 hours) on a special charger to be installed in the garages of lease owners.
The drawbacks include limited interior room--what was the back seat, is now the battery compartment--and a hefty lease price of $850 month.
Read the Associate Press coverage.
