MINI E unveiled in Los Angeles

Following a preview a few weeks back, the all-electric MINI E has hit the boards at the LA Motor Show for its world premiere. With its lithium-ion powered 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor driving it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds, an electronically limited top speed of 152 km/h (95 mph) and a range of 156 miles, the MINI E will make an impressive test bed for the BMW Group as it heads towards series production of all-electric vehicles.

The E could also stand for "easy on the pocket" given that the car draws a maximum of 28 kilowatt hours of electricity from the grid for a full-recharge which translates to 5.4 miles per kilowatt hour - small change (and no chance of spilling petrol on the spiffy metallic paintwork).

Five hundred of the two-seaters will be put on the road in the U.S. next year in a real-world trial in which the company aims to "gain widely applicable hands-on experience" for its EV program. The company is also looking into expanding the MINI E pilot to include Europe.

For more pics see the gallery and for full specs and further details click see our previous story.