MINI E Test Driver Applications Now Accepted in UK

Starting from now, British drivers can apply online to lease one of the MINI E prototypes for six months. The applications are only accepted until September 30, with the lease starting from December this year. The second round of applications will be accepted in 2010, allowing other twenty drivers to lease an electric MINI for a six month period.

Under current conditions, the monthly lease fee of a MINI E would be of £550 per month, but thanks to a funding from the Technology Strategy Board, the  fee can be reduced to £330 per month, which includes VAT, insurance and maintenance.

In addition to these costs, the MINI E driver will also pay for the electricity used to recharge the vehicle’s battery, meaning an extra £1.50. Of course, there are some criteria imposed to be considered as eligible.

Applicants must reside in South East England, within a triangular geographical area joining Andover, Oxford and West London.

Moreover, they must own a private garage, car port or parking space at their home. This condition is a must-have, as the customer will have to host a high power charging unit in the form of a wall box measuring approximately 0.6m x 0.6m, which will be installed by Southern Electric. This wall box will be supplied with every MINI E and also includes a 6.5m charging cable.

However, the electric MINIs will not only be tested by the selected applicants, but in a fleet environment as well. Therefore, other twenty vehicles will be distributed among the MINI E consortium members.