Mini E received at Downing Street

The Mini E, which will be tested by ministers on their official business around London, was received by Prime Minister Gordon Brown at Downing Street. The all-electric zero emission car will join for two months the Government’s car pool and will be available for all ministers wanting to try an electric car in an urban environment.

This handover to the British government follows the launch of an important scientific field trial where 40 Mini E’s where delivered to pioneering drivers that will test them for one year. This project will help the future of BMW Group electric vehicle development as well as inform the population about the experience of the electric drive in terms of economic, behavioural and practical issues.

In the ceremony Gordon Brown congratulated the brand and confirmed his Government commitment to low carbon transport: “The low carbon transport industry will not only cut harmful emissions but has the potential to be a major source of jobs and growth. We have already committed £400 million of support to the sector, encouraging its development and take-up, and I am confident that in future years we will see thousands more electric and other low carbon cars on Britain’s roads”.

This trial project is a collaborative effort between the partners in a BMW Group UK-led consortium.

In terms of electric infrastructure Scottish and Southern Electric are responsible and committed to supply ‘green energy’ from sustainably generated sources.

The analysis of driver experiences and the reviewing of technical information gathered by the data-logging units fitted to every MINI E will be under Oxford Brookes University’s Sustainable Vehicle Engineering Centre control.

Other public sector organizations, such as the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council, are also involved in the consortium.