Electric Mini trial planned

Date: 14/4/2010

Drivers willing to take part in a new trial for the electric Mini are being sought by the manufacturer.

The trial is designed to evaluate the social and technical aspects of using an electric car in everyday life.

Up to 20 drivers from an area between Andover, Oxford and West London are being sought for the trial. Those who take part are able to lease the electric minis for a period of six months for £330 per month.

Project manager for the electric Mini, Suzanne Gray, said that the experiences and feedback of those who take part in the research study "will ultimately help in the development of BMW Group's zero emissions mega city vehicle ... as well as UK infrastructure and policy development for electric vehicles".

Oxford Brookes University will manage the collation of data during the trial.

A number of firms are currently developing electric vehicles as new steps are taken in the development of sustainable transport systems.