[ausev] Electric BMW MINI QED

[Moe Pitman]

A British company called PML Flightlink, Ltd. has turned a BMW MINI into a 
hybrid electric to demonstrate their hub motors.  They say it will do 0-60 in 
4.5 seconds, uses four electric hub motors (PML's specialty) and a tiny 
gasoline engine for recharging the batteries.  Using the engine/generator to 
keep the batteries topped up under way gives you about 80 mpg in a 
4-wheel-drive, developing 640bhp.  Top speed is 150 mph.

Story here: http://tinyurl.com/nqddx
Company site here: http://www.pmlflightlink.com/

The thing uses a Li-polymer battery and a bank of ultracaps for high current 
response, and they say it has a 4-hour range using only electric power.  The 
gasoline generator can be used to charge the batteries while stationary or to 
increase range while under way.  You can also plug it in for charging and 
avoid using any fuel at all.

There's much more, but go read the article.  I want one!

--Moe Pitman