MINI is beginning its field study of the all-electric MINI E here in the United States. The first of 450 vehicles was delivered to Peter Trepp in Pacific Palisades, California. More vehicles will arrive to lucky test drivers in California as well as residents in New York and New Jersey.

“The 450 U.S. vehicles will be leased to customers like Trepp, who applied online at MINIUSA.com to be part of the one-year field study, and a portion will also be used as fleet vehicles. The fleet vehicles will be dedicated to full-time extensive and intense daily use in select fleets, such as the NYC Street Condition Observation Unit (SCOUT) and those that are being provided to the city of Los Angeles. As part of their participation in the field study, Trepp and the others selected will provide ongoing real world use feedback to MINI on their experiences with the zero-emission electric cars. More than twice the number of people applied as there are cars available in the U.S.” Source: PR Newswire

The MINI E made its debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show and was subsequently named as a finalist for the Green Car Vision Award (ultimately awarded to the Chevrolet Volt.) The MINI E gets approximately 100 miles per charge, can travel from 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 95 mph.

BMW is loaning 10 MINI Es to the City of New York as part of the city’s Street Condition Observation Unit (SCOUT). This announcement was made in Mayor Bloomberg’s State-of-the-City speech earlier today.

“We are delighted to work with New York City in developing this new form of sustainable transportation,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA. “Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC initiative has demonstrated a keen understanding of the importance of sustainability and we fully share the same vision and enthusiasm for developing new ideas, technologies and forms of transportation to make it a reality. This MINI E zero-emission vehicle is only our company’s first step.” (Source: PR Newswire)

These 10 will be a small portion of the 500 MINI Es that BMW will be testing in New York, New Jersey and Los Angeles. The MINI E has a range of 150 miles on a single charge, 201 horsepower, a top speed of 95 miles per hour and a 0 to 62 mph time of 8.5 seconds.

The MINI E made its world debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show and quickly became one of the most talked about vehicles at the show. In a press conference, Dr. Norbert Reithofer (Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG) announced that 500 MINI Es would be available to customers who live in Los Angeles or New York City. The target date for this is by year-end…that is, within the next month. This is fantastic news for consumers in those markets that are looking to be a part of this first larger-scale testing of the MINI E.

In the press conference, Reithofer said:

“The input and feedback from our customers will help us in preparing for series production. If any of you would like to drive a MINI E: Starting now, you can apply for one of the 500 MINI E’s on the MINI USA web page.

When we developed the MINI E we were able to draw on our experience: Back at the Olympic Games in 1972 there was an electric car from BMW driving alongside the marathon. This time we decided that our first car for customers with an electric drive should be a MINI. Lots of Americans love MINI. And they want to drive a green car.” (Source: BMW Group PressClub)

The MINI E currently has an approximate range of 156 miles and the lithium-ion battery that is used will only need approximately two hours time to completely recharge. The engine boasts a peppy 0 to 62 mph time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 95 mph.

Not to be outdone by other luxury automobile manufacturers, BMW is preparing for the release of information regarding its Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance line of vehicles. In a webcast scheduled for Tuesday, “information will be revealed about the newest chapter in BMW’s EfficientDynamics initiative as it relates to the new BMW 335d Sedan and X5 Drive35d.” (Source: PR Newswire)

During its announcements and press releases at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, BMW briefly touched on the BluePerformance technology:

“The new BMW 330d comes as standard with a diesel particulates filter and an oxidation catalyst. Thanks to these innovations introduced on the new six-cylinder, the BMW 330d significantly outperforms the EU 5 emission limits, the oxidation catalyst converting hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into water and carbon dioxide. To further reduce nitric oxides in the exhaust emissions, the new six-cylinder diesel may be equipped additionally with an NOX storage catalyst for after-treatment of exhaust gas in addition to the oxidation catalyst.

In its optional configuration with BMW BluePerformance technology, the new BMW 330d even meets all the requirements for the future EU 6 emission standard not coming into force for a number of years.” (Source: BMW Press Room)

Now that the 2008 Paris Motor Show is winding down (the show officially closes tomorrow), manufacturers, media and fans of automobiles have their eyes set on the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2008 LA Auto Show will be held from November 21-30, 2008 at the LA Convention Center. Several carmakers will be making world or North American debuts at the event including BMW with the world debut of the MINI E (electric).

“The MINI E’s electric drive train produces a peak torque of 220 Newton meters, delivering seamless acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 152 km/h (95 mph). Featuring a suspension system tuned to match its weight distribution, the MINI E sports the brand’s hallmark agility and outstanding handling.” (Source: PR Newswire)

The initial launch of the MINI E will be approximately 500 vehicles; the vehicle has an expected range of 150 miles on its lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor. The first round of MINIE’s will be available in California, New York and New Jersey. Although the LA Auto Show does not officially start until November 21, the MINI E debut events will be held on November 19 and 20.

BMW revealed plans for its newest vehicle out of the Efficient Dynamics line, the Concept X1. Dubbed a “sports activity vehicle”, the concept is designed for those who lead an active lifestyle but want the efficiency found in a compact vehicle. Production of this premium compact vehicle should start before the end of 2009.

“As an innovative vehicle concept in the premium compact segment, the BMW Concept X1 sets the standard for cool elegance, modern style, and variable function.” (Source: BMW)

No fuel efficiency ratings were released but extensive details were given on the vehicle’s interior and exterior design elements. Earlier this year, a green motoring enthusiast was able to get some spy photos of the BMW X6. The vehicle spotted was reported to possibly be a hybrid. No official word from BMW as to whether a hybrid X1 will be available.

Luxury auto manufacturer BMW has released details on the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid line, part of the company’s EfficientDynamics Innovation program. BMW’s Hydrogen 7 participated in the Hydrogen Road Tour and is now being driven by many notable people around the world. BMW is following up the Hydrogen 7 with information about the Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid line.

From the September 22, 2008 BMW Press Release:

“The drivetrain of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is made up of a V8 gasoline engine with Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection based on the power unit of the BMW 750i. Maximum output of the conventional engine in the regular production model is 300 kW/407 hp, with peak torque of 600 Newton-metres or 442 lb-ft.”

This powerful ActiveHybrid model has been described as a “mild hybrid” by BMW and has shown a 15% fuel reduction over its non-hybrid counterpart per tests conducted in Europe. BMW expects to reach a production level status on this line of vehicles in 2009.

BMW isn’t missing out on the trend towards cleaner burning vehicles. The BMW Hydrogen 7 has been associated with some big name celebrities around the world. In August, the BMW Hydrogen 7 completed the 4,000 mile Hydrogen Road Tour that was designed by the United States Department of Transportation to draw attention to hydrogen fuel.

The BMW Hydrogen 7 boasts a 260 horsepower engine with 290 lbs-ft of torque and a zero to 60mph time of 9.2 seconds with no emissions. During the 2008 Hydrogen Road Tour, the vehicle achieved a more than 200-mile hydrogen only driving range. There are two Hydrogen 7 models – the monofuel model runs only on hydrogen while the bi-fuel model can run on hydrogen or standard gasoline.

From the August BMW Press Release:

“For more than a year, the BMW fleet of bi-fuel Hydrogen 7s has been an important milestone on the road to a hydrogen future, with more than 150 Pioneers driving nearly 2 million miles so far. The Pioneer Program, as it is called, has provided the flexibility of being able to gather real-world driving experience driving on hydrogen with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you won’t run out of fuel.”

Today is going to be “spy photo” day on The Green Motorist.  The folks over at BMW Blog have posted up a photo of the BMW X6 Hybrid via GlobalMotors.net.  On Sunday, Seyth Miersma at Next Autos.com posted spy photos of a Jaguar XJ which may just be the luxury motor company’s first hybrid. 

BMW X6 Hybrid

The BMW X6 will be the first hybrid BMW to hit the market.  Although expectations are that this vehicle will be initially released in Europe but hopefully the X6 will make it to the US market.  The X6 was initially revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.  According to the official BMW website, the X6 is “a concept vehicle that showcases innovative BMW ActiveHybrid technology in the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé. On the road, the BMW X6 Concept ActiveHybrid is as agile and enjoyable as it is efficient, leaving conventional hybrids far behind in the driving pleasure stakes.”

The ActiveHybrid technology has a goal of reducing fuel consumption and emissions by 20% over comparable non-hybrid vehicles.  The key parts of the ActiveHybrid system consist of an internal combustion engine and a transmission which will have either one or two electric motors.  Although the X6 is the only current concept, BMW engineers plan to use this technology in future hybrids.

Jaguar XJ

NextAutos.com has published a series of spy photos of a next generation Jaguar sedan.  Although nothing is set in stone yet, the website is theorizing “This next generation XJ could also be the first Jaguar car ever to be offered with a hybrid engine option to go along with an entry-level V-6 mill, several V-8s, as well as diesel choices.”  Although it will likely be years before we see a hybrid Jaguar on the road, it would be a step in the right direction for luxury hybrids.

Although BMW and Jaguar won’t be the first to offer luxury hybrid vehicles, the two companies will be a great addition to the existing luxury hybrid market.  Other luxury lines that I’d like to see enter the market include Audi and Bentley – what I wouldn’t give for a nice new Bentley Continental GT Hybrid.