Cars in the future may be powered by electricity, biofuel or even nuclear reactions! But cars powered by gasoline are definitely on their way out. This organic liquid has powered cars since long, and polluted our atmosphere and made our wallets lighter, but it cannot last forever! In a quest to manufacture cars that use gas more economically, many manufacturers have turned to hybrid cars. Hybrid Technologies Inc. recently announced the launch of its all-electric version of BMW Mini powered by Lithium-ion batteries.
A press release by Hybrid Technologies says the vehicle is capable of speeds upto 80 mph and goes from zero to 60 in 6 seconds. The vehicle can cover a ground of more than 120 miles for a single recharge.
A standard electric outlet (220-240V) can be used to charge the vehicle. A chink in this car’s armor is its recharge time that is 8 to 10 hours which can eat away the better part of your day. The Li-ion battery has a lifetime of more than 1500 recharges.
The Mini Cooper frame is assembled in Cowley, UK, and the conversion to all lithium currently takes place in North Carolina at Hybrid’s Mooresville plant. The Li-ion batteries used in the car will be provided by EaglePicher Kokam, a Korean manufacturer. The vehicle is likely to have 300kWh system based on Kokam’s technology.
Hybrid Technologies President Holly Roseberry stated:
The all lithium Mini Cooper is the perfect combination of style, performance and technology. We are proud to add this latest model to our production lineup. We look forward to enhancing the system to create a dynamic capable of satisfying the most selective automotive consumers.
Environmental hazards, increased costs and depleting petroleum resources have forced the world into considering a strategy to reduce consumption and ultimately discard the use of petroleum products. Automakers worldwide are investing heavily into options like hybrid and plug-in vehicles to reduce the dependence on gas. This is surely a welcome move from Hybrid Technologies.
Via: Hybrid Technologies
Comments
cooL..being very dependent on gas and fuels greatly affected the environment as it contributes hazardous elements affecting us.im kinda interested on this plug-ins vehicle since the job was just to recharge the battery..investment on this vehicles will surely bring outstanding results especially to customers..but how about its maintenance...can it be treated like a usual car type..also, can part replacement be done just like what i did last month with my ball joint, that was from ball joint canada auto store..h0pefully was interested to have plug-in vehicle.