Hybrid Technologies is developing an all-electric Mini Cooper that will be available next year. Frank Ziegler, Hybrid Technologies' Director of Sales and Distribution told me the car will sell for $59,000. That's more than $40,000 over the list price of a gasoline Mini, but an average drive would save about $1250 a year on gasoline, based on gas being $3 a gallon. The electric Mini will have a range of 160 miles and requires 5 hours to recharge its batteries.
Ziegler says that rather than building small EVs, the company is focused on converting popular cars into all-electric models. "People want cars that don't look like electric cars," according to Ziegler. They are currently selling electric PT Cruisers as taxis in New York City, and an electric Smart car for $49,000.
Hybrid Technologies uses lithium polymer batteries from Japanese Korean company Kokam. Ziegler says the batteries do not have liquid inside and are therefore safer than lithium ion batteries if there is an accident.I applaud the Hybrid Technologies' build "real" electric cars, but the high price severely limits the audience since it doesn't make economic sense.
I asked Ziegler about building plug-in hybrids, but he said the company has no plans. "We don't want to be dependent on gasoline."
