Overclocker

An electric hybrid Mini with four in-wheel motors: Nice idea!


PML of England is using the Mini as a demonstrator for its electric drive system, saying it can achieve 150 mph and a 4.5-second 0-60-mph time with no emissions.

Date posted: 09-02-2006

ALTON, U.K. — A hybrid four-wheel-drive Mini with four in-wheel motors is a showcase for "the best electric drive system in the world," says its builder, joystick specialist PML. It recently was shown at the British International Motor Show in London.

The Mini QED — which stands for Quad Electric Drive, for the four electric motors, one in each wheel — was built with no involvement from BMW, Mini's owner. In fact, BMW wants Mini owners to know that this sort of conversion would invalidate a Mini's warranty.

But check out the numbers: zero emissions, zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph — and 80 mpg, thanks to an onboard engine/generator. The Mini QED does not need to be recharged, PML says.

Traction control and antiskid are also built into each wheel; braking is regenerative only, other than a hand brake for parking.

PML says the Mini is merely a showcase for its electric drive system but notes that its relatively heavy weight and small size were a challenge it relished. "If we can successfully convert this vehicle, then most others should be easy by comparison," the company says.

What this means to you: Story problem: If 100 geek-tech firms start out building 100 demonstrator models, how many years will it take until we can buy really cool, really high-performance hybrid electric cars in the real world?

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=116695#2