Mini briefs

Okay, [we've actually driven the Mini E electric car before
](https://www.whatcar.com/popups/video_news_widescreen.asp?vurl= mms://a1211.v38076a.c38076.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1211/38076/v0001/haymarket.akamai1.streamuk.com/wmv/WhatCar/News/2008/November/Mini_E_512kws.wmv&vtype=WM)but it's still an interesting piece of kit to see at the show.

Powered by a 204bhp electric motor, the Mini E has 162lb ft of pulling power. It records a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and is limited to 95mph.

It uses lithium ion batteries and gains extra charge by storing power that's generated under braking.

An electric socket sits where the fuel filler cap is normally located, and a full charge to give the Mini E a range of 150 miles takes around eight hours from a standard electricity supply, although a quick-charge unit can be installed in an owner's home, lowering the charge time to 2.5 hours.