Mini E: how to sign up

Want to test the new Mini E electric car? Then read on.

The application process for drivers who want to take part in the Mini E UK electric car trial has opened and will run until the end of September.

Successful applicants will be able to lease a fully electric Mini E for six months from December at a cost of 330 per month, inclusive of VAT, insurance and maintenance, but excluding the cost of electricity.

To be eligible, drivers must live within a triangular area linked by Andover, Oxford and West London, and have a private parking space available at their home so that Southern Electric can install a 240V charging unit.

The Mini E has 203bhp and 162lb ft of torque, giving it a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 95mph. The car has a range of 155 miles and requires four and a half hours to fully charge.

A second batch of applications will be taken in 2010 and a full list of eligible postcodes can be found at www.electricmini.co.uk.