Mini-E testing

[erkishhorde]

Looks like Mini is having sign ups for testing of their new electric car.
http://insiders.miniusa.com/cgi-bin5/DM/y/epC30KPyDD0O7C0CTww0E2&pid=1175697

[GregP]

At the price of $850 a month that doesn't strike me as an "opportunity"!

[Drunken Monkey]

At the price of $850 a month that doesn't strike me as an "opportunity"!

NY and LA only.

I suppose it depends on your commute. I used to do 70 miles a day. Call that 2 gallons of gas, or about $7 (on average for the Bay Area) $35 a week, or $150 a month.

So about $50 a month for a highway commuter. Maybe $100 max savings.

Insurance is included. That's about $2K a year for me. So call that another $160 / month.

Call it between $550 and $600 month actual cost. Not great, but not terrible.

What bugs me is the design: They apparently require a special garage box for charging.

And here I though special changing adapters for my cell phone were a pain in the ass...

Meanwhile, I'm looking to convert an older mr2 to electric with a buddy of mine...

[joekarati]

Are/ have any other companies attempted this kind of market research?  This seems, uh, groundbreaking...

Actually, can you imagine if it catches on major manufacturer's of goods/ services?  (insert absurd ideas...)  For the "pioneering spirits" ...

"As part of our commitment to the future of personal computing, Apple is seeking 500 select patient spirits to real-world test the Apple iMac 67990.  ...although some participants may need to provide their own satellite system in order to..." 

[derby]

Are/ have any other companies attempted this kind of market research?  This seems, uh, groundbreaking...

gm's ev1 and honda's fcx hydrogen fuel cell vehicle had/have similar "no purchase/must return" lease deals.

[Gus Duc]

gm's ev1 and honda's fcx hydrogen fuel cell vehicle had/have similar "no purchase/must return" lease deals.

Garrett has an EV1 & an FCX ......................who knew

[SDR_John]

You better not have anything to take with you... Saw it tonight at the auto show, and the whole package area is filled with batteries (i'm assuming here), and the max payload (for you, your passenger, et al... is 430#... that's generous!  )