The Mini E will be a two-seater. The space usually taken up by back seats in a gas-powered Mini will be taken up by lithium-ion batteries.
BMW boasts that the car has nearly even front-to-back weight distribution. Minor changes have been made to the regular Mini Cooper's suspension to ensure safe handling despite the car's unique load balance.
The car has gone through numerous crash tests, BMW says. Besides focusing on occupant protection, BMW engineers also had to find a safe location for the battery in which it would survive various sorts of crashes.
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Last updated October 20 2008: 11:35 AM ET