Only customers with lockable garages or some other secure space in which to charge the car will be eligible to lease the Mini E.
The car can be plugged into any standard wall outlet. But drivers will be able to charge the car in just 2.5 hours using a special wallbox that will be installed in customers' garages.
The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. BMW will accept lease applications after that. Leases will begin early next year.
BMW said it will select specific customers based on a variety of demographic and location requirements.
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Last updated October 20 2008: 11:35 AM ET