Mitsubishi and Mini are taking part in the scheme of launching electric vehicles in the UK. Electric cars, as alternative to other vehicles, could cut road transport emissions in half.

Mitsubishi launched its electric i-MiEV whereas BMW – electric Mini. Both models were exposed for trial. 40 customers tried out Mini in Oxford for a period of six months.

The aim of the project was to evaluate the psychological, social and technological aspect of living with an electric car. Oxford Brookes University will gather the data and make it public.

The Mini E looks similar to the standard Mini but the back seat is converted to store batteries. Acceleration in the new Mini is similar to the other version as the 35kWh lithium-ion battery powers a 201bhp electric motor.

The overall CO2 emissions from the new vehicle equal 68g/km. It is half CO2 emitted by Ford Fiesta. It is said that the emissions will be even lower in the future as more renewable energy will be used.

Owner of the Mini, BMW, estimates that it will cost £1.50 a night and £4.00 during the day to charge the batteries. Each charge will allow the car to drive 150 miles.

Mitsubishi’s i-MiEVs will be tried out in Coventry and Birmingham as part of the Low Emission Vehicle Demonstrators project. As many as 110 cars are going to take part in the project.

According to the scheme, Indian Tata will contribute 25 electric Indicas, Microlab will supply 10 hydrogen fuel cell cars, Land Rover will provide five Range_e plug-in hybrids and LTI – five electric taxis.

Birmingham City Council and Coventry City Council will install electric charging points and allow access to the University of Birmingham’s hydrogen refueling station.