Smart no offers it's entire range with electric drive, all with the government grant.

• fortwo electric drive priced from £16,420 (including OLEV grant)
• Available in three body styles with up to 100-mile range
• On sale now with first customer deliveries due from July 

The smart electric drive range is now on sale, with prices starting from £16,420 for the smart fortwo electric drive (including OLEV grant of £4,500; total price £20,920 excluding grant). 

The forfour electric drive is just £16,915 (£21,415 excluding grant), and the unique fortwo cabriolet electric drive starts at £18,650 (£23,060 excluding grant). This makes smart the only brand that offers all its models with either combustion engines or fully electric drivetrains. 

The smart electric drive features an 81 hp electric motor powering the rear wheels via a single-speed gearbox. The electric drive has a range of up to 100 miles, while its maximum speed is electronically limited to 80 mph to maximise the range. 

The standard 7 kW on-board charger means the smart electric drive can be charged in 2.5 hours using a 16 A charger or just six hours via a standard three-pin household socket (20 per cent to 100 per cent). All models have a top speed of 81 mph and can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 11.5 seconds. 

Specification is based on the well-equipped prime model, which includes heated front seats, cruise control, leather upholstery and 15-inch alloy wheels. Every electric drive model also comes with charging cables for both domestic sockets and public charging stations; rear parking sensors; smart media system with satellite navigation; and an acoustic ambient sound generator. The sound generator creates an artificial engine sound when the vehicle is moving at low speeds to make its presence known to pedestrians and other road users. 

For just £595 customers can add the premium plus equipment line, which includes ambient lighting; centre armrest; LED headlights and tail lights; front fog lamps; automatic lights and wipers; and rear view camera. 

The electric drive design package is available from £595 and adds a tridion cell and mirror caps in electric green; body panels in either black or white with matching grille; 16-inch alloys; and ‘ED’ decals in grey. 

A heated steering wheel, heated rear seats (forfour only) and additional door and cockpit insulation are part of the winter package, which costs £295 on fortwo models and £495 on the forfour. 

Customers can also access the smart control app, which allows the user to view the vehicle’s charging status, and pre-set the climate control via a smartphone.

MINI's first plug in hybrid will get its debut at this years Goodwood Festival of Speed.

MINI’s first plug-in hybrid model to receive UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2017, 29th June – 2nd July. Available to order now priced from £31,585 OTR and eligible for additional £2,500 OLEV government grant

• MINI’s first plug-in hybrid model to receive UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2017, 29th June – 2nd July
• Priced from £31,585 OTR and eligible for additional £2,500 OLEV government grant
• 3-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combine to produce a total system output of 224 hp
• 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds, CO2 emissions of 49 g/km and average fuel consumption of 134.5 mpg
• Electric driving at speeds of up to 78 mph with a range of up to 25 miles
• MINI Satellite Navigation System, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Emergency E-call, Active Guard and 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission all as standard

The MINI brand’s first plug-in hybrid model will receive its UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed on 29th June to 2nd July. The new all-rounder for town and country now offers the option of purely electric driving with zero tailpipe emissions.

Available to order now, the new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 will launch in MINI Retailers on 24th June 2017 and is priced from £31,585 OTR. The vehicle is also eligible for an additional £2,500 OLEV government grant.

The first plug-in hybrid model in the MINI product range offers sporty agility on the road as well as competency beyond the asphalt thanks to its intelligent all-wheel drive system. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 hybrid system is made up of a 3-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology and a synchronous electric motor. Together they generate a system output of 165 kW/224 hp enabling the car to sprint from standing to 62mph in 6.8 seconds.

The power of the combustion engine is transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed Steptronic transmission, while the electric motor powers the rear wheels. The intelligently controlled interaction between the two power units creates an all-wheel drive system that optimises agility and stability on the road as well as providing supreme traction over snow and unsurfaced terrain.

In everyday traffic the intelligent drive control of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 makes for an intense hybrid driving experience. When setting off, only the electric motor is initially active meaning a virtually noiseless start. As is typical of electric motors, the entire torque is available from standing. Once a driving speed of 50mph is reached, the combustion engine is gently activated. The eDRIVE toggle switch enables the driver to continue to drive with only the electric engine beyond this point if preferred: in MAX eDRIVE mode the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 runs at up to 78mph free of local emissions. The electric range of the first MINI plug-in hybrid model is 25 miles.

The energy required for this is stored in a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. It can be charged at a conventional household socket or, for increased power input and reduced waiting times, at a wallbox or public charging station. Charging takes between 2:15 and 3:15 hours.

The efficiency and pulling power of the electric motor, its cleverly controlled interaction with the combustion engine and the premium quality and reliability of all components of the hybrid system is the result of the BMW Group’s eDrive technology. The high-voltage battery comes with a warranty which lasts for six years or 60,000 miles.

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines its progressive drive system with the versatile space concept and hallmark brand style of the latest MINI model range. The battery is housed underneath the rear seat and flat load boot floor, minimising drawbacks to boot space and leg room. The luggage compartment volume of the hybrid model is 405 litres, which can be extended to as much as 1,275 litres with the rear backrests folded down.

The new MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 comes with a range of high quality standard equipment. This includes the MINI’s acclaimed Satellite Navigation System, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Emergency E-call and Active Guard among other features. 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, the MINI Driving Modes and three spoke sports steering wheel are also offered as standard.

In addition to model-specific design elements such as the “E” emblem on the radiator grille and side scuttles as well as door sill finishers with a yellow “S” logo, the 17-inch light alloy wheels in Light Spoke design are another distinguishing feature exclusive to the model. Inside, hybrid-specific displays and the eDRIVE toggle switch indicate the distinctive character of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.

The 2018 Porsche Panamera is the fastest Saloon yet with electric power and a V8 powerplant.

• World premiere in Geneva: Second hybrid variant of the Panamera introduced

With the 2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, Porsche is introducing a plug-in hybrid as the flagship of the model line for the first time. 

Combining the 4.0-liter V8 engine from the Panamera Turbo with an electric motor, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid delivers a total output of 680 hp and 626 lb.-ft. of torque. 

Only the limited production 918 Spyder has ever had more power. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds (3.3 seconds for the Executive model) and has a top track speed of 192 mph. 

According to the New European Driving Cycle, the average fuel consumption is 2.9 liters per 100 kilometers, and the new top-model Panamera can drive on fully electric power for up to 50 kilometers. EPA-rated fuel economy and range will be available closer to launch.

Unique drive concept with V8 engine and electric motor

After the successful debut of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid – which uses a twin-turbo V6 engine combined with an electric motor – the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is another compelling demonstration of the performance advantages of hybrid technology. 

The new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid utilizes a boost strategy derived from the 918 Spyder and combines a 136 hp electric motor with a 550 hp twin-turbo V8 engine. The decoupler installed in the Porsche hybrid module is actuated electromechanically by an electric clutch actuator (ECA), just like in the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. 

This ensures quick response and exceptional comfort. Like other Panamera models, the quick-shifting eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission sends power to the standard active all-wheel drive system with Porsche Traction Management (PTM).

The electric motor is powered via a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 14.1 kWh. The high-voltage battery takes 12 hours to fully charge via a common 120 V, 10 amp connection. 

If the optional 7.2 kW on-board charger is utilized instead of the standard 3.6 kW unit, the charging time decreases to less than three hours with a 240 V, 40 amp connection. 

The charging process can also be started using a timer via Porsche Communication Management (PCM) or the Porsche Connect app (for smartphones and Apple Watch). Moreover, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is fitted with auxiliary air conditioning to cool or heat the passenger compartment prior to driving.

Connectivity and comfort at your fingertips

The console between the driver and the front passenger is dominated by the 12.3-inch touchscreen of the next generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. 

The driver and front passenger can set the configuration for this display individually. Integrated into the PCM are features such as navigation, the online functions of Porsche Connect Plus and smartphone integration via Apple® Car Play. 

The control panel with touch-sensitive switches on the center console enables intuitive control of various functions.

Three-way combination of sports car performance, comfort on long trips and efficiency

Performance, comfort and efficiency form a perfect three-way combination. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid comes with air suspension as standard and offers a unique balance in this segment: the comfort of a luxury sedan paired with the performance of a sports car. 

The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid starts in the purely electric "E-Power" mode, and is capable of covering up to 50 kilometers on pure electric power according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). 

When a specific pressure point on the accelerator pedal is reached, or when the battery charge drops below a minimum level, the Panamera switches to "Hybrid Auto" mode, at which point the total system is available. 

Consumption in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) amounts to 2.9 l/100 km. EPA-rated fuel economy and range will be available closer to launch.

Debut with two wheelbases

Celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show (March 7 to 19, 2017), the 2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is expected to reach U.S. dealers by the end of 2017. It will also be offered in an Executive version with a 5.9 inch longer wheelbase. 

Standard equipment on the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid includes Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), Power Steering Plus and Sport Chrono Package. 

Auxiliary air-conditioning, adaptive aerodynamic elements and a three-chamber air suspension including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) are also standard. 

The Executive version is additionally equipped with rear axle steering, 8-way power rear seats with comfort head rests, and 4 – zone climate control. Both models are equipped with 21- inch 911 Turbo Design Wheels. 

The price for the 2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid will be $184,400, while the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive will start at $194,800. These prices exclude the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee.

Revised Volkswagen e-up! wins City Car category in 2016 Next Green Car Awards.

• Revised e-up! wins City Car category in 2016 Next Green Car Awards
• Latest e-up! has new infotainment functionality and sharper styling
• Volkswagen e-up! is on sale now at £20,780 (RRP OTR, incl. government grant)

The Volkswagen e-up! has won the hotly contested City Car category in the Next Green Car Awards. 

Volkswagen’s popular up! family has been a consistent winner since its launch in 2011 and, following a refresh of the exterior and interior styling, plus an extensive redesign of the infotainment system, the awards keep on coming.

The refreshed e-up! went on sale in the UK in September.  It’s powered by an 82 PS electric motor that has a 204-cell lithium-ion battery pack located within the car’s floor.  It is rated at 374 volts, or 18.7 kWh. 

The important figure is the range: The e-up! can travel 93 miles between charges, and charging the e-up! to 80 per cent takes just 30 minutes via a fast-charge connection.

As well as its clever packaging and quick charging, the e-up! benefits from punchy acceleration thanks to the 210 Nm of torque from the electric motor.  The car can reach 62 mph in 12.4 seconds. These factors combine to mark out the e-up! as the perfect car for the urban environment.

The e-up! continues to push the boundaries of modern technology when it comes to connectivity.  The driver’s smartphone docks into the centre console to become an integral part of the driving experience and integrating seamlessly into the car’s infotainment system. 

The Volkswagen app, meanwhile, enables the driver to play music via the smartphone.  They can also access the navigation system and run Think Blue. Trainer, Volkswagen’s fun program that coaches the driver in efficient driving techniques.

The smartphone connection continues when the driver is out of the car.  Volkswagen’s Car-Net e-remote enables the driver to control the e-up!’s charging process remotely from their smartphone.  

They can also switch on the air conditioning before they get into the car, and can review their driving data and vehicle trip statistics.  A three-year subscription to this service is included with the e-up!

The award-winning Volkswagen is available exclusively as a five-door in pure electric form, and is loaded with equipment.  Included are 15-inch ‘Tezzle’ alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tyres.  

The glass is tinted from the B-pillar backwards, and the re-styled front bumper has trademark ‘C’ signature LED running lights.  The interior now features chromed door handles, air vent surrounds, speedo surrounds and light and heating switches.

The three-spoke steering wheel is trimmed in leather, as is the gear knob gaiter and handbrake grip.  The upper dashpad has a distinctive ‘Sharkskin’ pattern.  

The front lights will stay on for a short period of time, to enable the driver to see their way to their front door, while other standard-fit equipment items include cruise control and a dusk sensor that turns the driving lights on automatically – particularly useful through the winter months.  

Rear parking sensors further aid convenience, too.

The judges of the Next Green Car Awards were suitably impressed by the new e-up!: “Already one of the best city cars around, Volkswagen has made its e-up! even better with sharper looks and improved equipment.  

Fun to drive, cheap to run, and with zero tailpipe emissions, the little Volkswagen is an ideal urban runabout.”

MINI launches the All-New Countryman and offers it as a plug in hybrid, the first for the brand.

• The new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4
• The brand's first ever plug-in hybrid model
• High-quality BMW Group eDrive components developed specifically for MINI Countryman
• 3-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combine to produce a total system output of 224 hp
• 0-62 mph time of just 6.9 seconds
• CO₂ emissions of 49 g/km and average fuel consumption of 134.5 mpg
• Electric driving at speeds of up to 78 mph with a range of up to 25 miles
• Innovative driving experience due to the electrified all-wheel drive system ALL4
• Lithium-ion high-voltage battery can be charged at a wallbox in 2:15 hours.

Hallmark MINI driving experience with zero tailpipe emissions, the new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is the first plug-in hybrid model offered by the premium British brand. This new Countryman model provides the option of purely electric and therefore emissions-free mobility.

Propulsion is shared between a 3-cylinder petrol engine and a synchronous electric motor. Together they produce a system output of 224 hp. Equally impressive is the average fuel consumption of 134.5 mpg and the CO₂emissions figure of 49 grams per kilometre (EU test cycle figures for plug-in hybrid vehicles), yet also enabling a 0-62 mph time of just 6.9 seconds.

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is the perfect vehicle for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of purely electric mobility when commuting between home and work every day for example, while at the same time benefiting from unlimited long-distance suitability at the weekend.

MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines the space and practicality of the largest model in the MINI range with the sustainability of BMW Group eDrive technology and an electrified all-wheel drive system.

The front wheels are powered by the combustion engine, the rear wheels by the electric motor. MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is able to run on electricity alone not just in urban traffic, but for long distances too – at a top speed of 78 mph and with a range of up to 25 miles. Drawing on the power of both drive forms, it offers driving fun away from surfaced roads as well.

“The plug-in hybrid concept perfectly matches the new MINI Countryman because it offers intelligent all-wheel drive as well as being able to run on electricity alone both in urban areas and over longer distances, too. 

This is unique in the segment,” says Uwe Seitz, MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 project manager.

MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4: the highlights.

• The brand’s first ever plug-in hybrid model
• High-quality BMW Group eDrive components developed specifically for MINI Countryman that draw on expertise gained from the development of BMW iPerformance automobiles 
• 3-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combine to produce a total system output of 224 hp
• Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle: 134.5 mpg, CO₂ emissions: 49 g/km
• Electric driving at speeds of up to 78 mph with a range of up to 25 miles
• Innovative driving experience due to the electrified all-wheel drive system ALL4
• Three operating modes available for selection via eDrive toggle switch
• High standard equipment, including satellite navigation and Hybrid-specific displays

MINI is a pioneer in the field of electric mobility.

The BMW Group’s technological expertise and range of models already on offer are evidence of the company’s leading role in the area of electric mobility. MINI was an early pioneer of these developments: the MINI E presented in 2008 was the BMW Group’s first ever purely electrically powered automobile and was driven by private users in everyday traffic as part of a large-scale field experiment. More than 600 of the MINI E, based on the MINI Cooper Hatch, were used for practical testing purposes worldwide. The project yielded vital insights into the use of electrically powered automobiles which were incorporated in the development of the BMW i3.

MINI TwinPower Turbo and eDrive technology combined.

The plug-in hybrid drive of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines the best of a 3-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. The space under the bonnet is occupied by a 3-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology from the latest generation of the BMW Group engines. From a capacity of 1.5 litres this provides a peak output of 136 hp. The maximum torque of the engine is 220 Newton metres, which goes on stream at 1,250 rpm. In the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, the combustion engine is combined with a modified 6-speed Steptronic transmission which transfers its power to the front wheels.

The second power unit of the MINI S E Countryman ALL4 is an electric motor that is housed under the luggage compartment floor. Designed according to the principle of a hybrid synchronous motor, the electric drive offers a high output of 88 hp -considering the size and weight of the car - and generates a maximum torque of 165 Nm that is available from standing. In addition, it provides constant power delivery even during high engine speed ranges as well as a very high level of efficiency. The electric motor directs its power to the rear axle via a two-stage single-speed transmission.

Lithium-ion battery: compact, powerful and produced using BMW Group expertise.

The lithium-ion battery is positioned directly in front of the electric motor underneath the rear seat. It is made up of five modules, each comprising 16 battery cells. Like the electric motor, it is produced at the Dingolfing plant, the BMW Group’s competence centre for eDrive technology. The high-voltage battery has a capacity of 7.6 kWh. At a wallbox with a charging capacity of 3.6 kW it can be fully charged in 2:15 hours. Charging at a regular household socket takes 3:15 hours.

Intelligent energy management provides fun driving and excellent efficiency.

The intelligent energy management system controlled by the power electronics of the plug-in hybrid system ensures that the interplay between the combustion engine and the electric motor is optimised for both driving fun and efficiency in all situations. Using the power of the electric motor alone, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is able to provide locally emissions-free driving, and in the event that more intense acceleration is required, the electric motor supports the combustion engine via a boost function. A total system output of 224 hp and a combined torque of 385 Nm are available. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 accelerates from 0-62mph in just 6.9 seconds.

Two power units, four drive wheels.

Only one of the two power units is used when the car is moving, while the other one can be additionally enabled at any time to optimise traction, ride stability and agility. The signal required for this purpose comes from the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) unit, which continuously analyses both the situation on the road and the commands of the driver. “The result is an intelligent all-wheel drive system that ensures perfect movement in all weathers and on all road surfaces,” explains Uwe Seitz, MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 project manager. The precisely controlled interaction achieved in the powering of the front wheels by the combustion engine and the rear wheels by the electric motor is the same as the principle that is applied in the BMW i8, only the other way around: it is a key factor that contributes to the captivating character of the plug-in hybrid sports car.

The eDrive toggle switch: purely electric power at the press of a button.

The driver can also use the eDrive toggle switch to choose between three operating modes.

AUTO eDRIVE	Purely electric driving up to 50 mph. The combustion engine is automatically enabled when necessary, for example when accelerating quickly or when the battery charge falls below seven per cent.
MAX eDRIVE	Purely electric driving up to 78 mph, the combustion engine is additionally enabled at higher speeds or on kickdown.
SAVE BATTERY	The car is powered by the combustion engine.

In the standard setting AUTO eDRIVE, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 runs on electrical power only up to a speed of 50 mph. At higher speeds and in the case of very intensive loads, the combustion engine is automatically enabled in addition. In MAX eDRIVE mode the vehicle is powered by the electric motor alone at speeds up to 78 mph. Finally, the SAVE BATTERY mode can be selected so as to relieve the capacity of the high-voltage battery or raise its charge state to at least 90 per cent so that sufficient electrical power remains for purely electric driving later on.

When route guidance is activated on MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 standard-fit navigation system, the anticipatory energy management system ensures that appropriate sections of the route are run on electric power alone. Taking the data from the navigation system into account, the operating strategy of the hybrid system is geared towards drawing on the energy capacity of the high-voltage battery to maximum extent.

Versatile in the interior, too.

Thanks to the compact structure and arrangement of the eDrive components, the plug-in hybrid model variant of the new MINI Countryman has a versatile interior. The high-voltage battery is housed underneath the slightly raised rear seat, as is the 35-litre fuel tank. When all seats are in use, the luggage compartment volume in the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is only slightly less than in the conventionally powered model variants. The rear backrests offer the possibility of a 40 : 20 : 40 split; they can also be folded down and varied in their tilt angle. “The entire hybrid technology is installed in such a way that you don’t notice it inside the car at all,” says Uwe Seitz, MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 project manager, “with the exception of the controls used to activate the various driving modes.”

Hybrid-specific design features and displays.

Discreet but equally unmistakable indications of the car’s unique drive form are provided by the model-specific design features on the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 exterior. The connection for the charging cable is under a flap in the area of the left-hand side scuttle. Other features are the model-specific “e” badge on the side scuttles and also a yellow “S” in the model inscription on the rear as well as on the radiator grille and door sill finishers.

Inside, the cockpit includes a yellow start/stop unit at the centre of the toggle switch panel and a performance display in the instrument cluster on the steering column.

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 comes as standard with the MINI Visual boost Radio featuring a 6.5-inch colour screen in the central instrument. This displays information such as the charge state of the high-voltage battery and operating mode of the hybrid drive selected by eDrive toggle switch. In conjunction with the optional Media package including MINI navigation system XL, operation is via an 8.8-inch screen with a new graphic design and touchscreen function as well as via the Touch Controller in the centre console.

Efficiency meets individual style.

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines highly efficient driving fun with versatile space and all the other advancements that characterise the new edition of the all-round model for the premium compact segment. Its powerfully expressive design and optimised use of space are just as striking as its increased ride comfort and refined premium ambience.

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 comes with the MINI Driving Modes as standard. Regardless of the operating mode selected via eDrive toggle switch, the vehicle set-up can be adapted to a particularly sporty or efficient driving style, according to preference.

MINI CooperS E CountrymanALL4:

3-cylinder petrol engine, capacity: 1 499 cc, output: 100 kW/136 hp, synchronous electric motor, output: 65 kW/88 hp, system output: 165 kW/224 hp, system torque: 385 Nm.