Andrew joined the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street yesterday to welcome the addition of an all-electric, zero emissions ‘Mini E’ to the government’s car pool. The new car, designed by BMW, is to be trialled among 40 UK drivers over a year, as well as motorists in the US and Germany.   

Andrew said: “I am extremely proud that the Mini E has gone on trial and will be used by government ministers.  I have always fought hard to keep the Cowley Mini plant alive in Oxford, because I recognise the brilliant work it does.   

“It is vital that we keep up investment and pioneering research in low-carbon emission transport.  The government has shown in last week’s Pre-Budget Report that they are committed to this by investing in electric transport development as part of the new £400 million ‘green growth’ package.” 

The Prime Minister was joined by Business Secretary Peer Mandelson, who has supported electric vehicle development through the Government’s Technology Strategy Board.  With Andrew, they met Dave and Margaret Beesley, Oxford residents who are trying out the electric Mini.

Gordon Brown said: “I congratulate BMW and MINI for their ground-breaking electric MINI project and I welcome the extensive user field trial that has now begun.”

The Mini E can reach a top speed of 95mph, is powered by lithium-ion batteries and gives off no carbon emissions.  Drivers were handed the keys to the new cars at the Cowley Mini plant on Sunday.  Oxford Brookes University will study the progress of the trial.