SCIENTISTS at Oxford Brookes University have calculated that the new electric Mini could save up to £1,400 on the cost of fuel over a year.

The university, which is analysing performance data from the first phase of the six-month Mini E trials, estimates that drivers can save a small fortune by permanently switching to electric vehicles.

Although the cars have a range limit of 155 miles per battery charge, the university said almost all the 40 drivers taking part in the test were not put off from regularly using the Cowley-built Mini and were driving an average of 125 miles per week.

At a cost of less than 2p per mile, Mini pioneers could expect to spend less than £200 running their road tax exempt Mini E over the course of 12 months, compared to £1,600 for a fossil fuel vehicle.

Prof Allan Hutchinson, head of the sustainable engineering centre at Oxford Brookes University, said: “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Most of the drivers would dearly like to keep the cars, but that isn’t an option because they are research vehicles and needed for other tests.

“The test has proven that these cars are a viable alternative to fossil fuel cars and people will find they are very desirable. Many like the performance and one driver told me it was quieter than her Rolls Royce and more fun than her husband’s Ferrari.”

In January, the Oxford Mail reported that drivers trialling the electric cars said they took longer to charge because of the freezing weather.

Prof Hutchinson conceded the performance of electric vehicles can suffer if temperatures were below 5C or above 35C as the batteries use up more power trying to warm up or keep cool.

David Beesley, of Bayswater Road, Barton, Oxford, had to hand back the keys to his electric Mini on June 19 after driving 2,277 miles.

The 61-year-old said: “I’m mortified I can’t keep the damn thing and all the other Mini drivers are saying the same. It’s just an unbelievable piece of kit.”

  • THIS week saw the worldwide launch of a ground-breaking new car at Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum. The T.25 City Car designed by Prof Gordon Murray, famed for designing the McLaren F1 car, weighs less than 600kg and can do more than 80mpg when fitted with a petrol engine or more than 100mpg with a diesel.

Set to cost about £6,000, tests have shown that three T.25s can fit into a standard UK parking space. Its aim is to free up space in congested cites like Oxford.