PML Mini QED
 

Since returning in 2001 as a BMW production, the Mini Cooper lineup has combined performance and an all around fun drive with sensibility and efficiency. However, a British engineering firm has taken that a step further with their PML Mini QED. This new high performance Mini Cooper can achieve speeds of around 150mph and dash from 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds, all without the use of a gas-powered drive engine.

Each of the four wheels is equipped with a unique electric engine, producing 160hp at each wheel for a total of 640 wheel horsepower. The limit of other electric vehicles ahs been the range, but the PML Mini QED has a series of answers. The first is the tiny generator like ICE (internal combustion engine) mounted in the trunk that starts automatically to recharge the batteries, and the second is the braking system that functions as 4 small generators during periods of hard breaking. The final alternative to recharge the batteries is to simply plug in the vehicle.

These features allow the PML Mini QED to travel 200-250 miles on all electric power, and with the aid of the ICE the car has a range of around 930 miles, giving a fuel economy yield of around 80mpg. The rumors surfacing in mid 2008 about BMW offering 500 electric powered Mini’s for the 2010 model year have not been confirmed not denied by management, but the rumors include a British based build site for these super-efficient performance compacts.

There are 4 individual electric motors, one in each wheel. They are located where the brake hubs typically are. The motor body of each one is attached to the vehicle suspension and the wheel is attached to the armature that spins. The motors also are used as brakes. Electromagnetic resistance stops the wheels from spinning also creating electricity which is stored in batteries, just like a generator creates electricity. Hope this answers your question.

is that how a mini being so small isn't affected by pot holes as much?

Wow, I didn't know the Mini QED produced 640 hp... crazy!

My mini fell in a Cleveland pot hole, just walked away thru the back hatch using the emergency release! Wish I had an 80 mpg mini in these days come, please update!