Mini car hire enthusiasts could soon enjoy driving their favourite car without harming the environment.

Drivers in the south-east of England have been selected to participate in a trial of the electric Mini, which, if proved successful, will make the environmentally-friendly car commercially available.

According to the Telegraph, the 20 drivers will be required to cover at least 300 miles every month and also have their charging and motoring routines monitored over the sixth-month trial period.

Capable of accelerating from standstill to 62 mph in just 8.5 seconds, the Mini E is significantly cheaper to run than its fossil fuel-driven counterparts.

Motorists can cover up to 150 miles on an off-peak £1.50 charge, which takes four-and-a-half hours.

German executive car manufacturer BMW is the owner of the Mini brand, which includes models such as the Mini John Cooper Works, Clubman, Mayfair, One and the recently launched First.

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