As many as 20 new drivers are currently being sought to participate in the second phase of trials of the electric MINI.

People who are presently residing in a triangular area between Andover, Oxford and west London are eligible to sent in their names as potential owners. Those who are interested are required to fill out an online application form which is available at electricMINI. co. uk.

The Government-supported trial, operated by a BMW-led group which includes the likes of Southern Electric and the South East England Development Agency, will be involved in the evaluation of the technical and social effects of living day-to-day with a car which is all electric.

The 20 drivers who would be picked will lease the two-seater MINIs from September 2010 for up-to 6 months. A free home charging point would be installed for each vehicle by Southern Electric, in addition to various public charging points, so that the battery of the car can be charged even when the drivers are away from home.

The lease fee has been fixed as 330 Pounds a month, which would include VAT, and is subject to the conditions, insurance and maintenance.

The MINI E driver would only be paying for the electricity utilized.