Participants sought for MINI E trials

MINI is looking for people to take part in its electrical vehicle tests now that the first batch of trialists are due to hand their motors back in.

A total of 20 participants are being sought to trial the new MINI E electric car as the first 20 MINI E pioneers, who took ownership of their electric MINIs in December 2009, will be handing them back in June.

Those in a triangular geographical area between Andover, Oxford and West London will be able to take part in the project.

"We would love to hear from people who have the enthusiasm and curiosity required to take part in a 'real world' research study," Suzanne Gray, project manager for MINI E.

She added that the carmaker was "overwhelmed" by the interest in the first phase of the trial.

The new MINI Countryman is set to be released in September this year and will be the brand's biggest vehicle to date.