Austrian health company Biogena takes delivery of Mini Electric fleet

Biogena’s new 82-strong Mini Cooper SE fleet. Images: Supplied

Health Company Biogena, an Austrian micronutrient company, has taken delivery of 82 Mini Cooper SE Electric vehicles, as it pursues a strategy of sustainability, which includes eco-packaging, reforestation, and environmental protection.

Despite giving every employee the opportunity to order a petrol-variant Mini Cooper SE through a company lease early in 2021, Biogena has now pivoted to the zero-emissions model, and according to Managing Director Julia Ganglbauer, "The pulsating performance of the E-MINI is a perfect match for the passionate spirit of the Biogena team".

Austria —as a member-state of the European Union— adheres to strict environmental and emissions standards, and as such offers attractive incentives for private and corporate battery electric vehicle (BEV) buyers. Under the present scheme, Biogena would be eligible for an in-kind benefit of 0% tax for the private usage of company cars, as well as a VAT exemption.

There are also plans to introduce new policies in Austria that will accelerate EV uptake, including a plan to allow anyone with an electric vehicle to drive 130 km/h on the IG-L-Hunderter highways, which normally allow for a 100 km/h speed. This covers a total area of 440 km of roads. Lane privileges will also be granted for EV drivers, and they will be allowed to use bus lanes on public roads, and free parking will be introduced in urban areas.

The Mini Cooper SE is the brand’s first fully electric model and has sold over 30,000 units worldwide since 2020. With a drivetrain carried over from BMW’s revolutionary i3, it offers a 184 PS (135 kW) motor and a 32.6 kWh battery.