Nearly a decade has elapsed since BMW brought two of its early electric trial cars to South African shores.

Back in 2013, the automaker shipped over examples of the Active E (based on the E82 coupé) and the Mini E (based on the R56) to spark enthusiasm. The prototypes were not for sale, of course, but were availed to media and other stakeholders for awareness purposes.

Recalling a jaunt in the battery-powered Mini E, which was left-hand drive, brings back fond memories. The instantaneous acceleration was entertaining, but a limited range and packaging constraints (the battery took up the whole rear section) made it clear there was still plenty of development to go. Also worth remembering that a year before, BMW launched the Active Hybrid versions of the 3-Series (F30) and 5-Series (F10)...