Mini Electric to bring 235km range and ‘affordable’ pricing
Mini’s first mass market electric car has been revealed as the brand looks to target buyers with a “widely affordable” EV.
Arriving ten years after the MINI E prototype battery-electric hatch used to test BMW Group technology with end-users, the Mini Electric has been revealed at the brand’s Oxford plant, the home of the brand where the very first Mini was built 60 years ago and where it will be produced alongside conventionally powered Minis.
It plays a key role in BMW Group’s electric plans; the brand revealed last month that it will now achieve its planned total of 25 electrified models in 2023; two years ahead of the original 2025 timeline. And of this figure, more than half will be fully electric.
A key focus of the Mini Electric is its affordable pricing. It’ll be offered in three trims, priced from €31,100 (£27,900) with the mid trim rising €2.2k (£2k) and an extra €6.7k (£6k) for the top spec (equipment details are still to be announced for all three trims), while leasing rates will start at around €335 (£300) per month.
Featuring a 33kWh battery and 184hp electric motor, the Mini Electric sits 18mm higher than the standard model due to the EU regulations around batteries, and offers two levels of regenerative braking.
It brings a similar performance to the Mini Cooper S, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds, while offering a limited top speed of 150km/h plus a 235-270km range.
Unlike most EVs, the Mini Electric will come with two charge cables as standard, a three-pin and AC, while the car can take a maximum 50kW charge rate.
Manufacturing of the Mini Electric will begin in late 2019, with first deliveries due in the spring of 2020.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.