As the world faces new environmental, social and economic challenges, MINI has unveiled its first fully electric model – the MINI Electric. Every inch a MINI, with performance close to the hot-hatch MINI Cooper S, it is temptingly priced and demand is expected to be strong. The order books are now open, with first deliveries expected later this month.
The MINI Electric is based on the same body shell as the 3-Door Hatch, with a number of specific differences. An embossed MINI Electric logo appears on car’s side scuttles, as well as on the tailgate and front radiator grille. The front grille features the hallmark hexagonal shape but is closed, as the car requires less cooling. This also contributes to excellent aerodynamics, as do the enclosed undercarriage, the rear apron and the special 17-inch MINI Electric Corona Spoke 2-tone wheels, which are optional.
The battery pack has 12 modules of lithium-ion cells arranged in a T-shaped unit in the vehicle floor between the front seats and below the rear seats, providing a battery capacity of 32.6 kWh; giving the Electric MINI a range of 232km (WLTP).
The motor is the latest, powerful version of the synchronous electric motor developed by the BMW Group and provides a maximum output of 184 HP and maximum torque of 270 Nm. As a result, the car accelerates to 100km in just 7.3 seconds with top speed limited to 150kms/h.
The charging plug is located above the right-hand rear wheel, where the petrol filler would normally be. The MINI Electric comes with both home and public charging cables as standard, designed for AC and DC charging using Type 2 and CCS Combo 2 plugs. At a 50kW DC rapid-charging station an 80 per cent charge is reached from zero in 35 minutes. On an AC feed the Mini Electric will charge at a very respectable 11kW.
Boot volume can be compromised in electric cars but the MINI Electric retains the full MINI Hatch 211 litres, expanding to 731 litres when the rear backrests are folded down.
There will the three trim levels, beginning with the standard trim, with a monthly lease price of €309* or on the road price from €27,765 OTR (which includes SEAI grant €5,000 and VRT rebate €5,000).
