Who doesn’t like a Mini? As a big fan of the entire Mini lineup I recently came across the 201 hp Mini E 100% Electric Car in field testing. This 2 seater (have to make room for the batteries) is a zero-emissions car that makes sense. Smaller in the interior than a standard Mini it allows 2 people to cruise on electric power without performance issues. It’s not a Tesla but please read on.

What’s the Big Deal?

• 201 hp under the hood, it has the rapid acceleration yet quiet. Electric Motors can reach peak torque levels almost immediately! Watch that speedometer as it’s top speed is 95mph and will achieve 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds!
• 100 – 120 miles per charge (60 miles is what an average person drives in a given day)
• Recharge in 3 hours at home (all field testers had a 240 volt, 48 amp Mini E charging station installed in the garage so not sure about cost on that one or cost for electricity). If you tried on 110 volt a shocking 26.5 hours (yikes)
• Regenerative braking which slows the vehicle but captures a portion of the kinetic energy
• 1 year lease is available for $850/mo through Mini Financial Services and includes all the maintenance, roadside assistance and collision coverage.

Lithium Ion Batteries Make it Happen

Inside the hood is a suitcase (not really) you will see in the photo. Under the rear seats that don’t exist the batteries are located.The Mini E Driving Experience With 50/50 weight balance ratio, wheels all the way on each corner and tuned suspension you have one amazing electric car! Another cool feature is regenerative braking which slows the vehicle but captures a portion of the kinetic energy (trying to convert braking energy into electricity is the cliff notes version)


Want to Lease It?
A 1 year lease is available for $850/mo through Mini Financial Services and includes all the maintenance, roadside assistance and collision coverage. Seems like a nice deal and remember no cost for gas and you might just get a tax break!

What you will look at behind the wheel
Not much just the basics

Overall, I am really excited by the new electric Mini E and hope that we will continue to see innovations in electric and hybrid based cars. If you like this post please subscribe to my RSS Feed or receive by Email.