• Excellently efficient batteries and motors
• Real-world driving range of 200 miles
• DC rapid charging tech as standard

What are the running costs?

Both two Electric Cooper variants have their own set of charging and efficiency figures. The less powerful Cooper E comes with a 36.6 kWh battery that can be charged from 10-80% in 28 minutes on DC power. Cooper SEs are fitted with a 49.2 kWh battery, and can be charged from 10-80% in 30 minutes. Both produce zero emissions as electric vehicles, but they consume power at different rates. 

According to figures provided by WLTP, the Cooper E consumes power at a rate of between 4.2 and 4.5 miles/kWh, while the Cooper SE eats charge at a rate of between 4.1 and 4.4miles/kWh. From our experience of the driving the SE over many miles in changeable conditions, these quoted stats are about bang on, as we were able to average 4.2miles/kWh.

As for range, the 2024 Cooper Electric has received its much-needed mileage boost. Cooper E’s have a claimed range of between 182 and 189 miles, while Cooper SEs have a range of between 241 and 249 miles.

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From our experience, real world driving may knock around 30-40 miles off of the SE’s claimed figure, but it’s still marked improvement over the 100 miles of the previous generation.

Servicing and warranty 

MINI’s warranty package includes unlimited mileage cover for the first three years, while the manufacturer’s Roadside Assistance service and protection for the high voltage battery are also included. On the latter, MINI will cover protection for the batter for up to eight years or 100,000 miles from registration – whichever comes first.

Reliability

• Reliable manufacturer
• Fewer moving parts in EV
• Now on EV chassis

With fewer moving parts than a combustion-powered hatchback, there’s less at risk of going wrong in a car like the Cooper Electric. The MINI is also a premium example of an electric hatchback, developed at great cost by a parent company – BMW – that’s famed for high quality and dependability. This model was also developed to be an EV from the outset, rather than the previous generation which had an electric motor strapped into the chassis of a combustion-powered car, so reliability shouldn’t be an issue.