Overview

If you’re looking for a small electric car, it’s quite hard to ignore the MINI Electric. It’s fun to drive, has a strong image and is supported by a great dealer network. MINI remains adamant that the shift to electric power hasn’t made the Cooper S E lose its cheeky character. But is that true?

It looks good on paper, but there’s a growing range of electric rivals vying for your attention. Cars such as the Peugeot e-208, Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Fiat 500 Electric can travel further than the MINI between charges, while the quirky Honda e is just as stylish and slightly more practical.

The MINI Electric line-up is simple to understand, with just one electric motor and battery pack on offer. The motor produces 184hp, which the company says is enough for a 0–62mph time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 93mph. The battery pack is a 32.6kWh unit, which offers an official range of 145 miles, although you’ll be lucky to get that in the real world.

MINI kept the car’s trim levels simple, too, offering buyers a choice of three specifications called Level 2, Level 3 and Resolute. The cheapest option comes with a good amount of standard equipment, including LED headlights, rear parking sensors, heated seats and an 8.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay.

Level 3 cars build on this specification with a panoramic glass sunroof, front parking sensors, a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger and a Harmon Kardon stereo system. The flagship Resolute model is better equipped still, featuring a host of bronze exterior highlights, piano black trim, chequered cloth upholstery or fancy leather seats.

The charge port is located where the fuel filler neck would be on a petrol-powered MINI. It’ll take around 12 hours to fully charge using a domestic three-pin socket – but if you have a wallbox fitted at home, the charging time falls to three hours and 12 minutes. Alternatively, a public rapid charger will do the job in just 36 minutes. All of these are charging from 0-80% as, much like your smartphone, the final 20% takes a bit longer.

Over the next few pages, we’ll assess each aspect of the MINI Electric, considering its practicality, technology, running costs and driving experience before offering our final verdict. Read on to find out whether this EV could suit your lifestyle.