What Are They Thinking? New Mini EV Offers Brisk Performance But Only Has 114 Mile Range

Mini’s first series-production battery electric vehicle is better suited for a spirited run across town than multiday road trip.

On Tuesday, BMW's iconic British brand launched the Mini Cooper SE. Assembly begins in November in Oxford, U.K., with U.S. deliveries expected in early 2020. Pricing was not disclosed.

The Cooper SE offers Mini’s traditional “go kart” handling. It’s powered by a 135 kilowatt motor that delivers 181 hp and is capable of going from 0 to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds.

scenicbyway12 - 7/9/2019 11:03:22 AM

+1 Boost

MINI continues to overprice and underwhelm.

malba2367 - 7/9/2019 11:03:31 AM

+2 Boost

If the price is right (ie. in line with the Nissan Leaf) they will find buyers. 114 mile range is plenty for people using it as a commuter car.

Vette71 - 7/9/2019 1:13:27 PM

+2 Boost

The question is how many people buy a new vehicle just for commuting?

atc98092 - 7/9/2019 4:14:26 PM

+3 Boost

Now let's be honest. A Mini isn't really a road trip car anyway. But 114 miles is still far too little for me, even discounting any potential road trip.

TomM - 7/9/2019 5:08:04 PM

+1 Boost

I Think we can honestly say that about 200 miles is the threshold where people will accept an EV easily. Yes- they sold Leafs that did not come close to that - but the reality is - as a VOLUME seller - 200 miles seems to be the place.

AS far as the Mini - this is a quintessential British little car - that really will never sell well in the USA and they should stop wasting their time here. If it had a range of 500 miles - it still would not sell.

vdiv - 7/9/2019 5:56:01 PM

+2 Boost

This is rational for an EV appliance like the Leaf, but not so much for a cult car like the Mini Cooper. The range/handling compromise was certainly swayed as potential buyers will seek the latter. This will never be a high volume car, but it will find enthusiasts even in the US. The problem is the price, should be $10k lower.

MDarringer - 7/9/2019 6:55:53 PM

+1 Boost

I'll accept a 200 mile range if I can full charge in 10 minutes.

With EVs, range isn't the issue. Charge speed is. The Tesla Speed Fryer doesn't count because if you speed charge your batteries all the time they will fry faster.

I should also not have to pay 33-50-100% more for an EV than an ICE.

SanJoseDriver - 7/20/2019 3:03:22 PM

+1 Boost

I don't think this will sell well. At this price there should be at least 250 miles of range, better performance, and a front-trunk.

MDarringer - 7/20/2019 3:43:12 PM

+1 Boost

The "go cart" handling is a kind way of saying "squirrelly torque steer issues". The Mini is astoundingly terrible in the respect. Can't they cheat and look at a GTI that has none of that stupidity?