The popular MINI is a natural for an all-electric makeover. A small car with a big personality already, we find out how successful its transformation into a zero emissions pin-up has gone.
The designers and engineers at MINI HQ have done the sensible thing and not tampered with its winning combination of retro cool looks, quality feel, quirky interior and fun driving characteristics. From the outside it looks like a three-door MINI Hatch three-door. The only obvious giveaways are the solid grille and special yellow logos (designed to echo the look of three-pin plug) front and rear.
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The flap hiding the charging point is even in the same place as the fuel filler cap on a standard car. Inside, it gets a 5.5-inch driver’s display behind the steering wheel that shows info such as the car’s speed and the amount of charge left in the batteries, while a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominates the centre console - just like a regular MINI.
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Traditionalists will also approve of the forest of traditional toggle switches and dials - a refreshing antidote to the minimalism of many EVs these days. It's simple to drive too. Other than pressing the accelerator and racing off, thanks to the instant oomph offered by the electric motor, you might want to choose your driving mode - Sport, Mid, Green or Green+. Sport gives you full access to the power available, which means rapid 0-62mph acceleration of 7.3 seconds.
The others are more sensible and will help your MINI save battery charge and increase regenerative braking - a system which converts energy otherwise lost when coasting or braking back into electricity, recharging the battery. Of course, the main way to recharge the battery is via a charge point.
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To get a full charge from empty, you’ll need to plug it in via an 11kW wall-mounted home charger, while a more powerful 50kW charger can get from 0% to 80% capacity in just 35 minutes. We found we couldn't match the 145-mile claimed range, so the reality is that you're looking at closer to 120 miles in normal driving.
"Normal" driving is a struggle, because it is such fun. The regular MINI is like kart-like as it is - the EV version takes it a step further. You sit low in the cabin in a driving position that is unique to the MINI, and even though it's heavier than its petrol-engined sibling, it hides it well and feels just as agile. With sharp steering and amazing acceleration on tap, it's seriously nippy in town and huge fun on flowing country roads.
No car is perfect, and the MINI Electric is no exception. At 211 litres, the boot is on the snug side, while the rear seats are best left for children and small, very obliging adults.
What's more, don't dismiss it if you need to go on the odd longer journey. They are quite possible - just plan ahead factoring in stops at rapid chargers. MINI is owned by BMW these days, but the MINI Electric is still a patriotic choice because it's built in Oxford - just like its legendary ancestor from 1959-1968.
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HELLO!'s verdict: Retro cool and funky, the all-new MINI Electric will put a smile on your face. Fun to drive, bursting with character and boasting excellent build quality, it's kind to the planet and your pocket. Price: from £25,100.
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