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Mini Electric Concept Makes Appearance At CIAS

3488 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Coops, 
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Still ongoing, various automakers are using the Canadian International Auto Show as a platform to show off their latest concept vehicles and getting in on that action is Mini and their first full-electric vehicle. Though it may not be the production ready model, the concept does offer attendees a chance to see the concept up close.

Not much of the 3-door hatch has been revealed and most of what was divulged, we already know. With heavily tinted windows and a glass barrier, we were unable to take a look at the Mini Mini Electric’s interior remains a mystery as well. Though with some effort, we did manage to take a few close up pictures of the exterior including the concept’s headlamps, bespoke wheels and distinctive charge port.

Borrowing its powertrain technology from the BMW i3, we may be seeing a range of around 180 miles per charge with DC fast-charging compatibility. If the entry-level trim takes after the i3s, then we may even see the Mini EV produce around 181 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Of course this is assuming the i3s is used as a benchmark.

Production of the battery-powered Mini is expected to commence in November 2019, meaning the automaker is taking their time to thoroughly test everything before the vehicle goes on sale.
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I wonder if even the test mule's exterior is what we'll see on the production model even though some portions are under camouflage. For all we know, Mini could modify the roofline or what have you and if they confirm anything at a show, then they may have to deliver on what they say.
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C
Although much of its specs and features still remain unknown, its great to see a physical model. I think the switch to EV is a smart move for Mini, and hopefully by utilizing the platform from the i3 it should be an easier sell for new buyers. We still have a couple of auto shows in the next few months, so maybe we'll get confirmation of performance specs.
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MiniFootPrint
Coops said:
Although much of its specs and features still remain unknown, its great to see a physical model. I think the switch to EV is a smart move for Mini, and hopefully by utilizing the platform from the i3 it should be an easier sell for new buyers. We still have a couple of auto shows in the next few months, so maybe we'll get confirmation of performance specs.
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The real downside to these displays is they don't give us much information aside from a simple visual representation and nothing more, the average person won't think much of the concept. Fortunately test mules have been popping up and showing some slight carry over from concept to testing:
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Doubt we'll be getting the specs before Mini officially reveals their first all electric vehicle and who knows when that will be. There's a large time gap between now and next winter when the EV is expected to go into production. Hopefully we'll see a production model before this year ends, but next spring seems more likely.
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C
Well at least they are already field testing, so hopefully by the time they do make an official announcement regarding specs, everything has been fine tuned. We can always look to the performance numbers of the BMW3ev as a basis for what to expect from the Mini.
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C
They've been quiet about the Mini, probably due to their focus on the 3 series electric. I think once they've established that platform, we will see a shift towards the marketing and exposure of the Mini. I think Mini will be at a steep disadvantage by waiting until 2020 to come to market with their first generation model, as it will no doubt need improvements.
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MiniFootPrint
No one knows how it will play out but fact is often some information leaks how, how that will leak out and what from that will is what we will find out.
For all we know some Mini exec will drop some general specs; range, battery type, etc.
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C
I wonder how barebones that concept is, if they still aren't allowing people to get up close to it. It is still relatively early in the development process since we wont see it come to market for a couple years.
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