[MiniAdmin]

The Mini Electric Concept has been unveiled ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt motor show next month, previewing the all-electric production model due in 2019.

Finished in an eye-catching matte-silver paintwork with contrasting yellow accents – which harks back to the original Mini E of 2008 – the Mini Electric Concept is still unmistakably recognisable as a Mini, though is distinguished from its more conventionally-powered brethren thanks to its closed grille and full-LED headlight treatments, 19-inch wheels with fiberglass inserts, and the company’s plug-shaped ‘E’ badge throughout the exterior.

The roof starts at the front in matte-white and transitions into high-gloss yellow at the rear, a treatment echoed in the vehicle’s side skirts – which gains transparency over the matte-silver exterior paint as it approaches the rear wheel arch.

Numerous fiberglass structures, including the air deflectors and the simulated air intakes, have been constructed using 3D printing – which the company says illustrate the opportunities offered by 3D printing in terms of producing functional design elements for styling and customisation.

At the rear, the flat tailgate differs from the current production models that incorporate three-dimensional badges and licence plate holders. The rear of the Mini Electric Concept also sees new LED tail-lights that each form half of the UK’s Union Jack as part of their dot matrix.

The rear diffuser is made out of fibreglass too, while the electric drivetrain means there’s no tailpipes – instead replaced by louvred surfaces in the rear bumper simulating air outlets.

Mini is yet to detail the Electric Concept’s powertrain, so it’s unknown what kind of performance and range to expect from the production model. However, the all-electric 2008 Mini E – limited to 500 units – featured a 150kW/220Nm electric motor that could propel the EV from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The company’s original electric model had a limited top speed of 152km/h to conserve battery life, and was capable of running over 240 kilometres on a single charge.

Stay tuned to CarAdvice for our coverage of the 2017 Frankfurt motor show for more details.

 

[Greenie]

Not really a debut since we've seen the concept model before, would have been more impressive if it was the production model so we can know if the range is really limited to just 150 miles per charge. What I may look forward to are shots of the interior layout, that seems to be missing.

 

[Greenie]

More news on the electric MINI E! BMWBlog says the car will go into production on November 2019, which means we may not see the production ready prototype until some time next year and it may not hit showrooms until 2020.

Electric MINI E will begin production November 2019

 

[Coops]

I think Mini is really dropping the ball by waiting until 2020 to bring this car to market. There are going to be so many new models coming to market in the next few years, that being first to market can cause a huge influx in sales. We've seen how well the Outlander is doing, and its not like they have done anything incredible with it, there are just so few PHEV SUV's currently available.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

More news on the electric MINI E! BMWBlog says the car will go into production on November 2019, which means we may not see the production ready prototype until some time next year and it may not hit showrooms until 2020.

Electric MINI E will begin production November 2019

This coming Geneva show will be a big deal for BMW when it comes to the new M8 and I think they might leverage that time at Geneva to introduce some more information on their EV program, which in turn means more insight for us potential Mini EV owners. What do you think?

 

[Coops]

Hopefully Mini realises the risks associated with coming to market later. There will already be a good deal of other EV vehicles on the road by then, and it'll be harder for them to prove themselves on a brand new platform. I guess since we'll see the BMW 3 series before then, hopefully BMW has a solid electric powertrain developed by the time the Mini EV releases.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

At this rate we're not far off from seeing something from Mini, 2019 is the M.Y. the first Mini electric is due. That being the case as soon as Q3 and late Q2 of 2018 comes around, more information will be out.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

Hopefully Mini realises the risks associated with coming to market later. There will already be a good deal of other EV vehicles on the road by then, and it'll be harder for them to prove themselves on a brand new platform. I guess since we'll see the BMW 3 series before then, hopefully BMW has a solid electric powertrain developed by the time the Mini EV releases.

Not much of a risk if they come out with a product that people want more than anything else it the segment because while cars are still new it doesn't feel that bad to switch after the 2nd or 3rd year,I see it happening all the time, especially in this era where we have so many options.