Mini EV Expectations

Over 200 Miles Range

As we approach one of the most pivotal moments in EV history so will come range that better reflects what the greater market of owners actually need. The Mini EV will be one of many vehicles to meet that requirement by getting over 200 miles range. There's no confirmation on an exact number but north of 200 is slowly becoming a new industry standard. Regardless where you look most car makers launching new EV's are setting that as their benchmark. However some rumors suggest we could see right around 250 miles from launch.

Although the car’s range is not yet confirmed, the latest i3 of Mini parent BMW offers clues about what’s possible using the group’s electric technology. The i3 uses a synchronous electric motor delivering up to 181bhp and 270Nm while offering up to 300 kilometres of range, according to NEDC tests.

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- AutoCarIndia

It is expected to preview both design elements and technical aspects that will differentiate the electric Two-Door Hardtop hatchback from regular Mini Cooper versions. The range on a single charge should be at least 200 miles.

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- GreenCarReports.com
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Design

The concept pictured in the original point of this post previewed what Mini had in mind originally but come time for production, odds are the test mule pictured directly above this text reflects what we will be getting. Given what Mini has been doing elsewhere design-wise, these are very reasonable expectations. Although it might look simple, features like its grille, headlights and tail lights should be improved. Already in some spy shots we can see a new headlight design. Interior is still in question, hopefully in the coming weeks we see a teaser.

Mini is undecided whether other variants of the electric hatchback, which will be based on the three-door body shape, will be launched in the first generation. Consistency across the brand’s line-up suggests a Cooper model could follow, but Mackensen said finding the balance between performance and range was the first priority.

He suggested the design of the Mini Electric will be toned down from the concept because “Mini doesn’t need to make a big statement saying we want to be cool and electric any more”. Instead, the final production car’s design will mix the updated look of the 2018 Mini models with aerodynamic features of the concept.

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- AutoCarIndia
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Release Date

Aside from the new BMW 3-Series EV and X3 EV, the Mini EV will become one of the first EV's to come out from BMW/Mini. Being the first of many in an entry-level segment we should expect pricing to be somewhere between the BMW i3 and Chevrolet Bolt, placing this new EV around the low $40k range. With incentives it can be priced like a Chevrolet Bolt and even attract potential owners from that segment. How it will sell compared to the competition is still in question, Mini has not released any sales projections.

With the body of the test vehicle being incredibly similar to that of the current Mini on sale today, we think the car could be used to just test the powertrain.

With the all-electric Mini set to come out in 2019 as a 2020 model, the automaker’s still got some time to perfect the vehicle’s design and powertrain. One thing’s for sure, though, the electric Mini will definitely look like it belongs in the family, as the brand won’t stray too far away from its winning recipe.

The test mules were captured testing in Sweden, as the country’s harsh winters will surely provide engineers a lot of data on how the powertrain will cope with colder months, and being transported on the back of a truck in Munich.

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- CarScoops.com
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Long Range Goals

While range from launch is rumored to be around 250 miles range, BMW has a long term goal of up to 435 miles in some of its upcoming products. The iNext concept previewed this and given the range of models it can be used in odds are a Mini product will benefit from this. 2021 is when we will see the first iteration of this move from BMW. By 2025 we will be seeing 12 fully electric models. If short-term requirements of the EV industry tell us anything, its that vehicles as small as what Mini offers will become high priority.

Because the platform is flexible, battery sizes for all electric models, like the iNEXT, will range from 60kWh to 120kWh, which will mean an all-electric range of at least 280 miles up to 435 miles.

A range of power outputs for the platform have also been confirmed; a more compact electric motor will be incorporated and be offered in 134bhp, 255bhp, 335bhp and 443bhp states of tune. The platform is able to house an electric motor on each axle to facilitate four-wheel drive, while a triple motor setup could be used for performance models and could develop up to 800bhp. It’s likely that the iNEXT will feature a larger battery pack and more powerful electric motor setup.

The design of the iNEXT is also close to being signed of, according to Kotouc: “I saw last week the latest design ideas and I can say it’s really impressive. It’s looking bold; people will buy it even if they don’t want an electric car because of the design.”

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- AutoExpress.co.uk