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Aussie price for Mini EV announced

May 12, 2020September 21, 2023 Andrew Chesterton 4759 Views battery electric vehicle, bev, electric vehicle, ev, Mini, Mini Electric

The first-ever electric Mini will cost $59,900 drive-away in Australia.

Due to launch in August 2020, the initial examples of the Mini Electric hatch to arrive in Australia will be a limited number of ‘First Edition’ variants.

The Mini Electric drives its front wheels via a 135kW/270Nm electric motor fed by a 32.6kWh lithium-ion battery. This drivetrain first appeared in the BMW i3 seven years ago.

Capable of a 233-kilometre drive range on a single charge, according to latest WLTP measurement standards, the new Mini is able to achieve an 80 per cent charge in 35 minutes when using a 50kW DC public charger.

The Mini Electric can dash from 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.3 seconds.

Shop the Mini Electric against its logical battery electric rivals and you’ll quickly establish its pretty expensive and pretty short on range.

For instance, the cheaper Hyundai Ioniq offers a 311km WLTP and the Renault Zoe more than 400km.

Built in Oxford in the UK, the Mini Electric hatch is based on the same three-door design as the ICE-powered MINI Cooper S but with unique exterior accents. Four colours are available at launch, paired with two 17-inch wheel combinations.

Mini claims the brand’s ‘go-kart’ driving feel has been retained by positioning powertrain components low and near the centre of the car in a T-shape.

Unique suspension tuning unique also helps deliver a low centre of gravity to aid handling. It also rebalances the car because it is 145kg heavier than the ICE version.

Key Mini Electric equipment includes adaptive LED Headlights, leather cross-punch sports seats with seat heating for driver and front passenger, a head-up display, a digital dash display

And Harman Kardon sound system.

There are four specifications to choose from and Mini Australia says “thousands” of people have expressed interest in the 80 examples reportedly headed to Australia in 2020. Online deposits can be lodges with Mini dealers now.

“The arrival of the MINI Electric Hatch in Australia heralds a new chapter for the brand – a charge into the future of electromobility without compromising the marque’s core values of creativity, vibrancy and smart urbanity,” said Brett Waudby, General Manager of MINI Australia.

“It is wonderful to see such a positive response we are getting to the car. Our dealers across the nation are extremely excited to add this model to our customer offering, which is sure to be an absolute thrill to drive,” Waudby concluded.

Andrew Chesterton

Andrew began his career as a journalist at Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, before he was lured into the fast-paced world of supercars at TopGear Australia. He has also held senior roles at The Daily Mail, which involved spending time at HQ in London, and on the other side of the automotive divide with FCA Australia. As one of Australia's best-read freelance writers, Andrew now contributes to Robb Report, Wish in The Australian, Domain in The Australian Financial Review, CarsGuide, Wheels, The West Australian, GQ, Men's Health and more. His love for writing has carried him around the world and back again, writing for clients in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA. He secretly enjoys it so much he’d probably do it for free, but he hopes his editors never find out that bit...