Summary
The Mini Electric is, as the name suggests, an electric version of the current Mini three-door hatch. It was launched in late 2019, with first customers taking delivery in March 2020. A facelifted model arrived in early 2021, along with similar upgrades for the petrol hatch and convertible versions.
Visually, the Mini Electric is almost unchanged from the regular petrol or diesel Mini models, apart from some fluorescent trim pieces and other detail changes. However, due to the significant structural changes associated with relacing the combustion engine with an electric motor and battery pack, the Mini Electric does not qualify for the same Euro NCAP safety rating as the regular Mini hatch models.
As of March 2023, the Mini Electric holds an Expert Rating of 63% based on 26 different UK reviews. This is an improvement of a couple of points since the most recent facelift model was released, but it’s still 11 points behind the conventional petrol-powered Mini hatch.
The Mini Electric has been praised for retaining traditional Mini characteristics, especially in the way it drives. The biggest criticisms have been its relatively poor range compared to similarly-priced electric cars, and high price compared to a comparable petrol Mini.
Key specifications
Body style: Small three-door hatch
Motor: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £29,000 on-road
Launched: Winter 2019/20
Last updated: Winter 2020/21
Replacement due: approx. 2024
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
“If your car doesn’t move many miles and space isn’t an issue, the Mini Electric could be the perfect blend of guilt-free driving and actual enjoyment of a product. However, we suspect that key lack of battery range will do no favours for those with range anxiety.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“Typically stylish, quick and cheap to run, the Mini Electric will put a smile on your face – although the limited range spoils the fun.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“The new British-built Mini Electric will appeal to anyone who loves the way a standard Mini drives and looks, although the 144-mile electric range might give buyers cause for concern.”
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Auto Trader
Score: 6 / 10
“Built in Britain alongside the rest of the range, the Mini Electric is a three-door Mini hatch, which uses the electric expertise of its parent, BMW Group (think BMW i3) to power the latest car. It’s still very recognisably a Mini, inside and out, with just a few styling clues to tell you it’s an EV.”
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Autocar
Score: 8 / 10
“Mini’s new electric hatchback won’t break records on range or usability but has plenty of brand-typical zip and driver appeal. Isn’t bad value relative to other EVs, either.”
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Car
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“If you want a small electric car, the Mini Electric is beset on all sides with fiercely competitive rivals and is a touch less convincing because of it. If you look elsewhere, you can get the same range for less, more range for a similar price or a far more interesting car.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Shadow Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“Electric cars don’t get much more charming than the Mini. It is huge fun to drive, while looking cool and having a particularly upmarket interior. Though the cost of this Shadow Edition does make it harder to recommend, if you crave the ultimate electric Mini and don’t mind paving for the privilege, you really won’t be disappointed.”
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Score: 9 / 10
“The Mini Electric is one of the most fun electric cars yet – remaining the sparkle that makes the regular Hatch the success story that it is by being fun to drive and great to look at.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed:
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Mini Electric is quick and stylish but its shortcomings mean you may not want it as your only car.”
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Carwow
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mini Electric is fun to drive, has a funky cabin and comes stacked with standard equipment, but there are more comfortable small EVs that’ll go further on a charge.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: Level 2
“A seriously attractive, and fun, near-hot-hatch proposition for those who don’t need to do regular long distances, and as with all EVs, it is incredibly attractive on the tax.”
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Daily Mail
“The original Mini revolutionised motoring when it rolled out of the same Oxford factory as today’s electric model to become a classless symbol of booming baby-boomer Britain in the Swinging Sixties. Perhaps its time really has come again.”
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Daily Mirror
Score: 6 / 10
“The Mini Electric shows that you don’t have to come up with a radical new car to create an appealing small EV – electrifying what you have does the job.”
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Discover EV
Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“A Mini is not exactly the most practical car in terms of rear passenger space (with slightly less head room than in the regular versions of the car due to the battery’s position) or boot space. However, unless you’re going away on a family holiday, which you won’t be with 145 miles of range, it is more than adequate for school runs, shopping trips and commutes.”
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Fleetworld
Score: 8 / 10
“Mini breaks most of the EV ownership barriers down with the Cooper SE, as it’s almost as good to drive and as practical as the ICE version. Watch the range though.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: Cooper S Level 2
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mini Electric offers huge amounts of fun, especially if your driving involves lots of corners. It also has good performance, yet also zero emissions. However it’s small, it has an official electric driving range of only 140-145 miles, and it’s not cheap.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Retro classic with futuristic drivetrain”
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Honest John
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“There are other electric hatchbacks that do a much better job on range and interior space than the Mini Electric, so it won’t cut the mustard as a family’s only car. However, if you’re only viewing it as a weekday runabout, then it could still make sense for you if your commute is particularly short.”
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Move Electric
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mini Electric is a car you buy with your heart rather than your head because it it is compromised in terms of space, range and price. But if you make that decision, it’s unlikely you’ll regret it, because behind the good-looks is a hugely accomplished car that will make you smile every day.” (Jim Holder)
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Parkers
Model reviewed:
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Mini suits being electric, but range could be better.”
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The Sun
“The new battery Cooper SE is the Mini we know and love…but it still has a mini range.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mini Electric is, in short, an easy car to love but a hard one to justify. There are better, more rounded electric cars out there for the price, but if you’re happy to throw reason to the wind, you’ll have more fun in this one.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“A surprisingly rounded EV. Still fun to drive, and uncompromised inside, but it’s likely to be your second car.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“If you need a long range between charges, you’ll want to look elsewhere. Rivals do space and comfort much better, too. But the Mini Electric is still a compelling package that’s easy on the eye, and feels upmarket inside.”
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Which EV?
Model reviewed:
Score: 7.1 / 10
“The Mini Electric still has its charms. The new version hasn’t changed much, but maintains the core killer feature of great driving dynamics and strong performance. The low range is a big limitation, and the interior is not exactly spacious. But for city driving and commuting, the Mini Electric remains an attractive, enjoyable option. Just don’t drive to Scotland, unless you are already there.” (James Morris)
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Which?
Model reviewed:
“With full electric power, the Mini Electric lives up to its Cooper S billing by offering tremendous fun, in terms of both performance and handling. It’s refined to ride in and benefits from a great cabin, too. If you can live with its restricted range and limited carrying capacity, it’s a great choice.”
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Safety rating
No safety rating
The Mini Electric does not currently have a safety rating from Euro NCAP. The regular combustion-engined Mini hatch (ie – all petrol and diesel models) was tested way back in 2014 and awarded a four-star rating, but this does not apply to the Mini Electric due to the significant changes in the overall vehicle structure and composition from replacing the traditional motor and associated equipment with an electric motor and battery pack.
If Euro NCAP does put the Mini Electric through its crash-testing programme, we will update the results here.
Eco rating
No eco rating
As of March 2023, the Mini Electric has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Mini Electric would almost certainly score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Security rating
Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Pass
Date: 2020
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mini Electric has received
2021
- News UK Motoring Awards – Best British-Built Car
2020
- The Sun Motor Awards – Best British-Built Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mini Electric, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW i3 | DS 3 Crossback E-Tense | Fiat 500 Electric | Honda e | Kia Soul EV | Peugeot e-208 | Renault Zoe | SEAT Mii Electric | Smart EQ Fortwo | Vauxhall Corsa-e | Volkswagen e-Up
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