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Mini Electric

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Expert Rating

Mini Electric

(2020 – present)

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    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.

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    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


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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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

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    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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    Subscribe to a Mini Electric


    Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

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    The Mini Electric has been praised for the way it drives, but criticised for its poor range compared to similarly-priced electric cars.Mini Electric