Electric and even more “Mini”
Cars and mobility
The electric mini was tested on a small scale in 2009 and 2010 and is now coming to a close.
By Stéphane Wamat
Perhaps the first thing to do is define Mini’s DNA: a trendy city car (no pun intended) that offers pleasant driving sensations, tinged with sportiness. These sensations (behaviour, dynamics …) are there because the Mini has certain properties in terms of performance, dimensions, suspension settings … and weight.
When we talk about electric cars, weight is a matter of concern. The more you want to increase autonomy to avoid the fear of collapse, the more batteries you need to pick up, and therefore the more you weigh the car. Therefore, Mini chose a range of only 235 km, a little fair compared to the 350 km of Peugeot e-208 and Renault Zoe, for example. However, since we know that we cover an average of 80 km per day in Belgium and that the Mini should not be a motorway cruiser, we believe that this autonomy is, after all, quite realistic. And most importantly, this “limited” range means that the Cooper SE is barely 95 kilos heavier than a Cooper S gasoline engine with the same options. At first glance, the electric version should be just as much fun on the road.
And in fact, it’s not that funny, it’s even more fun! Even though it is a little heavier and slightly less powerful than a Cooper S (184 hp instead of 192), it shows vivid shells inherent in its electric motorization. In addition, the position of the batteries lowers the center of gravity, which improves its behavior. In short, the Mini Cooper SE does not have the very popular Cooper S to be envied, not even its price: with the same equipment, the electric version is almost 1,500 euros more expensive. Nothing to fear, admit it. Well done, Mini!
The opinion of the Lamarche family
“Of course, the practical aspects will hardly be addressed. We know that it is a small car, with a fairly fair rear compartment and a small trunk, which by the way is the same as in the other Mini. What interests us is that its autonomy is more than enough for the role it would play in our family, and that it’s like any mini: fun to drive, easy to park, at the same price as a Cooper S. Just one concern: We love change and the Mini, it’s about the same for twenty years. If we were to welcome an electric city car of more than 30,000 euros at home, some in the family would like to go for something younger, fresher, newer and terribly crisp like the Honda e. But there is a debate! »
Read also – The Mini Cooper S Clubman with Francoise Roemaet: “Lively, lively and nervous at will”
The expert opinion of the eco-driving expert
We tried the car to Stéphane Wamat and obviously he had enjoyed himself. His sporty driving had started the battery life well, but we accepted the challenge: We continued the test without charging the batteries and developed all our science. Stunning result! Between Stéphane’s whip ride and ours, which is very forward-looking, we have exceeded 200 km of autonomy. From experience we can therefore say that the promised 235 km are very realistic, and even that we can flirt with the 250 km under very favorable conditions (soft weather, topography of the route …). By limiting the size – and therefore the weight – of the battery pack, Mini has made a wise choice.
Technical data
L/l/h (mm): 3 845/1 727/1 432
4 places
1,365 kg
Engine Electrical
Makes: 184 HP
Few: 270 Nm
Autonomy (WLTP): 200-235 km
Price: €33,100 TVAC
