Mini’s first electric car will land in Australia for less than $60,000.
British marque Mini has revealed pricing for its inaugural electric car, the Mini Electric, which will hit showrooms in Australia this year priced at $59,900 driveaway.
An undisclosed number of Mini Electrics (we’re told around 90-100 units) are due to land in Australia before the end of the year, though expressions of interest is already in the thousands, a spokesperson said to AutoDaily. Much of the interest for the pint-sized EV might be that while priced $14,100 more expensive than the petrol-powered three-door Mini Cooper S it is based on, the Mini Electric (or Cooper SE) is a relatively affordable European EV for Australia.
Official retail pricing is $54,800 plus on-road costs, which is in the ballpark of South Korean rival the Hyundai Ioniq ($48,490 plus on-roads) and Japanese competitor the second-generation Nissan Leaf ($49,990 plus).
Standard equipment includes the choice of two different 17-inch alloy wheel options, leather appointed trim, digital infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, head up display and, of course, a fully electric drivetrain.
The powerhouse is a 32.6kWh lithium-ion battery providing juice to an electric motor that produces 135kW and 270Nm. All in all, that’s enough to move the Mini Electric from a standstill to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
Mini claims a maximum driving range of 233km from a full charge on the WLTP testing regime – the average Australian’s commute is 42km per day. Charging back up to 80 per cent capacity takes just 30 minutes when connected to a 50kW DC fast charger; a home plug will take much longer (and a special home wallbox will be somewhere in between).
Perhaps of most concern to potential Mini Electric buyers are the available colours, which are British Racing Green, White Silver, Midnight Black, and Chili Red.
Orders for the Mini Electric open today at Mini dealers across the nation.