The all-new battery electric Mini Cooper SE will go on sale at U.S. dealerships in March 2020 with a starting price of $30,750, including the $890 freight charge from Oxford, England, Mini USA announced Oct. 28.
But in California, the starting price could drop to $20,750 with the $7,500 federal government tax credit and a $2,500 state rebate. And for California commuters there is the added incentive of HOV lane access with one occupant in the car.
“Like the original Mini, we wanted to make this car more accessible, and our product team lobbied for a good MSRP that includes a nice list of standard equipment,” a spokesman said in an email. Two optional trim-level packages and other specifics will be released soon, he said.
The front-wheel-drive Cooper SE EV is powered by a 181-horsepower electric motor and a 32.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack of 12 modules. There also is a two-mode regenerative braking system to recover potentially lost kinetic energy.
U.S. EPA estimated range figures are not available at this time, according to a press release. However, based on European WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) and NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) testing, the Cooper SE has a driving range of 235 to 270 kilometers, which converts to about 146 to 167 miles.
But, the spokesman said, “Please note that these range figures are solely for the European market. We will communicate the EPA figures as soon as they are available. Until then quoting any estimated figures for the U.S. would be purely speculative.”
Some magazine tests have said to expect around 118 miles of range in their testing of a Euro-spec model.
With 199 foot-pounds of torque, the three-door hardtop Cooper is capable of acceleration to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, Mini says, with a top speed of 93 mph.
Packaging
The T-shaped battery package is positioned in the vehicle floor, which does not compromise enger or luggage space, the spokesman said. To accommodate the battery pack, the ride height was raised by about a half inch.
Other modifications include a more efficient HVAC heat pump to maximize range during colder weather and a closed grille for better aerodynamics. A new EV charge-port door has an LED to indicate charging.
A new electronic instrument cluster features a digital speedometer and graphic displays for charge level and power level and other information, such as remaining range and charge level while charging.
A Level 1 charging cable is included for home charging with a household socket. The battery also can be charged at a maximum charging capacity of 7.4 kW at a Level 2 AC public charger. And a 50 kW DC fast-charging station can provide an 80 percent charge in just 35 minutes, according to the release.
A programmable locking feature can prevent the charge cord from being unplugged at home or at a public charger, but it also can automatically unlock when fully charged to allow access to others needing the charger.
Cabin amenities
Standard features include keyless entry and push-button start, a navigation system with 6.5-inch display, Apple CarPlay infotainment, black leatherette upholstery and heated front seats, rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio, cruise control and 16-inch alloy wheels. Safety technologies include Active Driving Assistant with Forward Collision Warning and acoustic pedestrian warning.
