MINI is likely one of the manufacturers that ought to have benefited essentially the most from the electrification of the car. MINI car’s compact dimensions and comparatively light-weight are the right foil to the restrictions early batteries had. Whereas they had been arguably slightly late to the sport – the MINI Cooper Electrical debuted in 2020 – the unique electrified MINI Cooper remains to be enjoyable to drive and nice for metropolis commuting. It’s fairly reasonably priced, too – we discovered a superb, super-low mile 2021 MINI Cooper SE for beneath $20,000. Suppose it’s a very good purchase? We do.

Total Affordability

Like all electrical autos, a MINI Cooper Electrical has minimal upkeep necessities. Whilst you’re nonetheless accountable for issues like tires and brakes, you don’t have to fret about oil modifications, spark plugs, or different consumables. So long as you may have a approach to cost at house or work, conserving the electrified MINI going is much more reasonably priced than conserving a gas-powered one.

Additionally, whereas we discovered an exceptionally clear instance with 5,000 miles on it, you’ll find higher-mileage examples for even much less. A 20K mile instance of the identical classic is listed for $14,999. For a automotive that’s simply three years previous – an EV, no much less – that looks as if a reasonably convincing worth. Plus, the automotive we discovered is full of options. Trendy facilities like navigation, heated seats, and SiriusXM computability aren’t unhealthy for a $15K or $20K automotive.

Electrical MINI Coopers are Enjoyable to Drive

Whereas we hailed the reasonably priced i3s we discovered a few days in the past as a fantastic alternative for drivers who care about driving, the MINI Cooper Electrical is simply as certified. Whereas the MINI is barely heavier, tipping the scales at a smidge over 3,000 kilos, it nonetheless feels gentle for a contemporary automotive. It makes an identical 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, too – so it feels downright fast, particularly round city. Composed dealing with, compact dimensions, and front-wheel drive make it really feel precisely just like the go-kart you think about it to be.

Vary is Proper…For Some

The electrified MINI Cooper does include one downside, which is that it’s a little much less sensible for some buyers to personal it as their solely automotive. Its vary on a full cost is round 110 miles, so that you’ll should cost regularly in case you have an extended commute. And – let’s face it – some folks merely gained’t have the ability to make that work for his or her way of life. The MINI Cooper SE is reasonably environment friendly, with an estimated 3.9 mi/kWh anticipated from the 28.9 kWh battery pack. Naturally, looking on-line will discover much more optimistic spreads—as excessive as 5.0 kWh. Evaluate that to the Lucid Air Pure (RWD 3.8 mi/kWh) and BMW i4 (3.5 mi/kWh).

Verify Out a MINI Cooper SE

For our cash, it’s powerful to discover a higher day by day driver for $15,000-$20,000. Whereas the MINI’s vary type of prevents it from turning into a blanket suggestion for anybody in search of a automotive, it’s positively a worth that’s onerous to beat for those who dwell in a considerably city space and have a predictable routine and dependable charging house. Although the i3S – and even common i3 – might be a greater total match, the MINI Cooper SE actually outstrips models just like the Nissan Leaf or Fiat 500e. Joyful automotive buying – take into account a MINI Cooper SE.