Small but Mighty? Hybrid and Electrical Mechanic Students Should Know About the 2020 Mini Electric
The 2020 Mini Cooper Electric, otherwise known as the Mini Cooper SE, is an exciting development from the Mini Cooper lineup. People love these cars because of the performance and practicality they provide in such a mini package. By offering an electric option, BMW, the manufacturer of Mini Coopers, is attempting to secure a big spot for these little cars in a future full of hybrids and electric vehicles. But will this electric Mini release be enough to do just that? Let’s find out.
What Any Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Mechanic Needs to Know About This Car
The 2020 Mini Cooper Electric provides 181 horsepower and gets 199 lb-ft of torque. Built on BMW’s UKL platform, it runs on a 33-kWh battery, with its intel taken from the BMW i3. The addition of a battery adds quite a significant amount of weight to this Mini Electric, making it 145 kg heavier than the gas-powered Mini Cooper S. Still, this Mini can get from 0-60 in 6.0 seconds, which isn’t a bad acceleration rate. These are the specs bound to be of interest to any hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic, but let’s see what features we like most and which ones we could live without.
The Pros: It Drives Well
The electric Mini isn’t just a whole lot of fun to look at. Those with hybrid and electrical mechanic training will be excited to know that it’s pretty fun to drive as well. The electric motor isn’t noisy, and the vehicle is responsive, light, and quick. Although its 181 horsepower is relatively modest, this Mini has no problem getting around the city, with just the right amount of power and clean steering and handling capabilities. Even though the weight is heavier due to the battery, the car’s center of gravity is low, ensuring that its cornering abilities aren’t negatively impacted. Even better, the cabin is still just as roomy as a gas-powered Mini, despite that 33-kWh battery.
Another great thing about this car? The price. Starting at around $38,700 CAD, the Mini Electric is a cheaper option when compared with many of its competitors. It’s a pretty affordable option as far as electric models go, and that’s not including any government benefits that drivers may get from owning an electric vehicle.
The Cons: You Can’t Get Very Far
From the pros, you might think that the 2020 Mini Electric sounds like a great option. However, this vehicle does have one significant downfall. The Mini Electric has a pretty underwhelming and impractical range. At around 175 kilometers, you can’t get too far in one of these without needing a charge. Cars with similar battery packs, like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Nissan Leaf, have a higher range. It depends on a driver’s preferences, but in the grand scheme of things, this range confines the Mini Electric to being functional in a city, inconvenient in the suburbs, and pretty much impossible to own anywhere else requiring a longer commute.
The Bottom Line
This Mini Cooper SE has a solid powertrain and handling capabilities as far as electric vehicles go, and for a buyer who’s looking to save, it’s a great option. However, this vehicle can only go so far before needing a charge, so a driver will have to decide for themselves whether this Mini Cooper is worth it.
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