Mini’s upcoming electric model will be something
more than just another zero-emissions compact model; the first electric Mini
will also focus in performance, aiming to become the world’s first
zero-emissions hot hatch. Based on the three-door hatchback, the future Mini Cooper S E will be
revealed later this year using the existing UKL 1 platform as its base, only
adapted to suit the electric powertrain, Autocar reports.
The electric Mini will most likely be powered by the
BMW i3 S’s 181hp electric motor, giving it almost the same punch with the
petrol-powered 189hp Cooper S. The extra weight of the battery pack is expected
to be offset by the zero-rpm torque, making the Cooper S E similarly fast with
its sibling.
The lithium-ion battery pack is also expected to be
shared from the i3, giving the first electric Mini a driving range of around 321 km. Mini previewed its production EV with the 2017 Mini Electric concept;
the final car is expected to be visually more common with the Cooper S,
featuring small styling tweaks to portrait its zero-emissions nature.
Mini plans to reveal the Cooper S E during the
celebrations of its 60th anniversary this year, seeing it as the perfect time
to launch the next chapter in the brand’s history. Sales are expected to start
in Europe towards the end of the year.
