2020 MINI Electric real-world review; flawed but fun..
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- The new MINI Electric first arrived a few weeks ago and I was keen to spend a decent amount of time living with it before giving it a full review. Find out how it went here..
This video was created with the support of:
www.footmanjame...
www.magnitudef...
www.silverston...
www.ctek.com
chargestorm.se...
Follow me on
/ harrysgaragevids
/ harrym_vids
Slightly old, but I thought I'd give a perspective from someone who has owned one of these for about 4 months. The WLTP range is actually spot on when you drive as a commuter. If you barrel down back roads or take on all comers at the traffic lights, your range will suffer. You can still have fun by using the handling to maintain speed round corners without needing to stamp on it on the exit. An occasional full throttle blast won't decrease range noticeably, so fun can still be had. My average since new (I've never reset the trip computer) is 12.4kWh/100km, which translates to about 233km range, or 144miles. You can easily get 250km (155miles) with a bit less enthusiasm and I've seen 270 (170 miles) once, with boring follow the car in front driving. If range is not a problem for the day, then don't spare the horses and you can have an absolute ball. Such a fun car to drive.
So you have to compromise your drive to maintain a range. What a waste of time and money owning one of these cars
@@wokeybrokey8006isn't that true of any car......
Can add that ive driven it in -15 degree in 80km/h, and get around 150-160km of range.
@@wokeybrokey8006Yes, I got a lift in one once and I got Warts 🥴
Sounds like the front tires will have less range than the battery!
TC is off you can see @ 17:02
Only if you have the traction control turned off as Harry did most of the time
It´s on Bridgestone tyres from the 70´s! They were sounding like that under Toyotas.
I was thinking thesame
What I do is sometimes get a tin of soup, heat it up, poach an egg in it, serve that with a pork pie sausage roll.
The price: it’s at par with a Cooper S. Same performance, same equipment, same price. HUD: you can adjust it. I have it in mine and I LOVE it ! Driving experience: I was driving it around with a HUGE SMILE on my face... all the time. It’s a car you really fall for. Now, the whole range discussion: it’s meant as a city to Megacity vehicle. The range is more than enough !
Spot on.
As an owner of a BMW i3S for almost 2 years, who doesn’t live in the city, I can tell you after the novelty wares off, you will soon understand the chore of charging, particularly as more electric cars are on the road and your looking for a place to charge. A range of 100 miles may well be fine if your in the city, but its a bare minimum, now add the cold weather of the winter where you need heater, lights etc and its reduced even more.
I just ordered one. I am hoping that we don’t need to install a level 2 charger. I am thinking of full charge in public charger then hope my mom won’t drive too much so that it can be topped up daily just on 100V plug
@ATS599 even if you do, go cross country and the regeneration will probably pile the miles back on.
Would be great to get your thoughts on the Honda E when they start appearing.
I have owned the CooperSE for two years, and I find the range is not an issue in any way - as long as you only want it as a second car / runaround. I think Mini got it exactly right, because most people don’t do 100 miles a week, and certainly not per day. It will do most journeys for most people most of the time, with half the weight penalty and half the charging time. Perfect. I also think you unfairly dismiss the HUD: it is perfect for sat nav, as you don’t need to study the central screen to work out how it is telling you to navigate a complicated junction. Keep up the good work. Best wishes.
Best comment on here, exactly correct about range, people are obsessed with range and the makers are having to produce stupid big heavy batteries in EVs to offer customers what they THINK they need.
What you actually want in an EV is the smallest battery that covers what you do in a day most days.
Mini SE is an absolute gem of a car.
I've got an early, non range extended i3, and it has a 22kW battery of which just 18.5 are actually useable. It does, at best 80 miles, and in the depths of winter, just 60 miles.. And, well, it's BRILLIANT! I litterally couldn't care that it only does 60 miles, i work 12 miles away from home, i shop 4 miles away, the gym is 2 miles away, the post off just 800 yards. It cost pennies to run, is brilliant fun to drive, clocks 60 in under 7 sec (weighs just 1150 kg thanks to the carbon construction and small battery) and of course, it's always charged, because i just plug it in when i get home, so ask you self this, do you ACTUALLY need a car with more than 100 miles range? Do you drive a transit van all year round becaus eonce last year you needed to pick up a sofa? of course not, you hire one when you need it, which is what we do for longer trips. With the money we save frankly we could hire a helicopter for our long trips and still be better off!!! So yes, some people do need longer range, but i bet the vast majority could easily live with a car with a 100 mile daily range...........
Excellent, I'm pleased to hear it. Which is why I made the point at the end of the video that if a 100mile range isn't a problem for you, then you'll love this car. It's just where I live, a 100mile range would be too limiting for the type of trips we regularly do. Hence why this isn't the car for me.
@@harrysgarage I'm not calling you a liar harryy, but is that actually the case? you regularily need to drive more than 90 miles a day in what is clearly a second car? From your house it's 20 miles to oxford, 20 miles to swindon, 30 miles to gloucester. So you could so all those journeys there and back about twice in the 'lecy mini? My biggest "learning" after 4 years of short range ev ownership is that cars are like watches. Sure we want a watch waterproof to 1000meters, but actually we swim in the local swimming pool a few times a year and snorkled greece back in 2004... ie, despite owning a car that can do just 60 miles, that's actually MORE than enough ! ;-)
Also worth saying that as workplace and destination charging facilities improve (and they have markedly in the 4 years i've had my i3) if you drive to oxford to go shopping, while you shop, your car will charge, so that journey is significantly negated For local trips even a boggo 7kW charger is more than good enough for this (45 min scooting around sainsburys adds 20 miles)
Sounds nice. Tempted. Not at all worried about the range, since we have another car for longer trips. My commute is 20 miles each way, so no worries. People obsess about range with electric cars far too much.
This car would have been a great alternative to a Nissan LEAF 5 years ago but I think that it already looks out of date in terms of tech, capability and styling.
Totally agree - neither fish nor fowl, but it did drive in good manner on back roads, but it's not got range to use as log hauler and it's too big to nip in and out of small spaces in town - We had one for a week and yes we also got 78 mile worst day range. So we decided instead on a smart 4/2 electric 70 mile range £17000 incl grant, and a secondhand £22000 year old GTE golf hybrid 28 miles plus long range on petrol if you need it to go 100 miles + as the daily workhorses as we don't need a big 4x4 or Estate. Both are ace at the job they are expected to do.
CCD’s
Well looks like a Mini. I don't think it good or bad thing.
The range however on paper is bad. Really bad. However Minis aren't really more than commuters/city cars so there the range doesn't really matter that much. If you can charge it home.
Still it's really a stylish second car for someone who can afford one. As only car it doesn't make any sense. Just like any 3 door mini.
It feels like they are just testing the market. The current gen Mini has been out quite a while, and will be up for replacement soon. I expect the next one will be like the Pug 208 & Corsa designed from the outset to accommodate both ICE & EV giving more room for the battery.
@@philallen7626 But this isn't some radical new concept. Which market are they testing by converting a 20 year old design into a low spec electric vehicle and then burdening it with a high price tag? They've produced a car that no sane person would buy.
Nice review - honest and authentic, hence why you got the Influencer award this week - Congratulations!
Good review, as always. I came here because I've been thinking of purchasing an electric MINI when my beloved 2005 R50 is ready for retirement (which may never happen). But I've never understood why reviewers insist on doing a rear seat fit tests on Minis, but rarely bother with cars like the 911, Evora or Camaro (which also have very small rear seats). Like those cars, the Mini should be thought of as a two-person car with extra storage space behind the front seats. Many people don't realize it, but MINIs (the petrol versions, at least) are fantastic touring cars for two.
Watch EV Puzzle he has driven one for a year and had 170 miles on it.
Only Harry could make a car I have zero interest in interesting, a rare skill 👍
try test driving one. they're pretty fun to drive
If you can get one at the right price, these are perfect for leasing. Terrible ownership proposition, but the same is true of all electric vehicles. They have a finite life and tech is improving constantly.
yeah i've got a problem with the 90 miles bit.
I'd have a problem with the £30,000. bit.
I have a problem with the no vroom and tire noise bit.
I have a problem with the electric cars bit.
Such a shame, it's freaking 2020. No expensive BEV should be less than 180 miles. A proper one would be slight over 200 miles.
@@levelcrossing150 I have a problem with your comment.
That's the best thing about this Mini. The weight distribution and power makes the car more fun.
When harry uploads a vid i can push like before i even watch. Confidence
this is the refreshing difference with harry! unlike the clarksons of this world, a man who realises that for normal people, on normal roads, a little torque steer isn't a bad thing, in the right way. and the same with predictable controllable understeer in certain types of car. not every car needs 500bhp and 4wd to be playful and fun!
I believe the reason the battery pack is so small is that when they were developing the floorpan/chassis for the 3rd Gen MINI Hatch, they had planned all along to offer a BEV variant but then decided against it quite late in the design stage, so they settled to build the 3rd Gen MINI as an ICE only. As the small electric car market has changed so quickly, they decided they'd offer a BEV, but they've had to do their best to fit all the battery pack into a car that was built for ICE only. Every other small BEV on sale, to my knowledge, has been designed with BEV in mind from Day One, hence their larger packs and therefore range.
Thanks Harry, nice to hear an honest review that confirms thoughts on price and range.
I love the giggling after each screech of the tyres followed by an "apology"
The HUD is brilliant, driving in London with the speed limit constantly changing, having the actual speed and limit indicated in the HUD is a points saver, also directions(GPS) duplicated on the HUD is also excellent. This is my 3rd Mini S and this one though I agree re price, same as GP, that was a hard one at the time, but now there is no going back, lazy in London, sport mode on country lanes superb. Love it!.
The smaller battery clearly hurts the range, but they've gone for it to keep the weight down and preserve (as much as possible) the Mini dynamics. 1365kg is a lot for mini, but pretty decent for an EV, even a small one.
It's BMW parts bin. MK2 i3 pack and drivetrain but FWD
The most likeable man in the world! His enthusiasm is contagious.
Great review, my heart has fancied one for a while, but my head says the range is no better than my wife’s 5 year old Renault Zoe.
You are lucky to have so many EV options. I love the new Zoe interior. Too bad no Zoe in NA. Ordered the Mini SE. Hope that it works out for my family.
Just bought one. Love Minis (our 6th), this car is fun and ideal for 90% of our driving and is gonna be cheaper to run and better for the environment than the petrol S. If you drive it normally, you can get over 130 miles on a full charge but its got performance too. Look forward to taking delivery in a few months!
It'd be a lot better for the environment if you bought 5 fewer Minis and kept the first one, no matter how much more efficient the newer ones were.
@@Pandamasque my carbon footprint is tiny so as much as you're right, I'm not concerned.
Thanks Harry. I drove 77 miles in one today using 58% of the charge. It was in Green+ mode. 25 miles of that on the M4 at 65mph. That looks to me like a total range of 132 miles. But finding places to charge it when out and about looks pretty tough, so it feels like it would be confined to a 50 mile tether from home at best. Going to be a great car when I move to the Isle of Wight.
Coco, I've never heard you be so vehement about a part of a car ( mini H.U.D) in all my years of watching your videos 😤😤😤 still it's nice to see "somebody" who reviews cars on RUclips say what they think and not be worried about upsetting a car manufacturer (BMW) , can we see some more of this from other car "reviewers" who are reading this, it's nice to see someone with a big pair of kerknackers in this pc world of ours, a bit of British spirit, a dying breed 😰😰😰😰
I've seen other reviewers who have had the car for a few months get 130 miles out of a full charge and get 0-60 in 6.3 seconds. I'm getting one for my wife as she loved it and does a 20 mile commute and rarely drives anywhere over 25 miles away and if she did she will stop and charge it back up in 30 minutes the services whilst she has a coffee and a big stinky shit
I love the heads up display in my Mini but only once it’s been adjusted for hight and side to side. ( just like the mirrors) It looks like a number of reviews have not found this😀
This review has restored my confidence that electric cars can be fun to drive and put a smile on your face as it did on Harry's. So this is a very important car in that regard. Crazy price at the moment although this car is for well heeled fachionable city slickers and driving enthusiasts. Very low range but remember practicality is boring!
I should think the front tyres would last 8,000 miles if you were lucky. Maybe the OEM are a cheaper compund. That is often the case with new motorcycle tyres.
I'm not even really in to Mini's but I would watch anything Harry decides to review. Love his dialogue and expertise on cars along with his British accent. I'm from the states and we love that over here. Great channel wonderful "ole chap".
Perfect timing for my lunch break.. Cheers Harry
I can't remember a time in my life where having a range of less than 100 miles was ever a thing. I'd have to plug the thing in every single day, which i imagine has a negative effect on the battery life. Some days i just wouldn't be able to use it because i need more than 100 miles to get to where i'm working that week. This seems to be aimed at the person who could realistically get by on a pushbike, and when you're throwing £30k at it, it's suddenly a very expensive option for such limited use.
Just 100 miles range puts me off too, but a 25 year old internet Kid living in the big city? Maybe they would jump at this sort of car. Specially if they get a cheap 3 year lease as few people actually buy new cars anymore, most are rented.
@@ouethojlkjn 3 year leases are cheap?
But living in the city means access to a charging point which has to be at a charging station or in a private garage facility. An apartment dweller may not have either
Most superminis of the 1970s and 1989s had a petrol range of 150miles when driven like this. I3 is similar but much quicker than old Fiat 127 Sport. But like fat MINI not as good on narrow roads.
@@Ijusthopeitsquick I guess any lease cost is subjective but it is a favoured option over buying a £30k+ vehicle outright in cash.
Have ordered one; it’s a second car so long range isn’t a must, got the bottom of the range which is actually well equipped and the price is very competitive.
I've done a couple of London-Lands End-London day trips in my Mini Cooper Electric,
(it really is great around town too, especially when that town is Penzance and yer live in London),
MOST people would do London to Lands End, via the M4, M5 and A30,
NO go via the M3, A303, A30 to just outside of Exeter, then cut across Dartmooor on a couple of B roads,
rejoin the A30 at Lifton, as yer can charge up at Strawberry Fields Farm Shop at Lifton,
its just over 80 miles from there to Lands End and there is a Gridserve charger at Lands End too.
This is the first electric car id want.Of course id keep an S class for road trips but for city its perfect.The price is fine too.Its a premium car.I love the weight compared to other electric cars not bothered about the range as toy for the city its perfect.Drive it in sport keep it on the charger..
This does feel like a miscalculation on BMW's part. That battery size was probably reasonable when they first thought of it, but it looks wrong in the light of the Peugeot, Renault and Fiat competitors that all have much larger batteries. I think BMW will be forced to respond.
It's hard to believe that this is from the same company that produced the innovative i3 7 years ago.
@@bloccoaspirale1867 It is a rebadged i3 drive train.
Mini have obviously done research into what a potential mini owner wants from an electric mini and that appears to be they want a shorter range but with the sportier handling retained. I wonder if they will do a heavier long range model?
Mini are such a fun drive
@Dee Jay You didn't watch Harry's video, obviously.
I remain unconvinced on EV vehicles for one big reason, many of us live in terraced houses with on street parking. Until I can use an EV in the same way as an ICE powered car then I stick to petrol. The fact that I could go and get a hybrid is tempting but the only one that I like is the Yaris as it fits my remit in being a good as an all rounder. The other issue is my only car is an elderly Merc 190E, poverty spec with simple maintenance needs but bags of character.
I sold on my elderly 15 year old Saab 9-5 2.2 TiD and regretted it ever since. the problem was as a diesel, there were a growing number of places I could not take it - soon to be anywhere within the M25!
Living in an apt in Amsterdam with on street parking this isn't an issue at all. It is a job for local council to help pave the way to EV acceptance
I just read that Toyota is discontinuing the Yaris. Maybe there will be good deals to be had.
My 1st car was an Austin Mini 850cc 1978S. Unreliable Sold it for a Ford Escort 1.3L mk2 1980V. 33 year's later & 30+ car's later I don't think I would buy a BMW Mini EV or Diesel or Petrol. Nice review.
Smiling at wheel spins 😁 excellent Harry
I’ve driven loads of mini’s & they’ve all been fun to drive. This looked a right laugh. Any chances you’re getting a Honda E any time soon Harry
90 Miles range is unacceptable for an EV nowadays. I own a Tesla MS and M3, both are the 200+ as base models.
Alan Kingsley-Dobson both are bigger cars. Plus it depends on your individual circumstances. If you have a 10 mile commute to work then the range is fine.
@@michaelturnbull3981 Agree with that, but the efficiency of the Mini is poor. To put it in context I have a 28kWh Hyundai Ioniq BEV (same battery capacity as the Mini) and I can comfortably do a 220 km (136 miles) round trip to work on a single charge, with 80% on motorway (i.e not ideal for range). It has a lot of space for carrying kids and gear. The Ioniq isn't nearly as much fun to drive but realistically I couldn't use the Mini.
@@alankingsley-dobson4676 yes but they are both gigantic by comparison as well as massively more expensive
@@mddah01 well i do 180km trip in this car just fine avg 110km/h
Another fantastic review, very interesting and informative. Harrys face when he turns off traction control and pulls away - priceless :) its what these reviews are all about :)
The city range electric car makes much less sense than I would initially think. People who live in a city and only need a low range ev are some of the people that need the longest range. Their chances of having a garage with a charger are pretty small. I have trouble enough finding normal parking, let alone parking with a charger!
*Ok for someone say commuting 35-40 Miles into a City each day, recharge overnight, job's a good'un - No Road Tax/Congestion Charges and very low "Service" Costs. On longer trips noticed at **17:35** and at **20:33** can recharge at 50 KwH in just over ½ an hour, so provided you plan route feasible for longer journeys. Not for me personally, have an extremely efficient New ICE Car with all the tricks that have achieved 83.2 MPG over a 39 Mile trip from Cold start. Guess what it is ? Give you a small clue "Hi @@@@@*
@@GrrMeister Hi n dry?
For low mileage city driving why would anyone spend £30k+ on an EV when you could buy a petrol for £16k. Petrol cost isn’t a consideration if miles are that low
if you actually LIVE in a city, wtf have you got a car anyway!!! lol! A huge, expensive deprectiating asset that sits outside on the street, loosing money for 99% of it's time you own it.
@@GrrMeister 83 mpg. wow, that's terrible! No really, my i3, over 4 years of commuting 32 miles a day into milton keynes in all weathers has averaged 183 mpg (equivalent, measured at the charger, so including charging and preconditioning 'losses')
EVs are very quickly re-writing the book, so whilst today a typical person might htink 83 mpg is good, it's not. It just shows you that that car has wasted over half the energy put into it..........
Had mine just delivered. Range not an issue for me, more fun than I expected.
My only non-Italian car though. How can I rebadge to Innocenti? :-p
Fun !, i reckon my dishwasher is more fun, and better looking
@@LOTPOR0402 I'd trust Harry's opinion, or this guy who owns one... they seem to think its fun.
Sell and buy New Fiat 500 electric
@@LOTPOR0402 Must be one hell of a dishwasher.
@@TekAutomatica Thought about it. Maybe if they go Abarth with it.
Great honest review as always Harry. Thanks. I like the car, needs double the range and cost £10k less.
I'll stick to my original 1965 mk1 Cooper. Been out in it today, great fun, fill the tank for £25 and do 200 miles.
55 years progress eh.
You made a nice fresh feeling video with unique filming. Thank you.
Really enjoyed this! I think they should offer you a trial slot on Top Gear to bring back a sensible useful review with a bit of fun!
16:52 *The Range 99 Miles - easy change to KM and magically increases to 160 !*
Just now getting to see Harry's latest video. My Sunday is complete.
How nice to have a presenter who doesn`t shout and scream like an ADHD children`s TV presenter,nor wave his hands around like a demented teenage rapper,nor try to be a comedian.....Bravo Harry`s Garage.
Another great video Harry, no theatrics like many other youtube presenters , clear and factual information .1st class
I like to listen to people who have lived with the mini electric for a year EV Puzzle does a series of very analytical reviews with his mini electric level 2 and managed to get 170 miles from his having owned his for twelve months gives a more realistic review if your thinking of buying a mini electric.
He has also owned the Hyundai Kona, excellent review on that too.
Worth every penny, we get 140 miles comfortably in the summer (less when you push on of course) Fun factor is worth the price alone, what a car, we love ours.
Good review but I think the Mini just suffers from the same problem as any other EV, poor battery technology which leads to silly showroom prices compared to ICE cars. Although I am no fan of the man, this is where Musk got it right with Tesla, build your own batteries, invest as much if not more in that technology than in the actual vehicle. There is an awful lot of "chicken & egg" in this switch to green technology, wind, wave and solar can never become our sole source of power generation for the national grid until ways of storing the energy for later use can be found.
And he got the charging infrastructure right, too! Teslas success is well earned.
Edit, and power storage as well!
@@VolkerHett Absolutely and Harry did an episode that highlighted that being the case in the UK too.
The way that I have been looking at it is this. Now... it has HORRIBLE range, their is no getting around that. Something that Harry doesn't mention is that this car has the same engine as the BMW i3.... which was also bad. That said, when starting out... range is a horrible problem, but give it about 5 years or so. The Mini has about the same range as the second generation Kia e-Soul or the first generation of VW's e-Up. Both cars has improved nicely as they aged up (no seriously, the third generation e-Soul is pushing about 250 miles or so in range, that is pretty good for the expected use case). So long as BMW continues with the i-line of car's, the generation improvements will be bigger as the tech gets more refined. A second generation Mini Electric is looking to be interesting.
I would not suggest the Mini Electric at this point if you are looking at the range, it doesn't have it and for now, that will not change. That said, an icon is in the market.... those badges do mean something to most of the market, and I don't think that BMW group is going to abandon EV's at this point, they have put too much money as it stands to not get some pay out of it. So watch the Mini Electric as it ages, because if history is a guide... this Cooper is going to do so with some grace.
@Dee Jay So if John is a Tesla Fanboy does this grumpy comment make you a Tesla Troll. :-). Not everyone gets the facts right all the time mate. I think the crux of what John was saying could probably be better explained by the battery management platform / system (BMS) and vehicle operating system. This is where Tesla has gone all out and developed in house, whereas most EV companies outsource this. This has given them a number of advantages including future vehicle to grid, charging platforms, remote management, data acquisition etc. I think the development of their own silicon probably helps with this as well. Add to this that the real battery nirvana is likely to be the first to nail commercially viable solid state chemistry. Tech aside, what Tesla really need to do is sort out build quality and service issues if they want to nail direct to market..
@Dee Jay Tut, tut...do keep your your hair piece on. Whilst what you say may be true, what is also true is that Tesla is building battery "giga factories" in numerous locations globally. But there is something more important behind this and much as I think Musk an utter twat, as a business they are not content to just make cars, they have thought it through and realised that they needed to invest in battery production, the most expensive part of the car and the recharge points. If you look at Harry's video on the Jaguar iPace and when he stops at High Wycombe you see the array of Tesla fast charging points there, impressive.
Actually I am not a Tesla fan boy and wouldn't want one even if offered it but it is childish to spit and hiss as you have, do cheer up.
Why not make the brakes lights come on with sufficient regen braking?
Teslas do light up the brake lights during "regen" deceleration and I would be amazed if this BMW didn't do likewise.
They do come on with regen braking. Harry says they came on too frequently when he was following his son. You can be certain the son was using regen, not the brakes because Harry said the lower regen setting is the only way to avoid that problem. I'm sure BMW's risk-averse lawyers decided when the brake lights would come on with the higher regen setting.
@@insightman Ahh sorry, I was a bit tired so read what Harry meant the wrong way round. Yes, important to get the balance right and do it for the right reasons.
This car would have been great 5-10 years ago
If they are wanting people to switch to Electric cars .. They need to BE AFFORDABLE ... No if's or Buts 30 grand for a EC . EC's Should be under 10 grand
Regrettably, the Auto Industry would love EVs to just disappear altogether hence they do the absolute minimum to greenwash but their heart isn't really in it. their wallet certainly isn't.
The only way to sell EVs for less than £20K would be to mass produce battery cells (Economies of Scale) and so far only Tesla is mass producing Li-Ion 18650 cells in a partnership with Matsushita Corporation (Panasonic) and some state-owned Chinese company which has a benefit of producing batteries at a lower cost but all the other automakers have not commited to such a production line (Except for VW Group) because of the chicken and egg problem because all their cars are (BEVs that is) are uncool and are nowhere near as good as Tesla Autos which has streamlined production and now makes a profit on every car sold unlike everyone else who looses money on every EV sold and so they care not to invest in batteries and will continue to greenwash their customers into buying crap EVs with cells from LG Chemicals or unreliable piston cars that can only attain 20mpg.
Eventually though Tesla will sell an EV for
@Howard Hamlin It was never about the carbon taxes or climate change/"global warming" it was about trying to make everyone poor and so far the UN has succeded in doing this across Africa and they were successful at doing it across Asia until the IMF forced India to deregulate the economy and other ASEAN countries followed suit (countries who are members of ASEAN that is). Global warming and carbon taxes were just a scapegoat in order to come up with an idea of new government controls since breaking the constitution wasn't politically possible in some countries
EVs will never be at the same price point as cheap cars now. The batteries will always be more expensive as a fuel tank. The extra weight also adds cost to the car. If we all move to electric cars, the people with less money will be the losers. They will simply not be able to afford a car anymore. I think a lot of politicians think they are saving the planet by this move, but in reality they are immobilizing the people which cannot afford much.
@@aDaWaN I suggest you research the price of batteries over the last 10 years, they are coming down in price and up in storage capacity. Volkswagen say their new id3 will cost the same as an equivalent spec golf.
The dash lay out is very early 00's I had a 51 plate and it's very similar. Needs updating in my opinion... never the less v cool little car and very well reviewed Harry! Good work and looking forward to the next one.
Drivetrain basically a BMW i3 in reverse. Battery same as MK2 i3 (33KWh total with around 29 useable when new). The MK1 i3 had 22KWh . Pack weighs just over 1/4 tonne.
Not same battery. The MINI has a more advanced CATL battery that fits the same kWh into less space and is less prone to cold-weather range-reduction.
The #1 down side to me is not the range but the BMW gear lever
Nice to see Harry having fun screaming tires.
Thanks, Harry! And thanks for help getting Ian Tyrrell's channel running, too!
Have you tried the BMW i3S.... rear wheel drive + 150 mile range...great fun. Don’t forget that you were testing the mini in very warm weather that will enhance the range.
A PHEV with 50 miles (90km) of pure EV range would be the sweet spot spec. Perfect for the 10 minute city run with zero emissions but also useful for a 2 hour jaunt.
I've seen a few studies saying PHEVs are more expensive than ICE Or BEV to own over the life of the car. 2 power plants to service and the weight of both to drive around with.
Outlandish phib SUV claimed 148mpg real world excluding energy guzzled from grid. Reality was 28mpg real world plus electric power. Phevs neither fish nor fowel either engine burns fuel dragging unused heavy dead pack or pack hauls heavy ICE set up. Now dealerships not taking phevs in part exchange due pack failure (no proper charging regime or temperature control during charging degrades pack) #greenwash #addlightness #improveaero #fightvehicleobesity
Luke W A pure EV is dragging around battery dead weight 100% of the time, weather battery is full or empty. The weight of the motor pales compared to the weight of battery. A PHEV will always weigh less than a similar pure EV. The big reason that PHEV is the best spec is the availability of batteries. The world can build 10 PHEV for every 1 pure EV given today’s battery manufacturing capacity. So the world could, in theory, replace 10 ICE cars with PHEVs, dramatically decreasing global pollution compared to replacing 1 ICE car with 1 pure EV.
It’s a fashion accessory. It’s a city car. It’s not intended to offer big range for a reasonable price, though petrol Minis are as crazily priced with options, so fair game for the electric version.
Increased energy density of the small battery will be key to the future viability of the Mini SE in my opinion. I wanted to buy one last week but it's relatively short range stopped me in my tracks and I opted for a petrol S version instead.
Great review. I just ordered one with the iconic trim. Yea, it's a splurge but it's FUN! I love that it looks like a normal mini and the ones I see coming for late next year are BORING! It's going to be a long 6 months while they make my new baby! For us city folks who put fewer than 3k miles a year on our car it's a great choice.
Like every modern car I look at the silly over-sized wheels and wonder if tyres are an option.
Harry is an absolute legend.
10:01 Harry BURP 😅👍🏻🍺
lol never noticed first time round hehe
£30k for a car with a range of 90 odd miles on full charge?
Next.
@@johnsayer116 so what? 😂 You wouldn't buy one because your insecure about how you'd be seen as a BMW driver? Oh please...
Didn't you see the part when he said the base car was 24k? That's still a fairly well specced car.
Wow. What a bargain
@@jamesbaggaley1460 Nice try at Trolling, but no cigar. I actually already drive a BMW (3 series touring) with no insecurities whatsoever thanks. I just fail to see how cars this limited can firstly be a viable alternative, and secondly justify £24k, let alone £30k+
I'm with you, that's less than two days commute for me. And it's a hell of a lot of money for weekend shopping Grandma
It's nothing but a second car for people who can afford a car they only use for a short commute - i.e. it's not the answer to any environmental question because building extra cars is not environmentally friendly.
What this car does do is make the owner feel like they're 'doing their bit'.
I’m a huge mini fan and have had an f56 Cooper and am now on a f56 Cooper S. I’d have loved to of considered an electric one but with 90 miles range there’s just no way it would work for me! Really good to see that it’s still a fun car though. I’m sure they will crack it with better range in time!
F54 JCW 309hp is way more fun for the same price, no range anxiety. Each to their own I suppose
Harry give the mini back with the front tyres on the tread wear indicators💪
We’ve ordered a new JCW for September delivery and decided against the HUD because the new GP-like instrument pod as per this Electric version gives all the info you need, including sat nav instructions apparently. So agree that the HUD is utterly pointless.
Even with that speedo cluster the info is still far away from your eyes. I love the HUD in my JCW.
If you live in a city and rarely do long journeys, 100mile range is probably 3 or 4 days between charges. Seems perfectly reasonable to me.
Interesting compromise gamble. Most OEMs have said it’s all about range and compromise the ride handling and big price. Mini have said let’s build the most fun EV and the range will be what it will be. As a second car choice for one half to take kids to school and the other to razz round lanes at weekends. I think there are enough yummy mummies and groovy dads who would choose this over a more sensible EV because they don’t need the range. They take the X5 when they do.
As far as I could see the boot is exactly the same as in my 2014 Cooper S so I don’t think you have to sacrifice boot space...
Assuming you remove the small puncture-repair kit included on the right side of the boot in this, the rare MINI Cooper that doesn't come with run-flat tires.
Do you still get that false floor in a regular MINI (under which all those cables were kept)? Can't remember..
Harry's garage I have 2 floors. One is the main one which is pretty solid and can be put up at an angle and below that there is a thinner one which - when removed - reveals the metal of the underbody.
@@harrysgarage MINI calls the normally optional false floor the "Storage package" and makes it standard on the SE.
@@harrysgarage Mrs Windy has 5-door MINI Cooper (64-plate) and it has the same false floor - looks identical.
I'll wait for a long range version, doesn't quite get to my longest journey. Sounds like it'll get through front tyres quicker than my petrol Cooper S and that likes to have a scrabble from the line
Life does work in interesting ways. I first watched this video a year ago for something to do and, well, I watch most anything Harry…..
I noted that it seemed like an interesting car and similarly scoffed as Harry did at the rather pathetic range and high price.
Well here I am a year later and I’ve got one sitting in my driveway - same colour, not quite the same spec as I don’t have the head up display and it seems like my car has different seat facings. Mine seem to be a black perforated leatherette - super comfortable I would add.
We’ve had the car exactly a week and are really enjoying it as a second car used for the cut and thrust of daily commuting. Out of town voyages with the family and piles of crap is not what this car is going to be successful at. Although I do note that the rapidly growing network of fast chargers means that trips of two and three times this car’s range are possible with some planning. By the time I’ve travelled 200 km I’m ready to stretch my legs and have a coffee anyway while we let the juice flow for 30 minutes.
Everything Harry says about driving this thing is true. It is a huge amount of fun, feels quite quick, and relies on one of the only things that BMW seem to do well anymore - driving dynamics. Oh, and the seats. The seats are quite simply the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of stuffing my backside into, although I’m definitely not snacking in the same bracket as Harry…
And God knows the reliably and cost to fix of BMW ICE motors can be a horror show, so these blessings are huge.
We actually started out to get something much different and it was only because in our part of the world you can’t seem to get a new EV for love or money these days that we have this. Our local Toyota dealer told me a RAV4 hybrid wouldn’t arrive with my name on it till 2025 so I resorted to just trolling auto trader to see what other EVs might pop up. I would have seriously considered a Nissan Leaf or whatever Hyundai and Kia are offering these days. Basic transportation appliance-level expectations but there was nothing new that we could have in under a year it seemed.
There were however 3 electric Minis listed within 500 km of me. One new, two used. Two were sold before I could get anyone on the phone and the one I’ve got now I needed to essentially buy sight unseen if I had any hope of securing it. So we took the risk knowing it had no real back seat and short range, and even though it was a year old with 10,000 km on it we paid practically new base SE MSRP for this almost top line model. That’s how crazy the market is right now. But… After a week both my wife and I are smitten with the thing. Our 65 km round-trip commute for work is well within its range and the first time I charged it up after full work day plus evening errands my charger app told me it cost a whopping $1.83 in off-peak late night rates. A charge from almost dead flat costs under $4... THAT’S what I’m after.
I think BMW said 80% of these cars are bought as second vehicles which is probably why that particularly sad range is not as much of an issue as the spec sheet seems to imply. I also agree as Harry says we’re not making a massive statement by driving it. Sure, not pouring pollutants into the air feels good, (although the environmental damage mining the lithium for these batteries can’t be discounted). But really, my mission was to save money bypassing gas pumps without looking like I’m driving a space ship. This car fits the bill perfectly with the unexpected bonus of being hugely fun to drive and really very attractive.
Only time will tell if it can stand up to the harsh Canadian landscape and climate but as I make dinner and glance out at it in the street, admiring the blunt, buff lines and solid stance it strikes me it’s rather like a bulldog pup - scrappy - all attitude and ready to take on the world…even if it’s not quite up to all that.
Harry you have to get a drive in the Porsche Taycan turbo S it will amaze, shock and surprise you, I seriously think you’ll want one!
Considering the battery capacity: I do not think it is because of handling but more because this car has not been planned as electric when it was first engineered. There was either just not enough space on the underbody to fit enough modules or with 1.350 kg, it is at the limit of the suspension capabilities. After all, you still want to be able to load two people and the one small backpack that fits in the boot without exceeding maximum axle weight. (I drive an older Mini myself, so I can bash it all I want :-)
To compensate for the battery weight, his MINI uses suspension bits from its heavier sibling. It's only 18 mm higher than the MINI Cooper S, but has a lower center of gravity thanks to the location of the battery in the floor. It's amazing that MINI could completely hide a battery of essentially the same capacity as the MINI E's battery that replaced the rear seats.
Sorry but I have to disagree with you on one thing. Torque-steer is not a good thing.
Modern cars have systems in place which automatically adjust the amount of torque to individual wheels and thus more efficient when putting the power down.
Car companies have spent decades and a heck of a lot of money in eliminating torque-steer, especially in hot-hatches.
Someday cars will drive all by themselves and torque steer will be part of a distant memory of when driving skills mattered and made driving more fun.
The next generation e-Mini should be stellar when you consider the advances in battery tech lately. Imagine this very same car with 250 miles of range? Crazy good, and a perfect 2nd car for just about anyone, a respectable and desirable 1-car for everyone else.
You are on to something but after seeing the next generation electric Mini I can say I am not loving the minimalist look, I am however, looking forward to the next generation battery to swap into my 2023 electric Mini that will increase the range to 250 that you mentioned.
Love the honesty and balanced view. I was considering one but had reservations about range and price. I used to own a Clio 182 and thought this was the closest EV to that which I wanted. I’ll hold off for now.
Get a second hand BMW i3 s much better package
It’s so expensive because they are five years behind everyone and not able to bring costs down by mass production by economy of scale . This at £23k and can do 200-300 miles absolutely but over 30k for real world 110 miles in this spec just silly ( that 3 on the badge basically states your a prat for parting with circa 30k) 👏👏👏- not in this life time and I say this from having five BMW MINI’s since 2007 and two of them on the drive still. Second Gen SE being a proper EV built from the ground up and not just a converted F series that can do 300 miles then we are talking. Mini need to realise people do really use them for holidays and road trips and not just crawl around the a City.
To MINI can I drive this from Glasgow to Durness charging on the way with it not getting silly following the west coast highland roads. No I don’t think so and until then it’s a non starter for me but that just for me. Saving grace I think it will still be fun to drive. That on some of my favourite North Yorkshire roads when we are down that way absolutely on drivability. Maybe what the second gen offers 2024.🤔 The dealerships that have been used to ripping loyal customers off, every service I had on that five year package ie two brake services and an Oil always tried to tell me my wiper blades need replaced even when I had replaced them two weeks previous all round the Car🤷🏼♂️ When you say I replaced them two weeks ago it gets brushed off as “ ah ok you don’t need them then” - what! Partly when our MINI’s go to an independent BMW trained specialist that only does BMW and MINI for half the cost of the dealer and look after you truthfully.
Solid review from Harry as always not trying to come from an angle like anti EV or treat viewers like halfwits and I only say say that because some have reviewed this Car be starting with - It’s quiet because it has not got a engine.
How is the ground-up, new-design Honda e better? It's slower, more expensive, has about the same range, and even with 100 kW charging takes just as long to get to 80% as the MINI with 50 kW charging. The Honda does look more modern.
Love small cars. This looks fun, range not so good but i could live with it. Waiting for the Honda e review. Well done Harry.
It ain't small though!
R53 owner here, a Mini as well but a very different beast
This electric Mini is so very cool, probably a car most people would love to own, sadly though, at that exorbitant price, it’s also a car very few will be able to afford!!.
I have had a electric car now for a year and found it all depends how you driver then, not to drive it like a ice car and if you keep your speed done to 60 to 65 your range last longer and goes further.
And point is to plan a journey so it involves a break and a charge so you go further.
But your right in saying 160 to 170 should be the minimum range on any electric vehicle just means less stops to charge on long journeys.
I drive a BMW i3 and love it but range is 85 miles per charge took it to London from Sunderland and had to charge 4 times so you have to add more time to allow charge ups.
4hr to London became 8hrs but we got there. If i had the car i originally whated a MG ZV EV 160 mile range would have been a lot better and quicker trip.
So keep BMW i3 for a year and trade it in for something with a bit more range.
Nice review but will wait for solid state battery version with 200mile range and same weight .
Loved it...and love Mini’s too! Drove a Mini One D recently and even that was fun. But since I’m driving a long range Tesla Model 3 there’s just no way I’d pay that much for a car with a 90 mile range. It’s waaaayyy too little. The 310 mile range in the Tesla is just enough and I look forward to 500 miles by which point it’s no longer a concern at all.
Real world Tesla less than that - see Harry's review
@0:27 Classic Harry's Garage - Mini, Range Rover, GT40, Turbo R and a 550.....
The low rolling resistance tires that come on electrics use a harder compound. More range, more squeal, less traction. I had a Nissan Leaf for a while. Putting on a nice set of Perellis completely changed the character of the car.
Well, not "completely."
The MINI Cooper SE does not use low rolling resistance tires. They come with non-run-flat summer performance tires. Note the puncture-repair kit on the right side of the boot.
Hi Harry. I own a 1.5 mini cooper at the moment with the same wheels as on this electric mini. My ride comfort is awful, especially over our lovely roads! You say it feels comfortable as the ride height is higher? I am tempted with the Mini E, as now, 3 years on from this video.......they are selling at a reasonable price. I would appreciate your feedback, just to clarify the ride quality. Or from any owners out there🙏 Many thanks
I wonder how it compares to a Mk1 Leaf - Harry's describing this MIni in the exact same way I would describe my experience with the Leaf. Feels like a hot hatch, schreeching tyres away from a standstill, great fun to drive on a B road. Seems to be similar range as well!
Brilliant review Harry. Your a natural. A joy to watch.
Never thought I would have any interest in an EV, but the distances I drive makes this ideal for me. Just curious to how this car will be serviced.
Harry, Harry, Harry..... Why have you only got 357K subscribers? Absolutely unbelievable. Excellent content every time - Congrats!
Why do they insist on putting a zit on the front of the electric ones?