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Mini is the latest carmaker to offer an electric car in Australia with the arrival of its new Electric Hatch.
It will arrive in Australia in August 2020 priced at $59,990 drive-away, despite indications it would be priced closer to $50,000.
Just a single variant will be offered; ‘First Edition’ cars will be offered in four colour choices and with different rims depending on colour choice.
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Comparing that price to its petrol-powered sibling, the Mini Electric Hatch is roughly $14,000 more expensive than a base Mini Cooper S, and compares favourably to the $59,990 (before on-road costs) Hyundai Kona Electric.
It is beaten on price by the $49,990 (before ORC) Nissan Leaf and $48,490 (before ORC) Hyundai Ioniq Electric Elite, though its power output is up on both of those rivals.
The car itself is based on the three-door, five-seat Mini Cooper S, and is powered by a 135kW electric motor (sourced from parent company BMW) powering the front wheels. Mini has opted for a 32.6kWh lithium-ion battery, which means the Mini Electric Hatch has a range of 233km.
The Mini’s EV range figure falls well short of both the Leaf’s (270km) and the Ioniq’s (311km) claimed ranges.
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Mini says that the Electric Hatch can sprint from zero to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds and can be charged to 80 per cent in 35 minutes on a 50kW DC fast charger. It weighs some 135kg more than a petrol-powered Mini.
The Electric Hatch looks much the same as a Cooper S, but adds unique Electric-specific exterior details like distinctive light-yellow trim and badging to set it apart.
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The four colour options are White Silver, Midnight Black, Chili Red and, of course, British Racing Green. The white and black cars come with new-design 17-inch wheels, while the green and red cars get a more traditional 17-inch wheel option.
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Other highlights of the new Electric Hatch include adaptive LED headlights, unique Electric interior enhancements, seat heating for front passengers, head-up display, wireless phone charging, digital instrument cluster and a Harman Kardon sound system.
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If you want to buy a Mini Electric Hatch, a $2000 online deposit is required ahead of its August 2020 arrival.
The Mini Electric isn’t the first all-electric Mini. In 2009 the company released the Mini E, a limited edition pure electric three-door hatch with a 120km range that was offered to select customers in California and Paris for short-term lease.
2020 Mini Electric Hatch Australia pricing
- Mini Electric Hatch ‘First Edition’ three-door hatchback – $59,990 (driveaway Australia-wide)
