Which MINI Do You Want to See Become the Electric MINI?
MINI is on record saying that they are preparing to release an all electric MINI in 2019. Based on interviews and sources this electric car will be based “an existing model” and not a bespoke platform like the BMW i3. What means is that we will have an electric MINI that will look (more or less) like an normal MINI model. So that begs the question – which MINI would you like to see made electric?
Beyond the models we know there’s also an outside chance that MINI might accelerate the development of the next generation MINI Hatch to give the electric model a lighter chassis and more autonomous driving technology. The 4th generation MINI is scheduled to debut 2020 and will include more lightweight materials and Level 2 Driver assistance. That will entail both steering and acceleration/deceleration. This will be similar to active cruise control but will also include lane-centering. Given our recent time spent with the Tesla autopilot this would be a great addition to an electric car experience. It doesn’t take away from driver engagement it simply could automate the more frustrating stop and go moments of commutes.
So with all that said, what MINI model would you like to see go electric?
Here are the likely choices:
1. MINI Hatch (F56) – It’s What a MINI Should be!
2. MINI Clubman (F54) – Perfect Size for Batteries Without Being Too Big
3. MINI Countryman (F60) – The Most Battery Capacity with the Most Versatility
4. Next Gen Hatch (GXX) – Autonomous Driving Tech Would Make a Great Base
5. None – MINI Should Focus on the Good Ole Combustion Engines
<p>I shall not be buying an electric MINI, or any other electric car, in the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, the F56 was unveiled in November 2013, and went on sale in the middle of 2014. It will, therefore, in car lifespan terms, be long-in-the-tooth by 2019. For that reason, I doubt that a business case could be made, or the vast investment be justified, for choosing the F56.</p>
<p>BMW has very recently revealed that it’s next i car, the i5, will be an SUV, chosen because it is currently the fastest growing automobile segment in the world, and that structurally it is the easiest type of car to electrify. As a matter of interest, Jaguar previewed its first electric concept car, the I Pace, at the LA auto show, an SUV due will go on sale in 2018.</p>
<p>My guess is that the above picture gives us a pretty good clue as to which existing MINI will be ‘the chosen one’.</p>
<p>I want to see an electric option for each. I’m most excited about the idea of an electric F56. Like you said “It’s what a MINI should be!”</p>
<p>Recently took a Fiat 500E for a spin. I have to say it was a lot of fun. That simple little compliance car kind of showcased how even the most generic and basic attempt at an electric drivetrain is well suited in a compact hatch.</p>
<p>And I don’t mean to belittle the 500E by calling it basic. Bosch did an excellent job on its drivetrain engineering and design.</p>
<p>I have a 500e and love it, even more than the R52 I drove for 9 years. I would like an electric Rocketman.</p>
<p>found a used one for sale locally. would you have any words of caution?</p>
<p>Where are you located, and how much is the 500e selling for? In California, a new 500e can be leased at insanely low cost — as low as $50/month. Combined with the $2500 cash rebate from California, a 3 year lease makes financial sense. That said, used 500e (returns from leases ending) have started to enter the used car market and there are some good deals.</p>
<p>I am 2 years into my 500e lease and it has been completely trouble free. However there is a small percentage of 500e that seem to have chronic problems. These issues are related to software in the electrical system. There is probably some variation in production cars that the software doesn’t handle. The problem is that the 500e is a low production compliance car to fulfill California emissions regulations, and it didn’t receive the full amount of development and testing that a regular 50 state vehicle would receive. If you purchase, another concern is parts and service for this low production vehicle. Even here in California, it is hard to find a good dealer that knows how to handle issues specific to the 500e.</p>
<p>In the end, I really love the car and there is a good chance I’ll get another when my lease is up. Its instant torque and small size makes it perfect for the traffic, hills, and parking in San Francisco. Before this car (even in a MINI) I didn’t know I could have so much fun driving in traffic.</p>
<p>Pennsylvania.</p>
<p>Because they are only sold/leased new in CA/OR, I was ecstatic to find a couple certified pre-owned show up.
Maybe those insanely low leases you mentioned are killing the pre-owned 500e market in in CA and they have to spread out.
a 2013 with about 25,000 miles is going for about $8000 give or take.</p>
<p>Even with the lack of trained service centers around here, I am still tempted. You bring up a good point though. I’ll have to see if the local Fiat dealership is even able to service what they are selling.</p>
<p>Until the electric MINIs hit the street, my options for appealing EVs are pretty limited.</p>
<p>Considered the LEAF, but I just can’t get totally on-board.</p>
<p>Good to see your reaction to the 500e. I’ve been thinking about buying one.</p>
<p>Owning a Microlino might be one-better for me, though:</p>
<p><a href="http://microlino.ch/story/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://microlino.ch/story/</a></p>
<p>Id say it is much more likely that they are going to be designing the next generation MINI 3 door with both gasoline and electric variants in mind. I couldn’t imagine they would introduce a 2019 Electric F56 just a year before the platform gets refreshed.</p>
<p>Since you asked what we would “like” it to be instead of what we “think” it will be…</p>
<ol>
<li>Superlegerra or Rocketman. </li>
</ol>
<p>Using any existing model as the 5th “Superhero” is a missed opportunity.</p>
<ol>
<li>Another vote for the Rocketman</li>
</ol>
<p>Sorry to be screwing up your poll Gabe. : D</p>
<p>Alright, let me cast another vote, just make the smallest MINI electric, so that’d be:
4. the GXX.</p>
<p>That’ll show you how much you need to make a Rocketman asap, we’re ready for a small electric MINI.</p>
<p>And if you can eek out more range, also make the biggest MINI electric. We don’t need inbetweens, we either need the smallest car for commuting, or the biggest car to move stuff around.</p>
<p>MINI may be improving technologically, but aesthetically the designs have gotten fatter and uglier every year since 2006. IMO it matters not what moves them. What matters is that the designs do not move us to embrace the brand as we once did. Of course, the market has changed dramatically over the years. Buyers are no longer predominately enthusiasts. They’re mostly mainstream with little or no interest in the MINI performance heritage and compact design.</p>
<p>R53</p>
<p>People has not sense for future technic, people will still have a horse, but a faster horse.. Of cause all cars going to be electric, they are cheaper to run, they are more reliable, they are much faster. Then Fuel Cell coming to be more common and it will be. Then electrical car will be the only way.. The main problem is the material permanent magnet is produced today is running out… but I am sure they find a equal way to make electrical engine that will work.</p>