The Electric MINI Countryman SE Range, Charging & Cold Weather Details

The electric Countryman SE is MINI’s first electric vehicle for the majority of consumers. It combines electrification in the crossover packaging that so many are looking for. More importantly its range is high enough for global mass market appeal. But it’s more than range that matters in an electric car. Charging speed, battery capacity and cold weather performance all are crucial. Let’s take a deep dive into all of it.
The increase of range over the F56 Cooper SE is thanks to its 66.5 kWh battery pack, more efficient drivetrain design and 0.26Cd drag coefficient. The effect is a UK range of 245 to 287 miles depending on how much urban vs highway driving you’re doing. In the US, the EPA estimates range at 212 miles on the 18″ wheels and 204 when you option the 19s. With either set of numbers it’s clear that the Countryman SE will be much more viable of a choice than the first generation Cooper SE with its 110 mile range (EPA).

The battery capacity in the electric MINI Countryman is 66.5 kWh with the usable size being 63.78 kWh. The 400v system allows an AC charging speed of 11kW and DC – 130kW. In ideal scenarios (charging at 130kWx) the electric Countryman SE can get from 5-80% in only 29min. In miles that’s roughly 23 to 184 miles in normal operating temperatures. While we didn’t need to charge our test car (our time was limited to a few hundred miles) that type of charging speed sounds fantastic. However the ability to recharge the Countryman SE quickly will be more dependent on the charging network than the car itself.
It’s no secret that EVs like moderate temperatures. We’ve seen range drop significantly in extreme cold over the years. But what many don’t know is that even slightly cold temperatures can noticeably affect how far your batteries will take you.
The data below shows you the range you can expect across summer and winter driving and the effects are obvious. These numbers (based on European WLTP testing) paint a more realistic view of what it would be like to live with a Countryman SE than a single range ratings.
Naturally the best case scenario for range is moderate temperatures and urban driving. The worst is to drive the Countryman SE on the highway in -14°F temperatures. You can see below that the Countryman SE could see as much as a 50% drop from its 332 mile range it could theoretically achieve in ideal temperatures. This is why it’s difficult to understand the full range scenarios from one figure as is typically listed.
| Mild Weather Scenarios | Range Estimates |
|---|---|
| City – Mild Weather * | 535 km / 332 miles |
| Highway – Mild Weather * | 340 km / 211 miles |
| Combined – Mild Weather * | 420 km / 261 miles |
| Cold Weather Scenarios | Range Estimates |
|---|---|
| City – Cold Weather * | 360 km / 224 miles |
| Highway – Cold Weather * | 265 km / 165 miles |
| Combined – Cold Weather * | 310 km / 192 miles |

Charging speed is as critical if not more so than range depending on your situation. The electric Countryman SE supports DC fast-charging at up to 130 kW. This allows for a charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 29 minutes. While we don’t have US specific data, we do have European data on charging speeds which should give you an idea of what we’ll see with the electric MINI Countryman SE.
| Charging Point | Max. Power | Power | Time | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 11.0 kW On-Board Charger | ||||
| Wall Plug (2.3 kW) | 230V / 1x10A | 2.3 kW | 33h15m | 11 km/h |
| 1-phase 16A (3.7 kW) | 230V / 1x16A | 3.7 kW | 20h45m | 18 km/h |
| 1-phase 32A (7.4 kW) | 230V / 1x32A | 7.4 kW | 10h30m | 35 km/h |
| 3-phase 16A (11 kW) | 400V / 3x16A | 11 kW | 7 hours | 53 km/h |
| 3-phase 32A (22 kW) | 400V / 3x16A | 11 kW †| 7 hours | 53 km/h |
| Optional 22.0kW On-Board Charger * | ||||
| Wall Plug (2.3 kW) | 230V / 1x10A | 2.3 kW | 33h15m | 11 km/h |
| 1-phase 16A (3.7 kW) | 230V / 1x16A | 3.7 kW | 20h45m | 18 km/h |
| 1-phase 32A (7.4 kW) | 230V / 1x32A | 7.4 kW | 10h30m | 35 km/h |
| 3-phase 16A (11 kW) | 400V / 3x16A | 11 kW | 7 hours | 53 km/h |
| 3-phase 32A (22 kW) | 400V / 3x32A | 22 kW †| 3h30m | 100 km/h |

As with all electric cars you have to ask yourself – will this new electric Countryman fit my lifestyle. With the original Cooper SE that was a tough sell for anyone looking to take even short road trips. But with the new electric MINI Countryman SE the equation has changed.
The range dramatically increases the use cases for this car over the Cooper SE and thus its appeal. But that doesn’t mean everything here is cutting edge. In many ways the Countryman’s EV underpinnings are appropriately middle of the pack. Proven tech with conservative ratings, it’s designed and engineered to last. And given the needs of consumers that might be a better fit for the typical Countryman SE buyer.
