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So, you want an electric car, but you don’t want to pay a lot of money. We have a solution.

This lil’ thing is technically called the MINI Cooper SE but it’s better known as the MINI Electric Hardtop 2-door. Simply put, MINI took a standard Cooper, ditched the combustion engine, and swapped in a 32.6-kWh battery pack and a 181-horsepower electric motor (181 hp).

Observant MINI-philes can distinguish the MINI Electric by its unique front fascia, optional yellow mirror caps, this charge door garnish, and the lack of an exhaust pipe.

Those bits aside though, instead of looking like a weird-for-weird-sake electric car, the electrified MINI basically looks like a normal MINI Cooper. Personally, I dig it.

I also dig the interior. MINI’s have an innate stylistic swagger outside and in…especially if you’re willing to spring for higher trims with their fancier materials. But even in base form you get these cool toggle switches and this round element inspired by the original MINI’s central speedometer. If you’re wondering about space for humans. It’s perfectly roomy in the front seats as displayed by 6’ 4” Mike Danger here.

No surprises. It’s cozy in back but more workable than you might expect. With a kind driver, I do technically fit. VO: For cargo space the MINI Electric offers the same 8.7 cu-ft as a gasoline-powered MINI Cooper. The rear seat backs can also be folded or set in a midway position as your cargo needs demand.

Given the MINI brand’s playful reputation you might expect the MINI Electric to be a little ball of fun on the open road.

And you would be right.

Battery packs are heavy. Consequently, the MINI Electric weighs about 300 pounds more than an automatic-transmission-equipped Cooper S. But that weight is placed low and distributed evenly between the front and rear tires.

So, despite some extra weight the MINI Electric is tons of fun to fling about.

I’ll also add that even with its zippy demeanor, ride quality is more than tolerable in the MINI electric. Its electrified nature also sparks joy when accelerating thanks to an electric motor that delivers prompt and powerful thrust.

Especially in city driving, that immediate punch from a stop is happy diversion from…you know…the rest of your commute.

By the numbers, zero to sixty sprints check in at 6.9 seconds according to MINI. And the top speed is 93 MPH. When slowing there are 2 regenerative braking intensities to choose from.

With max regen selected you can do most of your slowing without completely removing your foot from the accelerator. A lift is all it takes to stop.

Digging deeper into its electrified side, the MINI Electric has an EPA-estimated range of 114 miles. No, that’s not a ton of range. Leading to the next logical question. How do you charge a MINI electric?

Option 1 is with a household plug. But that is very slow. Option 2: use a Level 2 charger for a full charge in as little as 4 hours. And Option 3: With a 50 kw DC quick charger and you can hit an 80% charge in only 35 minutes.

There are 2 more implications worth considering with the MINI electric. A: Its electric status may grant you solo-driver access to the carpool lane. And B: In the US, federal and state incentives can make the MINI Electric’s price extra appealing. As I’m recording this, the MINI Electric is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax incentive.

Hooray, we’ve finally hit on the point I made in the beginning. Price! The base Cooper Electric comes well-equipped with smart key access, heated front seats, LED headlights, lane departure warning, Automatic emergency braking, and a not-always-intuitive 8.8-inch infotainment system featuring navigation and Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. Again, that’s for right about $30k not accounting for destination charges or the price mitigating benefits of federal or state incentives. In short, if you want a well-equipped MINI at a tantalizing price, consider the electric.

Explore higher trims to add luxuries like a panoramic roof, Harman/Kardon premium audio, adaptive cruise control, and premium leather upholstery. Choose the fanciest Iconic trim and you’ll add at least $7,000 on top of the MINI Electric’s base price.

Between how it looks and how it drives, there is a lot to like about the MINI Electric. That said, even with America’s expanding charging infrastructure the MINI Electric’s limited driving range pegs it as a runabout, best suited for short commutes.

But if you do have a short commute and think charming style, sprightly performance, and carpool access might make your travels a little less soul-sucking, the MINI Cooper Electric is an intriguing and modestly-priced solution.

00:00 2022 Mini Cooper SE
0:26 Exterior
1:00 Interior
1:44 Driving Impressions
2:00 Powertrain

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