MINI ELECTRIC has 45,000 orders ahead of production start

The recently revealed MINI Electric – MINI Cooper SE in Europe – has already garnered more than 45,000 orders since it was announced in July.

MINI has been playing with an electric version for a very long time, but now we’re about to see a proper electric MINI you can actually buy.

Revealed last month, the new MINI Electric – which is called the MINI Cooper SE in the rest of Europe – isn’t trying to compete in the long-range arena with cars like the Hyundai Kona Electric, but instead seems to be making a pitch for urban dwellers, much like the Honda-E.

That means a relatively modest 32.6kWh battery pack promising a range of 124-144 miles, decent performance (0-62mph in 7.3 seconds), the ability to take an 80 per cent charge in half an hour or so at a rapid charger, and prices (after grant) starting at £24,400.

Such a relatively modest range might be expected to put buyers off, but it seems MINI has already garnered at least 45,000 orders for the electric MINI in Europe ahead of production according to Elena Eder, project manager for the MINI Electric, speaking to Frankfurter Allgemeine. 

Production of the new MINI is due to start in Oxford on 1 November – helpfully the first day after Brexit if Boris’s plans work out – although the powertrain gubbins will all be coming from Germany (assuming Dover still works).

Expect every Estate Agent in London to be driving one soon.