A long tradition of forward-thinking and fuel-saving design characterizes MINIs. An electric MINI is not an exception to this rule.
The electric MINIs were developed so that drivers may experience the same go-kart-like sensation while also admiring the classic appearance of a MINI that has been supercharged to accommodate the driver’s lifestyle. The process of recharging this vehicle is exactly as simple as charging a smartphone.
After plugging it in at home for the night, it will be fully charged and ready to go when you leave in the morning. If you find that you are running low on energy when you are out and about, there are always a great number of stations close by.
The MINI has a range of 145 miles, so it is best suited for shorter trips, but it still has the familiar driving experience associated with the brand. That indicates that the handling is precise, and the 270 Nm of torque delivered by the powertrain makes it speedy.
The configuration of the two-mode regenerative braking system is such that it is effective even when set to the highest level, making it ideal for driving with just one pedal.
Although the Mini electric vehicle packs a lot of innovative features and technology, you may want to look at other alternatives. The following cars are similar to the mini electric vehicle that you may consider purchasing.
1. Fiat 500
With pricing beginning at £20,995, which includes the Government’s Plug-in Car Grant of £2,500, the Fiat 500 is reasonable, and with a stated range of up to 199 miles from a fully charged battery, it is also really useable.
This comes from the largest 42 kWh battery, which also has the potential of 85 kW fast charging. As a result, the Fiat can get an 80 percent charge in a reasonably short amount of time, which is 27 minutes.
The 0-62 mph race takes nine seconds thanks to the electric motor’s 116 horsepower, which is just half a second quicker than the 92 horsepower 500 with the smaller, lighter 24kWh battery. However, if you choose the more inexpensive model, your range will be reduced to an estimated 115 miles.
If you plan to use this electric vehicle mostly for getting about town, the 24 kWh model could be the most cost-effective choice for you. It continues to feature 50kW quick charging, so even if you have to use a public outlet, you won’t have to wait there for very long.
2. Peugeot e-208
The e-208 was the first step in Peugeot’s electric revolution. It has the same adaptable CMP design as the 208 superminis, however, in this context, it is referred to as the e-CMP.
The Peugeot e-208 has the same amount of cargo capacity as the 208, which is 311 liters, and since it is powered by a 134-horsepower engine, it operates almost inaudibly while providing a seamless burst of performance.
There is no sacrifice in terms of the e-208’s usability. It only takes 8.1 seconds to get from 0 to 62 miles per hour because of the 260 Nm of torque, and it’s pretty engaging for an electric vehicle thanks to the compact steering wheel and well-set-up chassis. Because of regenerative braking, it is even possible to navigate most of the time by just pulling your foot off the gas pedal.
Because the e-208 is compatible with a 100kW charging system – a feature that is not available on other compact electric vehicles – the 50 kWh battery can be replenished in as little as half an hour, and the vehicle has a range of 217 miles.
The E-208 has a very distinctive look that sets it apart from other vehicles. The crisp outward design is nice, but the inside draws inspiration from the 3008 and 5008 SUVs and by and large successfully downscales them into a supermini, backing this up with strong technology and connection.
3. Volkswagen ID.3
It took a while, but the ID.3 finally arrived as an electric hatchback. It’s larger than many of the vehicles on our list, yet it is nevertheless cute because, even though it isn’t revolutionary, it is an excellent electric vehicle for families. Costs begin at approximately $28,000 for the 45kWh model and go up from there.
The range isn’t the simplest to traverse. This has a maximum range of 216 miles and can produce 148 horsepower when fully charged. Although it has a range of 340 miles and a capacity of 77 kWh, the biggest Pro S battery costs approximately 39 000 pounds to purchase since it is only available in Tour trim.
The Pro Performance battery has a variety of charging durations, ranging from nine and a half hours when using a 7.2kW wall box input to thirty-five minutes when utilizing a 100kW DC quick charge source.
One of the most exciting aspects of the ID.3 is that it is the first vehicle produced by the Volkswagen Group to make use of the most recent version of the MEB architecture.
Because it is intended only for use with an electric motor, there is no sacrifice made in terms of usability, yet the level of refinement and ride quality is on par with what one would expect from a Volkswagen.
4. Vauxhall Corsa-e
The Vauxhall features the same 50 kWh battery and 134 horsepower electric engine as the Chevrolet Bolt EV. It also has a stated range of 209 miles, and because of its 100 kW DC charging capacity, it can be recharged in as little as 30 minutes.
The only available body style for the Corsa is a five-door hatchback, making it an ideal platform for Vauxhall’s first fully electric vehicle. There is sufficient room in the back for two passengers (even though this configuration is best suited for shorter trips), and the trunk has a respectable capacity of 267 liters.
The attraction of the Vauxhall Corsa is increased when it is powered by an electric motor, although it is not the most thrilling vehicle to drive. This is because electric power results in more refined and smooth propulsion.
The ride quality and handling are both satisfactory; however, the most appealing aspect of this car is how simple it is to operate. It has an additional B mode for the regenerative braking system, which ensures that it is relaxing while in motion, and is an excellent choice for driving in the city.
Running expenses should be very cheap, with home charging coming in at about £7.20. This implies that even with a real-world range of approximately 175 miles, it will still allow for economical transportation since it will have a low cost of operation.
5. Honda e
The public took notice when Honda showed the concept for its first electric vehicle (EV) in Europe, and happily, the e emerged as a production car without too many alterations to the idea’s retro-inspired look having been made to it.
The outside is clean and stylish, while the inside has entirely cutting-edge technology, including the capacity to charge at 100 kW DC.
The fact that the electric motor that produces 152 horsepower is situated on the back axle of the Honda is one of its defining characteristics. This makes it easier to package but does not reduce the amount of space within the five-door body, which means that despite its tiny proportions, it is rather roomy.
The base model and the slightly powerful Advance model both have a range of 137 miles, which is considered to be on the lower end of the acceptable range for an electric vehicle. The Advance model does, however, include more equipment, including additional safety technology.
6. Volkswagen e-up!
Although you may still get this car with petrol power, its foundations are the same as those of the Mii Electric. This just helps to highlight how impressive the e-up is! is as a cute little electric vehicle.
There are no compromises to be made in terms of space since the trunk capacity of 251 liters is identical to that of the gasoline-powered vehicle. The e-up! is nevertheless a masterpiece of technical design despite having a tiny body with five doors because it has excellent packaging throughout.
The sophisticated but simple design of the cabin makes use of your phone for informational and entertainment purposes, which is not a negative thing at all.
In addition to the normal installation of cruise control, it also comes with a temperature control system that can accommodate two separate zones, heated seats, parking sensors, and a rear camera.
7. SEAT Mii electric
Because this vehicle is equipped with a 40kW DC supply, its 38.6kWh battery can be charged to up to 80 percent capacity in much less than an hour. Your range will be around 160 miles when the battery is fully charged.
The Mii utilizes your phone, which is held in a cradle that is attached to the dashboard. As a result, the cost of the vehicle is maintained at around $20,000. It is still more expensive than a city vehicle that runs on gasoline, but you will save hundreds of dollars in operating expenses.
The SEAT Mii electric is a joy to drive because of its low weight and the fact that the battery doesn’t limit the car’s storage capacity.
On the other hand, it has enough real-world range to accommodate longer journeys, and its reasonably strong power and absence of noise make it a refined option for driving on the highway.
8. BMW i3
The BMW i3 was a pioneer in the field of electric vehicles. BMW was the first luxury automobile manufacturer to pursue electrification, and the i3 presented a unique method that is still at the leading edge today.
The passenger compartment of the i3 is made of carbon fiber, which contributes to its lightness, and this is crucial for efficiency in an electric vehicle.
The base i3 is all you need since it has a range of up to 190 miles and can be recharged to 80 percent in a little over 40 minutes, but the ride quality may be frustrating for some people due to how firm it is.
Access to the cramped cabin is facilitated by rear doors that swing in the opposite direction from the entrance, and once inside, you’ll find a wealth of salvaged materials that are consistent with the eco-friendly philosophy of an electric vehicle. They also help explain, to a certain extent, the comparatively high price of the i3 model.
9. Renault Zoe
Renault’s electric supermini was given a major facelift for its second-generation Zoe, which resulted in a vehicle that has a superior real-world range in addition to exceptional refinement and driving qualities.
Because of all of these factors, the Zoe was one of our top recommendations; nevertheless, the Euro NCAP gave it a safety rating of zero stars in late 2021, which makes it more difficult to recommend.
Apart from this, the Zoe offers an exceptional level of ride comfort for such a little electric vehicle, and its range of 245 miles makes it a practical option. There is just one battery with a capacity of 55 kWh available.
However, you have the choice of selecting either the R110 (107 horsepower) or the R135 (133 horsepower) engine, and you can pay an additional $1,000 to have either one equipped with a 50kW quick charging option.
Because it comes standard with a lot of powerful safety technology, superb connections, and amenities like LED lighting and parking sensors, the practical Zoe with five doors just requires the iconic trim level to meet all of your needs.
10. Mazda MX-30
Even when it seems that the majority of its competitors in the business are taking a different approach, Mazda has never been reluctant to do things in its own unique fashion. Therefore, the MX-30 may not be exactly what you’d anticipate, but it’s still an enticing idea in its own right.
The inside of the vehicle is quite roomy, with an SUV-lite body style that is very much on trend, and it is finished in intriguing materials that give the cabin a particularly cozy and likable feel. All of these features contribute to the car’s overall attractiveness.
The MX-30 is a standout performer in terms of its dynamics, but this is only the case when the vehicle is being driven quickly over a winding route. The electric motor in the MX-30 has 143 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, which means it will never blow your socks off in a straight line.
There is the possibility of charging at up to 50 kW, and if the restricted range is not an issue for you, there is a lot to enjoy about the quirky Mazda MX-30. It has the potential to be an efficient second vehicle.
11. Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric features a respectable driving range, an elevated driving posture, and a generous amount of standard equipment, but there are other electric vehicles that provide larger passenger volumes.
There are just two variants of the Hyundai Kona Electric available: a 39kWh model with 136 horsepower and a range of 189 miles, as well as a 64kWh model with 204 horsepower and a range of up to 279 miles.
Using a 100kW charger, the 64kWh Kona Electric can be charged to 80 percent in only 47 minutes. This is a significant improvement over the previous charging time of 58 minutes.
The Hyundai Kona Electric, much like every other electric vehicle, is a joy to pilot about town. Since the performance is punchy, quick, and quiet, navigating through heavy traffic shouldn’t be a problem for you.
On the other hand, driving a Nissan Leaf is an even better time, while riding in a Volkswagen ID.3 is more relaxing. In spite of this, the Kona has the appearance of a hefty SUV and a respectable range, making it capable of performing the duties of not one but two vehicles simultaneously.
12. MG 5
The MG, in its most basic form, is a tiny estate car that provides a no-nonsense introduction into the world of electric vehicle ownership. The MG focuses heavily on practicability, value, and low operating expenses.
The BMW 5 may only be a few years old, but it has the appearance of a vehicle that is twenty years older. However, the cabin does not represent the pinnacle of premium design or quality, despite the fact that it is lavishly equipped with great features.
It is not very thrilling to drive since its tiny tyres as well as soft suspension struggle, which means that it is more adapted to an easy-going stride than all-out back road assaults.
Having said that, body movement is relatively well regulated, the electronic stability control is nicely tuned to keep things on track without being obtrusive, and the 154-horsepower electric motor provides fast acceleration.
