BMW Unveils its Official MINI Electric Concept
The electric MINI Cooper, nearly 10 years in the making, will make its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show
MINI Electric Concept 2: Electric Boogaloo
It has been nearly a decade since the MINI E concept was first announced. Unfortunately for the all-electric MINI Cooper, BMW’s electric endeavors were redirected to the BMW i Division during that time.
Now, MINI is finally receiving its own chance to shine, as the MINI Electric Concept has just been unveiled by BMW.
As the latest iteration of an all-electric MINI vehicle, this model should be the one to ultimately enter production. That production is currently scheduled to commence around 2019, with MINI Electric deliveries beginning shortly after that.
In the past few months, there has been much speculation about where the electric MINI would be built. Despite labor strikes at various plants and post-Brexit uncertainties, BMW recently announced that the model would be produced in the United Kingdom.
MINI will stay in the U.K.
Photo: Brian Snelson
In the meantime, BMW has shared its vision of what the MINI Electric will be like. The most notable feature of the concept vehicle is its exterior appearance.
While still possessing many of the hallmarks of the MINI brand, the MINI Electric Concept has some very distinct design choices that separate it from the rest of the MINI lineup.
The grille and sides are adorned with one graphic possessing two different images. While the symbol may at first appear to simply be an electrical plug, it also contains the letter “E” on the side.
Meanwhile, the headlights retain their iconic circular shape. Each of the rear headlights possesses half of the Union Jack, a clear shoutout to the brand’s British origins.
“The MINI Electric Concept is a quintessential MINI – compact, agile, simply the ideal companion for everyday driving. At the same time, it conveys a whole new take on the concept of sportiness,” states Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.
‘Ello gov’na
Electric technology is not the only innovation used during the production of the MINI Electric Concept. Components of the wheels for the vehicle were created through 3D Printing.
While no official statement surrounding the range or price of the vehicle has been announced, automotive analysts suspect that it could have a similar range to the modern BMW i3. The i3’s 33 kWh battery pack delivers 100 miles of electric range.
BMW will officially debut the MINI Electric Concept next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show. More details surrounding the concept will most likely surface during the event.
Gallery: The MINI Electric Concept
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