Photo: CarPix
The MINI electric car continues its testing, and our photographers were able to spy it both inside and out. Once again, it takes the form of a 3-door hatch with blocked of grille, but this is our first glimpse of the interior changes.
BMW was among the first companies to offer an electric car, running pilot programs with the 1 Series and MINI hatchback. However, those were just loaned to more "enlightened" early adopters, whereas the point here is to put EVs in your driveway.
So far, the bodywork of the car is mostly the same, save for a blocked grille. It's even wearing the pre-facelift versions of the headlights and taillight.
The MINI Electric concept, shown last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, also looked like a regular hatchback with a streamlined body. Many models take this approach to becoming electric - VW e-Golf, Kia Niro, Hyundai Kona.
However, unlike some of those, the MINI hatch is not designed on a green platform. Because of its low roof and small body, there isn't enough room for a big battery. As a result, we predict a limited range from this car.
Of course, this could just be an early test mule. However, MINI has a limited development budget. BMW's new front-wheel-drive platform that replaces the UKL, the one found under the next 1 Series, will be better suited to electrification.
The MINI E test project features around 200 horsepower and around 100 miles per charge. Even though that's enough for most commutes. However, range anxiety is part of why the i3 wasn't successful.
We also need to talk about the interior of the prototype, which adds a round instrument binnacle in front of the driver. We can also spot a short shifter from BMW, which seems like overkill in a car with only two gears: forward and reverse.
So far, the bodywork of the car is mostly the same, save for a blocked grille. It's even wearing the pre-facelift versions of the headlights and taillight.
The MINI Electric concept, shown last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, also looked like a regular hatchback with a streamlined body. Many models take this approach to becoming electric - VW e-Golf, Kia Niro, Hyundai Kona.
However, unlike some of those, the MINI hatch is not designed on a green platform. Because of its low roof and small body, there isn't enough room for a big battery. As a result, we predict a limited range from this car.
Of course, this could just be an early test mule. However, MINI has a limited development budget. BMW's new front-wheel-drive platform that replaces the UKL, the one found under the next 1 Series, will be better suited to electrification.
The MINI E test project features around 200 horsepower and around 100 miles per charge. Even though that's enough for most commutes. However, range anxiety is part of why the i3 wasn't successful.
We also need to talk about the interior of the prototype, which adds a round instrument binnacle in front of the driver. We can also spot a short shifter from BMW, which seems like overkill in a car with only two gears: forward and reverse.
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