New MINI JCW electric hot hatch due in 2021

Official spy shots show the new all-electric MINI John Cooper Works hot hatch testing ahead of its arrival by the end of 2021

MINI has announced that it will develop a fully electric John Cooper Works model – and released these official spy images as confirmation.

It was only a few weeks ago that head of MINI Bernd Körber hinted to Auto Express that the company was investigating electric power for future JCW performance models – and we haven’t had to wait long to see what’s coming up.

No technical information on the electric JCW has been issued, but these official images clearly show that an electric version of the recently-launched GP3 will be the first hot MINI to go electric.

The roof-mounted wing, blistered wheelarches and aggressive bodykit have all been transferred directly from the GP3, but look closely at the rear and you’ll see that the centre exit exhaust is missing – a clear indicator that this is a full EV.

Speaking on the announcement of MINI’s latest EV plans, Körber said: “With the MINI Electric, we’ve shown how well driving pleasure and electric mobility can be combined. Now’s the time to translate the performance passion of the John Cooper Works brand to electromobility. So we’re working hard to develop concepts for John Cooper Works models with electric drive.”

MINI’s choice to go electric with a JCW three-door is a relatively straightforward one; the standard MINI Electric gives the company a direct base to work from, without having to invest in developing a new body or platform. What also makes the GP3 a good candidate for an electric makeover is its focus on performance; there are no rear seats, so MINI could fit the electric hot hatch with a larger battery than that found in the MINI Electric to boost range without having to sacrifice power.

Expect the all-electric JCW to have in the region of 300bhp, and the hot hatch is likely to arrive by the end of 2021.

Are you excited by the prospect of an all-electric MINI JCW hot hatch? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section…

Recommended

Volkswagen ID.3 review
Volkswagen ID.3 - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen ID.3 review

The Volkswagen ID.3 is an accomplished all-electric family hatchback, but its on-board tech remains a source of contention
30 Nov 2023
Lotus to rival Tesla Superchargers with its own ultra-rapid EV charging network
Lotus Flash Chargers - full range of chargers and battery storage systems
News

Lotus to rival Tesla Superchargers with its own ultra-rapid EV charging network

The British sports car maker will start rolling out 450kW rapid chargers in Europe next summer
28 Nov 2023
New MINI Cooper testing takes next step as full reveal approaches
2024 MINI Cooper - front
News

New MINI Cooper testing takes next step as full reveal approaches

All-electric MINI will soon be joined by UK-built petrol version
23 Nov 2023
Best new cars coming in 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024 - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new cars coming in 2024

There are some big new models from the likes of Audi, BMW, Citroen, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
20 Nov 2023

Most Popular

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023
New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style
Renault Scenic - front
Road tests

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style

We get behind the wheel of new all-electric Renault Scenic to see what all the fuss is about
27 Nov 2023
“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”
Opinion - Renault Twingo
Opinion

“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”

Mike Rutherford thinks Renault is doing more than any other manufacturer when it comes to making affordable electric cars
26 Nov 2023