MINI Electric review - Range, charging and running costs
Competitively priced, with efficient electric running costs, the only issue could be with the modest range
The original MINI was designed with low running costs in mind, so it seems apt that the Electric model has again delivered so positively on this brief. A car’s whole life cost starts with its purchase price, and this is where MINI has been very clever. The Electric range starts around from £29,000, which undercuts the Honda e, Peugeot’s e-208 and the Renault Zoe.
There are some other manufacturers that offer similarly-priced, or cheaper all-electric options, however. The Nissan Leaf is available from around £29,000, while the MG4 EV starts from £27,000. Although the 4 EV is sharply styled, neither of these models really offer the fun factor that comes with the MINI.
The claimed maximum range from a fully topped-up battery is 145 miles, although this falls to 141 miles if you choose the high-spec Level 3 car. MINI does offer its own charging card with the Electric model, however, which allows you to access the public charging network from MINI Charging.
Insurance groups
Insurance premiums shouldn’t be too high, as the MINI Electric sits in groups 22-23. By comparison, the Honda e occupies group 25-29 and will cost you more every year to fully insure.
Depreciation
Residual values for the MINI range have generally remained strong over the years, and the Electric stays true to form holding onto an average of 59 per cent of its original list price over three years and 36,000 miles. The Honda e doesn’t quite match up, with around 50 per cent of its value retained over the same period.
