Mini-E Factory Tour + 1st Drive | Fully Charged

There's nothing Robert loves more than a factory tour. No, really!
This time he gets to go into the plant just outside of Oxford to see the Mini-E being manufactured, before taking it for a drive.
Warning: includes robots, and a special scene where the battery 'marries' the car. Ooh-er.
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[@soyuppy]

love the info graphics in the corner

[@David-qs5ii]

Shame about the “regenerative breaking” though!

[@benpaynter]

The issue with EV's with this sort of size battery...as I've found out with my 2016 Leaf 30kWh is that whilst yes, the range is suitable for most days, you end up needing to work the battery quite hard i.e. fully charging and deeply discharging on a more regular basis than a larger capacity car, especially in winter when that 120 miles drops to more like 105 miles. That's okay for the first year or two but 3.5 year and 63,000 miles down the track this winter is seeing me regularly getting less than 90 miles on really cold days. This in turn means I'm working the battery even harder because its range limit is getting close to my daily mileage some days which is meaning the battery is further degrading. My Leaf has been great and I'm glad I bought it but for my next car, which will be an EV, I will be getting the biggest battery/range I can afford because that means I can afford not to charge to 100% as often, will put less cycles on my battery and ultimately 3-5 years after purchase I will still have a very useful range.

[@simonyapp]

Ben Paynter well said, same here. I love our 24kwh leaf but it’s worked hard in the winter. Also trying to get a 40Kwh EV ASAP.

[@petergorton9848]

Ben, the problem is your Leaf has a seriously crap battery management system with no thermal management. BMW designed its original battery system properly, with excellent thermal management, and buffers top and bottom. You can run it to zero, and Rapid Charge thousands of times, with no ill effects. The Mini has the same system, in a different form factor. It won’t be a problem. A bit more range would be good!

[@benpaynter]

@@petergorton9848 Fair point. The Leaf has so far been my only EV experience so looking forward to experiencing some proper thermal management in the future. For the time being I can at least warm the battery by rapid charging lol!!

[@davidmccarthy6061]

You might have a valid point, or not. It's just a guess so I don't think people should write it off based on your SWAG. The i3 data could be a way to guess better but I assume by now the chemistry has changed. Experienced EV owners have learned what range they need so this may be fine for a ton of people. When I'm retired and need 5 miles of range to get to the doctor and groceries this will quite fine.

[@ArizVern]

A GREAT STARTER EV. I started with Chevy Volt 38 miles on a charge, daughter loves the Volt now. The volt is a great STARTER EV, wife has a 16k miles on a Model 3 and waiting for Cybertruck. Total electric home with 11k solar.

[@kit888]

Barely any factory tour, which is what I came here for.

[@SpitFire868]

Damn! I work there, if i had only known, i would have come and said hi!

[@ASilentS]

I'd prefer to get more factory tour with my factory tour :(

[@snowstrobe]

Yes, that was my thought at end too.

[@Mr_Battlefield]

Agreed

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

It was like factory shot versus tour

[@cbromley562]

@Gus Johnson Like the device you’ve used to post this rant?

[@Scuba72Chris]

@Gus Johnson ...Is one of those great clattering buttocks who reads the Daily Fail and takes all the anti-EV FUD as gospel.

[@Boating_David]

Can't help but think they've missed a trick by not calling it The Min-E 🤔

[@callumhardy5098]

Gus Johnson True, but then mostly everything we buy has been manufactured like that. But they still missed a trick calling it the min-e.

[@Amuzic_Earth]

@Gus Johnson you are right about roller skates(or cycles or walking for that matter). But, for time/efforts and other convenience factor EVs(including electric cars, motorcycles and cycles) are the most optimum alternatives we have in comparison to fossil vehicles. It's about getting better from what we have and not reach the ideal/perfect solution overnight. People are at different levels of being there because we can't tell all of 7.5 billion people to reject fossil cars and start walking, EVs are the middle ground.

[@mgammeren]

@Gus Johnson Can you imagion that all those things are the same for fossil fuel cars that than are going to pollute the local evironment they drive in? Bollocks!

[@irish-medi-weed-grower5240]

mine . dont they either blow up or get dug out ?

[@irish-medi-weed-grower5240]

@Gus Johnson lithium cobalt were the first gen of lithium batteries . the ones used in phone batteries and the such like . most car batteries are lithium ion now . so no child miners involved . everything you buy other than those items manufactured in your own country tend to be transported around the world in huge fucking ships . you sound like an old stuck record .

[@jamesswaller]

And then you got back in your Model 3 and said, "What the @#&$ is wrong with everyone else?"

[@garyallsopp6369]

Except of course Tesla don't make a car like this, or the Zoe, or the e-Up/Mii/Citigo or even the Smart EQ. Don't get me wrong; I love Tesla & everything the're achieving, but let's face it, despite all the tech and the Mini's backward underpinnings,Tesla are years away from making a car like this. I'm not complaining, making small cars is difficult - BMW had to buy Rover group to learn how to do it (remember how awful the first 1 series was) Tesla will do it (or buy someone who does) and will excel here also, but let's not pretend they're automotive Jesus - They may have turned water into wine but even Tesla don't have that many fish in their basket. :-)

[@cooltwittertag]

@@garyallsopp6369 And don't forget the disturbing lack of qc in Teslas.

[@Secretlyanothername]

This is a wonderful second car. Well priced too.

[@S7tronic]

Basically a BMW i3 wedged into a mini chassis, it would have been interesting in 2013...

[@procupine14]

And not even the latest revision of the i3's package.

[@petergorton9848]

Justin Evans it is EXACTLY the latest guts from an i3, with a different battery form factor. There have been loads of electronic improvements in i3 (my 2014 now has latest electronics and s/w). It just looks the same.

[@gergall1809]

Wasn't a MINI testbed around that time used to sort out the running gear for what became the i3? The battery pack took up the rear seats..

[@martshearer498]

A low, heavy i3

[@ededdynova]

and the i3 is faster, rwd, lighter and turns loads more heads and the lease deals are loads cheaper then the mini e too. Very poor half effort car.

[@GiddeonG]

might need to balance sound a bit more. The music is too loud or the pieces to camera are too quiet. Just FYI :) (Correction, not all the music, just some bits)

[@ghunt1023]

@Gus Johnson I agree that the sound is poorly balanced, but your last sentence is excessive and unnecessary. Totally uncalled for and very inappropriate.

[@bobgerac]

Sounds absolutely fine to me.

[@abucketofelves]

@@ghunt1023 he's a not very obvious troll, best not to feed him

[@csorrows]

@Gus Johnson You mean post-production.

[@KevinT3141]

Yep, watching on the main floor while my wife is sleeping in upstairs and had to adjust the volume constantly so that I could hear Robert but not wake her up during the interludes. Definitely needs attention to leveling out the audio during post production. I've noticed this in a few other Fully Charged videos as well. :-(

[@Paul-if1jq]

In its category the mini is one of the best to drive, dynamics are good, its nice place to be.

[@frankstocker5475]

Robert thank you for the honest report, you are so right when it's so easy to install a better battery system & drive train.

[@JohnSmith-gb3fr]

Love factory tours Love Robert Love Fully Charged

[@PilotEJ401]

Jonny Smith's review was, hate to say, much more informed, thorough, and entertaining.

[@PiotrSzewczykPL]

*I work there, we build 1000 cars everyday! Standard, Electric & GP model* 😉

[@derKameramann]

1000 !!! Wow. Would give me a Smile while entering the Workspace. Everyday.

[@andyphillips7435]

“Built with a Petrol Car consciousnesses “. = Legacy car manufacturers.

[@csorrows]

This is exactly the wrong way to go about designing electric cars and is why Tesla and other start ups are so far ahead.

[@sievans79]

They've built it like that so they don't have to build a new production line. Current ICE car sales will pay for the R&D for future electric vehicles.

[@chriswhite7727]

I agree that it's a legacy plan for the car but it's a safe, familiar design for many - the MINI and Mini is an icon and so it going electric will get a lot of the cars on the road. That is demand which will help get more charging infrastructure and push local and national governments to move in the direction we want them to go. I'll bet the next gen Mini-E will be quite different - BMW have evolved the Mini design over the 30 years (I'm counting the 90s when they took over Rover) and they will continue to.

[@ashleylee4446]

Gus Johnson you seem like a charming(!) individual. If you don’t like the content produced here go somewhere else.

[@richardblackburn4193]

People who buy this car are not EV fans. They're mini fans buying a new car that runs on electric.

[@nosuchthingasshould4175]

I remember with fondness the guerilla days of fully charged when Robert convinced us that the i-miev is a great car with perfectly adequate range. These days it often feels like just another consumer program. That's why I enjoy the most those segments where he presents renewable energy developments and other, non-car related topics.

[@fullychargedshow]

I tried to convey the notion that the range on the Mini is isn't the problem, but public perception, the notion that you need 400 miles range on one charge or it's totally useless is annoyingly real. That was more my worry

[@nosuchthingasshould4175]

@@fullychargedshow Sorry for nitpicking. Just getting sentimental for the romantic days of yore. Nowadays your program is a well established force to be reckoned with. Deservedly so. But I always liked when things creak and squeak as they go under the radar. It's just esthetics.

[@BlueStripeLeader]

Hi, I'm not a car person at all (much to my dad's lament I think) but I'm *really* enjoying your shows; particularly whilst I wait for my Electric Mini to be built. Your shows are exactly the right level for me - someone who likes to have a car without being a car-nut. Also seeing someone who "does car stuff" reversing quite so 'expressively' brought a smile. Thank you!

[@dogphlap6749]

Thank you Robert. For anyone else this would be a fair and honest assessment of the Mini-E but for you this is an unusually harsh road test. No complaints from me, I like the new tell it as it is warts and all (barely adequate range, built on an existing ICE car body compromises) style.

[@Scuba72Chris]

Funny to think my old Morris Minor was built on this very site 66 years ago. How times have changed! :)

[@insightman]

I believe BMW moved the factory to make their MINI.

[@seanwhelan9715]

I test drove this car last weekend . The salesman took me down a few quiet roads and egged me on to get a feel for the car . It really is a fun car to drive and while admittedly the range of the vehicle could be better for city driving it would be great . I had a massive smile on my face after 20 minutes driving the car . I could easily see myself and my wife arguing over who is driving this mini . It really is a great little car to drive

[@mgammeren]

I have driving a Mini Clubman before and i would imagion that this electric version drives really, really well.

[@seanwhelan9715]

mgammeren Yes it does . I tried this one pedal driving that everyone keeps talking about . On the higher regeneration I never touched the brake pedal . Coming in to a hard bend I just eased off the accelerator and then powered around it . Kind of like the feeling of driving with a manual gearbox but without the gear change . Great fun !!

[@mgammeren]

@@seanwhelan9715 That's fun indeed! I have driven the Zoe, EQC, E-tron, Model S, Leaf and last weekend the MG ZS. I would love to buy one for ourselves but need som funds for that. Think for our family the MG ZS will be one of the best in price range and bootspace. We need that with two small children.

[@danthebat666]

I love the jump cut at 3:25

[@benjibatch]

Dan Riches it’s more of a match cut if you wanna get technical

[@sargfowler9603]

Got the feeling Robert didn't like it at all. Came across very clearly.

[@jocelyndeguise]

Yeah but he was too much of a pussy to admit it. Pretty sure he got a great swag bag.

[@davidsommen1324]

@@jocelyndeguise He could have said 'I hate it' but that would not comport to the reality that it (probably - I obviously haven't driven it) is a nice car. There are very few things that actually make it a bad car, apart from the range perhaps. But it is obvious that Robert doesn't like it on an emotional level. He did acknowledge that in some way I think, could have been clearer but is it that relevant for people who ARE attached to the Mini brand and might consider switching to EV because of it?

[@TraditionalAnglican]

Kevin Gill - I loved it when he said, “I find the car to be extremely adequate.”

[@TraditionalAnglican]

Jocelyn Deguise - So he “damned it with faint praise”, which accomplished the same thing without unduly pissing somebody off, which means Mini management will WANT him to drive the car when Mini finally puts out a reasonable EV with 249 m/400 km of range & a 0-60 time that’s comparable to a Tesla Model 3 SR+.

[@larryspiller15]

He's only aloud to say he hates an ev if its a Tesla because they don't give fully charged any hand outs. Talk bad about any of the legacy and bye bye press pass, bye bye flight paid for to exotic locations to stay in a nice hotel while they drive the new vehicle

[@MrMassivefavour]

RL: "You need miles of wiring in cars, its something we never think about" Elon Musk: "Hold my beer"

[@sjcsystems]

That is EXACTLY what I thought...

[@TheJAMF]

70km or about 45 miles, compared to model S's 2 miles, model 3's 1 mile and supposedly 100 meters or 110 yards for the model Y. "Standing still is the fastest way of moving backwards in a rapidly changing world."

[@DownunderGraham]

Wish that translated to more cost effective Tesla’s. :(

[@TheJAMF]

@@DownunderGraham It does, but you will not notice a huge difference. The model Y has a couple more features than the 3 (powered lift gate?). If you compare purely on dollars/euros per range, then the model 3 LR is comparable to a Renault Zoe R90 or a Nissan Leaf e+ 62. A Kia e-Niro 64 has a lower price-per-range-distance.

[@lnewbyliveca]

Built to not compete with the BMW 3.......

[@nitelite78]

The low range is on purpose so they don't sell many.

[@Mr_Battlefield]

And that is why I can't recommend anyone buying a electric vehicle from a stubborn old car manufacturing that can't get with the times.

[@jamesx2703]

Or is it to keep the price lower? Most mini drivers probably do 6,000 miles a year

[@matthewwatt2295]

@@jamesx2703 the price isn't even that low! You can get better range (although worse trim/luxury) in the citigo/mii/up! for much less money.

[@mez8384]

M W range is overrated: I do not need more range, I definitely prefer this range-price-weight balance

[@ededdynova]

nope to save money on the r&D costs mate works in their head office they refussed to fully re-design the floor pan hence the crap range

[@TriviaChallenge]

That battery pack is tiny. The fact it will do 130 miles is amazing!

[@insightman]

I was disappointed we didn't get to see the battery more clearly. It's doesn't use the same cells as the i3, the MINI Cooper SE's cells are made by CATL. When cells improve, I hope the car gets lighter because sportiness, not long-range, is this car's mission.

[@Miata822]

Large capacity batteries are great, but also heavy, consume a lot of resources, and are expensive. You are 100% correct that 100 real mile range is more than most people really need for the vast majority of their driving. It is finding a way to have the charging infrastructure and technology quick and convenient enough to deal with those occasions when longer trips are taken that will be the deciding factor as to whether electric cars will truly have universal appeal. Tesla level technology downsized to a subcompact not designed for 0-60 times and priced to compete with entry level Toyotas would make the revolution inevitable.

[@matthewwatt2295]

I love Robert and Fully Charged, but would have liked to see more 'car details' in this - what do the back seats look like, describe how the steering feels, give us a shot of the boot! I know you're looking for some more car-focused people to replace Jonny, hang in there :) (equally frustrated this seems to be low effort from BMW!) Edit: watched the video again, I've come around a bit. Let the rest of the automotive press cover the interior stitching and body gaps. A broader look at these cars' placing in the industry is something we don't get enough of. Keep at it :)

[@davidsommen1324]

Other 'proper' car channels will do that, Robert is the one that has a more relevant perspective on the car as an electric car, in function of other cars and the EV transition as a whole.

[@matthewwatt2295]

@@davidsommen1324 I know, there is a great value in that kind of a video. I just think there's a balance to be struck somewhere between autocar and coverage like this.

[@davidsommen1324]

@@matthewwatt2295 You're right and I think there that after Jonny Smith's departure they are looking for someone else (a car guy) to do that stuff.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

@@davidsommen1324 Or you just watch my review?

[@MrAdopado]

@@davidsommen1324 Just watch Jonny Smiths review on his own channel ...

[@dkipu266]

Great point about the range....everyone has that lingering concern about those days when they need to drive more than that. For many of us with long commutes and kids, 160 or 180 mile ranges feel like it would make a huge difference for this car

[@keunartist]

Great review ! I love the graphics used to explain the specs of the vehicle !! 4:50

[@oingpla]

The production of this Channel is amazing!

[@chenxubin]

BMW is cracking me up, didn't see that coming in 2020. Thanks BMW for making my day.

[@PeteMulv]

I don't think Robert is doing the EV movement any favours making comments about (10:58) about them just swapping the petrol drive train for an electric one. Surely the idea is to get rid of the petrol engines, so any move in that direction has got to be a good thing, hasn't it. The Mine is a brand, people want Mini's so why not give them electric one's, just a thought.

[@DC9848]

I like the new info graphics, good job

[@Banyan314]

As soon as you made the statement on the range of 120 miles. I nearly switched off, anything less than 200 miles is a waste for most folk.

[@DuvJones]

It does limit the thing to urban centres, which is kind of a shame.

[@razor3236]

Totally agree. Especially when mini's are made to have fun and not drive everywhere in Eco mode. A few quick starts, sporty driving, heating or A/C will probably see range dip to 100 miles (it was showing 91 miles of range left at 90% charge). I think they missed a trick by not giving it 200 miles to start with.

[@gerrymac5865]

Like the new graphics with all the car spec’s,

[@JavaError_MC]

This car, if you've seen it in person and under the bonnet, seems like the project they gave the intern to do over the summer last year. I was highly disappointed when i saw it up close. I registered my interest for the mini-e with my local dealer and was one a very few that made them start a register of interest a number of years back. BMW missed a trick here, they could have made something so iconic. It could have not just been the ultimate little electric car for environmentally conscious consumers, but also for the petrol heads. An extra motor in the rear instead of the underfloor parcel shelf could have made this a sporty little number, cornering with dynamics like modern performance cars. For those that want added storage space in the car and further range, just delete the rear seats. If you need to go anywhere in comfort with a number of people, one of them is likely to have a spacious 5+ seater.

[@ConnorWalsh_briz]

Robert at his best!

[@r.a.monigold9789]

I liked your "mini" report - from making to driving. Honesty is always the best policy. Being on the receiving end of honesty is an opportunity to highlight the overlooked and improve what was found lacking. Fully Charged - you've done your part. BMW, it is now your turn. RESPOND to "us" your potential customers. That's all. P.S. I like how you mentioned other EVs only to show perspective without that pesky feature for feature comparison bit that always turns out wrong for someone. Thank you for sharing...

[@ramblerandy2397]

The Mini-E is undoubtedly adequate for 95% of driving and 100% for many, but... It's merely adequate. It doesn't shake any trees [or whatever the metaphor is]. And if that is the case, the price really ought to reflect the merely adequate nature of the car. But it comes at a premium price because it is a Mini. A car that started life as a cheeky cost cutting car.

[@insightman]

It's cheaper than the petrol-powered "S" and it certainly shakes the trees for those of us looking for a sporty, compact BEV. No other BEV in its price class can match the MINI Cooper SE's acceleration and cornering. It's in a niche all by itself.

[@ramblerandy2397]

@@insightman Granted that the basic version, including government grant, and priced at £24,400 makes it a reasonable EV, but... for £500 more you can have a much newer design, the Peugeot 208, also with fine handling and performance. And it goes a lot further per charge. Just giving some perspective there. I guess I'm slightly underwhelmed by the Mini E.

[@brucekennedy5274]

Great vid Robert!! Totally agree, mini-e looks lovely, price is pretty good. But the 2012-style range is big sticking point sadly. A 200 mile (ish) range would make this a winner. This car will have under 100 miles in winter. That’s just not good enough. Despite this gripe, I think (and hope) they’ll sell a bunch of these. As a second car it’s delightful.

[@js-hl5hv]

It depends on where you live. I've had one now for a while, and my winter range is around 140 miles. I will say that my winter is like your summer :)

[@brucekennedy5274]

​@@js-hl5hv That's awesome I hope you're loving it! Wow, must be warm where you live. Sorry I should have clarified, British winter. I'm a big fan of minis (we have a 6yr old petrol one and it's great) but the shortened range in our cold months here is just too limiting for me to consider one personally.

[@stefanweilhartner4415]

one important point: if they would sell a car with two or three battery options then the sales figures would show what battery option people want. three options with +/-20kWh around the midrange battery would show very good how good the manufacturer guessed the taste of the buyer. if the biggest and smallest battery sells with the same numbers then they would be spot on.

[@Hebdomad7]

A Mini? That's Electric?! That's Built in BRITAIN?!? Best mini in a long time!

[@Kelsdoggy]

Robert please work things out with Jonny Smith and partner up again. When he joined FC went to another level. Love the show just miss Jonny from the podcasts and these videos

[@rud]

David K 👍

[@stefanomatic]

David K totally agree, even though I’ll still be watching.

[@MrGonzonator]

They've gone different directions. Johnny doesn't want to let go of ICE completely, and wants to do more with modding and retrofitting stuff. Fully Charged is a 100% EV channel, more into mainstream consumer offers. It's just not going to work out.

[@kevinweber5129]

I like car reviews by both guys. Johnny did very good “car” reviews. Roberts are more whimsical. Hope they find some else to replace him.

[@stefanomatic]

MrGonzonator Yes, that’s what’s happened. But I do hope they can still join forces from time to time. They have great chemistry.

[@chillmeister]

Telling it how it is Robert. Well done.

[@gdbarratt]

My Model 3 has the perfect range for the size of the UK. 300 miles equates to 200 miles real world in winter. I wouldn't like less in a main family car, but the Mini as a second town runabout would work (if a bit expensive for this purpose).

[@Mobile_Dom]

wow so in about 10 years since the prototype they've... added CCS? and a new dash?

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

And back seats.

[@Mobile_Dom]

@@TheLateBrakeShow high bar for a decade Johnny. I wanted to love this thing *so much*

[@wermagst]

“There are no customer requests for BEVs. None,” BMW’s director of development, Klaus Frölich, told a shocked round-table interview in Munich on Tuesday. “There are regulator requests for BEVs, but no customer requests. If we have a big offer, a big incentive, we could flood Europe and sell a million (BEV) cars but Europeans won’t buy these things,” Frölich insisted. www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltaylor/2019/06/27/bmw-says-european-customers-arent-demanding-evs/#6e8e6931141b "However, our four- and six-cylinder diesels will remain for at least another 20 years and our gasoline units for at least 30 years." europe.autonews.com/automakers/bmw-rd-chief-sees-rising-demand-diverse-multifunctional-powertrains That's from the guy who's responsible for BMW's future.

[@manwithcorsae7738]

@@wermagst Agree. Making compromised EV like the Mini will stop people requesting. It's a self fulfilling prophesy! Look how well MG are selling with the MG EZS. Even though it's built on the ICE ZS platform it's done with an EV in mind and priced to sell.

[@rogerlafrance6355]

For most who have a short commute to a not well paid job, cost is everything. Those who have a ICE Mini will drive it till its knackered or a more cost effective car is available. Even early used Leafs are in high demand and often hard to find.

[@JasonBaldry]

Compromised from the ground up. Half arsed attempt from BMW

[@johndrawing1176]

This is a city car for short distances.....with an ice-mini u would also not drive more than 200 miles on a daily basis......next year BMW brings out the I4 which will not be a compromise.......

[@garyallsopp6369]

Better half arsed, than no arsed - This is an OK car which is stylish & well built; it will sell well and introduce a lot of people to EVs. Overall it's "Meh", but "Meh will do for most especially as a second car, which many Mini's are. We have a Smart EQ which does 80 miles at best. Like most EVs it's a compromise but we love it anyway.

[@ededdynova]

and yet the fully tested and ready to go 3 series ev is held up and up till all their diesel and petrol and hybrid models have to sold

[@advandermeer]

it says 90% SoC with 91 mi of range at the rapid charger, so 120-130mi on a full charge is probably only possible with primarily city driving.

[@13thbiosphere]

On average people do 50 miles a day or less so it makes the perfect second car....can always get a cheap gas guzzler for long Journeys

[@xperyskop2475]

@Gus Johnson same as oil refining that consumes even more cobalt than electric cars.

[@Stewiedude1]

@Gus Johnson because that isn't the same for oil and ice cars? Use your brain before making stupid remarks mate 👍

[@GordonChaffin]

"Measurable Aggression" would be a good band name.

[@heytheregeorgeygirl]

Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy!

[@robenglish416]

I think the range will cover most people's daily drive. I have just leased a Skoda Citigo-e with a similar range (WLTP 265 km) and it has a larger boot, feels like a larger car and will meet 90% of our needs. When we have to go further, we rent a car, because we might need more luggage space with two grown ups and two children 12 and 15. The advantage with the Skoda is also the price, about ,GBP 25000 and a government incentive of 5000 in Sweden where I live.

[@speedstrn]

In the US the starting price is a little over 60% of the i3's starting price. It will do well as the only premium small EV at a low price here, but in Europe I imagine there is a lot more competition for that market segment.

[@johndrawing1176]

In Europe there is more competition but those cars are not premium.........

[@1862henry]

That is a snazzy looking mini E! Like that car!

[@woody6t1]

Enjoyed the brief glimpses of the factory in the clip. I used to work there as a graduate student back in the early 80s on the Austin Maestro. Lots more robots these days.

[@derKameramann]

I miss my beloved old Defender. He was a real Englishman. In terms of: is this particular screw metric or imperial? Hmm.. who forgot the 1/2" Nut behind the Doorpanel? Why someone left a Beerbottle-Cap under the Carpet? How can THIS be rusty/leaking/broken??? But a old faithful. Never ever broke down without a good reason and no sight to a pub..

[@julianowens4071]

I think it's a great evolutionary step for petrol heads to deal with the new revolution,it moves drivers in the right direction

[@AlanStainer]

My main gripe with the modern day mini, is that it doesn't look like you could pick one up and put it in your pocket. They're huge in comparison to the original mini. That said, the range is a big set back given the competition are managing to outclass it so much.

[@nitramluap]

The i3 does have a energy use/regeneration gain display on the on-board display - you have to cycle the 'trip computer' button to see it on the instrument display. I'm sure the Mini has that too

[@carlodanese9120]

11:22 I believe that they have actually made a very cost effective decision. You don't need to redesign a whole new car, just adapt the technology to the existing one

[@ianhamilton3113]

That's right. And they have kept the battery size down so as to make it an affordable EV. No adaptive cruise control? Who needs it in the city?

[@elliot330]

I think it was an unfair review. It’s a cheapish way into electric, looks amazing. It’ll suit 99% of the people 99% of the time.

[@alexmckenna1171]

That's what they did with early cars - they were based on horse-carriages, with gigantic wheels.. But they were soon changed to a more logical arrangement.

[@RegebroRepairs]

Yeah, it's a way for them to make an electric quickly and cheaply. It totally makes sense for most car manufacturers to do this at the moment. Then when electrics take off for real, they make them electric from scratch, and that will be better cars. Tesla of course have a head start there. VW isn't far behind. But if other manufacturers started to make an electric from scratch now, with out making this type of intermediary, they would have nothing to offer for a few years.

[@ouethojlkjn]

At least BMW are producing and selling EVs and they should be applauded for that. The i3 has it's fans but it is a very pricey car for what you get. This Mini is a more affordable option and will be a safe way for people to dip their toes into the EV marketplace, via a brand they know (as Robert mentions). The good news for the Industry is they are kicking a ball at an open goal - there is loads and loads of people waiting to buy something, they just have to get on and make them. I am a little concerned about the Mini range though, it is fine as a City car but it also has to be charged daily. If you cannot park on your own drive (and this often isn't the case in the city) then it kind of falls between two stools.

[@adyp]

A lot of negative comments here about what I think is a very decent car. Yes it’s compromised by the fact the underlying chassis is identical to the ICE version, but if you get past that, it is a way for MINI to stay relevant now that electrification is becoming so mainstream. It’s pretty cool how the same production line can be interleaving several different drivetrains at the same time, that is real agility from a production perspective. Ok so range is not amazing, but there is still the argument that for many people that won’t matter, and you aren’t paying for and lugging around a load of extra battery weight that hardly ever gets used fully. I would definitely consider one of these as a second car, as I love MINIs (despite being VW/Audi for several years now). I would be amazed if, like VW with their e-Golf and ID3 evolution, that there isn’t something cooking away in R&D right now for a fully optimised electric vehicle.

[@IslaSprollie]

Glad you mentioned 'adaptive cruise' Robert. It is my number one feature that I would like, even pushing EV powertrain down to number 3. All cruise controls should now be adaptive, as standard. Like HD on a TV ! (I'm looking at you BBC local news)

[@keriford54]

That car looks so much better without the yellow mirrors. It's designed as a city car, it looks nice, but yeah more range would be nice, but if people just want a city car they could well love this.

[@h.-j.schneckenburger785]

Hello Robert. Thank you for the great report. I totally agree with you. Mini is a great iconic car. But.... I currently have a Countryman Plugin Hybrid, before I drove a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. I have to say, unfortunately, that the PHEV is light years ahead of the Mini in terms of electric drive. Things like short range, or that the battery stops working from -5 degrees (related to my Countryman) in a company like BMW-Mini should not happen. greeting Jörn

[@h.-j.schneckenburger785]

@@martin barlow Hello Martin Please reread my comment word for word... It is not about the basic discussion about plug-in hybrid or purely electric. Still, about my experience, which Robert also had, BMW Mini has strong weaknesses in the details, which should not happen to such a "noble brand". I want to repeat, the Mitsubishi, although older, was technically better than my new Mini.

[@MadDaCube]

This is very much tailored to the Mini crowd. Wealthy people who use this as a secondary car for daily trips around the city. Y'all are mad that this car is not enough to cover all your needs because you can only afford to have one car but guess what? Mini doesn't give a flying fuck because in the next two years they will sell all E-Minis they can make.

[@hansgnann4262]

Thank you Robert, you forgot to mention, that hard working british families are producing this car ;-) And also want to add, that a smaller Battery is more eco-friendly. My i3 (20kW/h) fits for 99% of my trips and for 85% of my journeys.

[@mgammeren]

I fully agree. If this had propper fast charging than you could do a medium length trip with it. 28minutes on 50kWh to get to 80% charge is ok-ish. People need to realise how much they drive a day. And not focus on that once a year vacation 800miles from home because 90% of the year this will be enough. I could use this as my work car and be fine with it. But it's quite expensive but then Mini never was cheap. I think it will be hard to buy this with e-208/Zoe/Corsa Up! in mind.

[@nonyanks2510]

Agreed, the range is an issue especially when battery degradation kicks in just not much wiggle room, I like the size and especially the two doors and a hatch and being an Leaf owner I like seeing my regen dots, unfortunately the mini is just not enough so I settle for my Leaf but still dream of the ZOE I will never own because I live in the most backwards country in the world the US, am actually looking at Canada though.

[@bar04z]

My spouse's Mini comes off lease next month, and we'd really hoped to replace it with one of these, but just driving around the wintry New England suburbs my Model 3 regularly uses more than 100 miles of range, so I think the range anxiety would be too much. We're leaning Bolt-wards, there are some amazing lease deals on that right now.

[@arightpest3367]

its a petrol powered mini with a i3 battery shoved in the gaps engine petrol tank was its fir coat and no knickers.

[@colinharvey1049]

Arightpest and not even the current gen i3 bits.

[@ColinFox]

I know I'm being "that guy", but "fir" is a tree, and "fur" comes from animals. If you have a fir coat, I don't think that's gonna be very comfortable :)

[@insightman]

Nope. Not the i3 Samsung battery. It's a new battery from CATL that can fit without losing the back seat or any trunk space (see MINI E).

[@esaedvik]

Would be funny to see a Mini-E with more range than the petrol version I have. I can't even get 400 km (250mi) per tank :D

[@tufluxed3293]

Pre-ordered mine

[@charlesdegaulle1943]

Mini Cooper SE tells you the instantaneous regenerating rates on the bottom right corner of the screen if you change the display. I have both 2021 and 2022 Mini Cooper SE’s.

[@Glyn14Emerson]

Super Robert as always ! keep at it :-)

[@robertmorley3609]

So that was a mini-factory tour!

[@DC9622]

Robert, basically they have done the same has VW golf E, took the original ICE car modified to take batteries, this is for crash structure etc. The next model, which will also be the BMW 1 platform will be designed for Electricity ground up, not modified. The brand bit is important, the majority of people like brands, so it is important not to lose identities, that was an issue with the I3 and why it’s initial sales were slow. Also they have got 45,000 presales, so brand is important, not a bad start, for their first production car. Given battery density is increasing, with better software give them 12 months mileage will improve.

[@RogerOThornhill]

I've had Minis for 11 years so I'm a fan but my next car will be an EV and it won't be this one.

[@esaedvik]

Yeah, same. Unfortunately they'll price it way out there. Mini's are lovely to drive though.

[@esaedvik]

@Crazy Toad Gas is around 7-8 bucks a gallon. That's one reason. Also, it's inevitable. There never was nor ever will be any point to ICE vehicles. Just absurd technology driven by pure greed and disregard for everything, like nature or anyone's health.

[@esaedvik]

@Crazy Toad Bike is also old tech and very inefficient as ICE's are. Better than a car as a whole though, usually also driven less. I have one too, I just don't do 150 mph on it, nor am I in a hurry. Ever. That said, I do like cars though, it's just gotten really old as you age and see what kinda corruption runs with it and how pointless all of it really is. No current technology is the be-all and end-all. It's always evolving, so of course there will be more efficient, energy-dense and probably solar-powered EV's in the future. They've already moved to vegan and recycled interiors material wise in a few years etc. For now, these are still way way more efficient than ICE's. There's just no contest no matter how much green wash you use on ICE's like e85 or biodiesel. It helps, but not a lot in comparison. So if you're making moves and getting a new car, it's worth a consideration if they fit your habits. Ain't nobody forcing them on you, yet. ICE's will be banned from city centers within a few years though. Local tailpipe emissions matter.

[@esaedvik]

@Crazy Toad I'm in the same boat too, only drove 2k miles last year, since I work remotely. Bound to change though, so need to keep that in mind. Used to spend $500+ on gas for commuting alone, so not really looking forward to doing that ever again. The way the climate seems to be going, we're getting a 365 autumn here, still no snow. I think this might be the warmest winter since the 1800s. Might just stick to a bike all year round...

[@CCGR-2024]

I was hoping for a better review but hopefully the next generation will be designed as an electric? Thanks for posting this and I like the Union Jack taillights too!

[@gbw28]

Love the finish line at the factory!

[@edwardbyard6540]

The factory tour is fantastic. Well worth doing.

[@AaronCunnington]

A video on Off Grid Energy would be great!

[@barryhaeger4284]

This Mini E falls into the same category possibly as the MG ZS EV in as much as it is based around a traditional ICE design principle, there are ICE equivalents, they both on the road achieve around 130 miles (I speak from experience of an MG ZS EV owner) and have traditional Brand following. However, the MG ZS model line-up was conceived as a multi-fuel line-up, unlike the Mini which had an existing form factor to squeeze the power train into, and therefore it was, and especially as an SUV, form-factor, it was relatively easy as with the Hyundai Kona and Kia eNiro. to put the battery pack as a slab under the floor something not possible with the Mini Cooper body. So well done Mini for getting enough kWhs into the limited space for the range they have and also keeping near parity on price with its ICE stablemate. Maybe this will increase as power densities double over the next few years, but they need to be mindful of sticker price inflation that would result.

[@roderickmain2154]

As a commute to work / do the shopping /take the kids to school car, perfectly adequate. Just not a car to go on holiday or any other long journey with. I'm sure the next one will be....to be called something that reflects its extended range like the MINIER.

[@vk6xre]

Fair suck of the sauce bottle, as we say in these parts, it is what it is, a Mini. The ideal 2nd car, the in city commuter, the go to Uni mobile. If you want to be "down back paddock, kicking dung" or drag a box of Poloponies around, take a 4wd. There is no rule saying you can't keep that dirty ICE truck and fill it with muddy dogs and wellies for that weekend excursion. If you cut your CO2 production down to 5% I say WIN.

[@chrisbury4635]

Went to Cowley in May last year and really enjoyed it, done 2x JLR factories since, most fascinating !

[@emmajacobs5575]

Chris Bury Can anyone go for the tour round?

[@nigelweir3852]

A pity the mini 6 years too late , buying this at this time 2020 is crazy

[@andymccabe6712]

Why 2 late? Still hardly anyone buys EVs........!!!

[@LasseThomsen]

Looks so much better than an i3 imho

[@dragade101]

Wish manufacturers would have the charge port in the front. Yes I am getting very good at backing up in mine but it is more than possible to run cable and the plug in point near to the front end.

[@mr88cet]

Interesting review; thanks, Robert! It’s probably fair to say that the drive (haha) toward 300-mile ranges is strongly influenced by Tesla and US-centric needs. In Europe, of course, you folks have far-better public transit, and I’m talking trains here (a heck of a lot better than here in Austin TX!). Having a “city car” to take care of your day-to-day driving needs, along with a rail pass, will cover almost all of your needs. So, a 120ish-mile range, for most of Europe, should be just fine! That’s a harder sell in the North American market, though! So, I hope the can increase its range if this comes to the US. Then again, the 120 miles is presumably WLTP, meaning that it’s probably really more like 95ish. That’s starting to get a bit iffy, truthfully... Probably still doable, but really pushing it, as you pointed out!

[@MrMarkusmulder]

Nice, thanks for the video 👍✌️❤️

[@antoniopalmero551]

Can they add a charging hubs near to wind turbines ?, it would make chargers easier to find wouldn’t it and there should be ample supple on site for a few rapids or even 7kw posts etc.👍

[@maurizionaldi1124]

Good to see Robert back behind the wheel ;)

[@keithgeorge7338]

I am driving my wife’s petrol mini with the red low fuel warning light on, yet again. I don’t know why, but you get used to it! After I filled up my diesel car the other day, my hands stank of diesel! 100 to 150 miles range will be fine, nice and clean green energy, with a full battery every morning. No more petrol stations!

[@badrinair]

Lovely... This is the future for mini 🔥

[@jocelyndeguise]

Lol !

[@zaphodsbluecar9518]

Great review Robert, well done! I think the limited range won't really be a consideration for it's target audience; it's a 'city car' and the battery will last for days. And for longer trips - if it only takes half an hour to get to 80%, it's not a massive delay...

[@Monkey_SK]

As a classic Mini owner I had hoped BMW might come up with a smaller take on the MINI electric, designed for the city. Something more the size of the newer Fiat 500's. Given the i3 size, the battery pack could have also meant a bigger range. However it seems the demands by people for more and more space means everything has to be an SUV size solution.

[@SpikeXtreme]

Same as the VW Up! . Petrol version, then a small capacity battery. Now VW have been fitting larger batteries and getting longer range.

[@cadriver2570]

This is much better than the i3. No contest.

[@jimsmith1856]

Braking. B-R-A-K-I-N-G. Not breaking.Right?

[@apexxxx10]

jim smith *Excellent contribution. Thanks, Bangkok-Johnnie T H A I L A N D in MG ZS (ZULU SIERRA) EV full-electric drive BKK - Pak Chong* kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ_ammilrdepbdk

[@FutureSystem738]

Jim smith Correct! The car will break if the brakes don’t work 👍

[@V10PDTDI]

Only available in a two door version right ? If it’s true then it’s a shame.

[@Robo10q]

Still beyond me why the put the "S" bonnet with the fake air-intake on this model. The bonnet would look better with out this fake hood scoop and have lower aerodynamic drag.

[@TheCormTube]

Spec and performance wise it's comparable to the standard Cooper S I think that's why.