Mini Electric Cooper SE - Tips for improving range & efficiency

[@eminiman4393]

Perhaps the battery configuration of our MINI Cooper SEs provides more battery warming during preconditioning than can occur with a slab-style battery, such as in the BMW i3. The SE's battery lives in the center tunnel and under the rear seat--most of it is essentially within the cabin. So when you precondition the cabin, the SE's battery can absorb more heat from the cabin than if the battery was below the cabin where the rising heat leaves it cold. Also, below the car, the SE's battery presents a smaller T-shaped surface area to the external environment, reducing its exposure to the cold.

[@EVPuzzle]

There's more cold soak outside than heat soak coming from the cabin. Despite BMW saying the battery gets heated I've seen no evidence of this and BMW won't confirm any parameters as to when it occurs. I wouldn't want it to hear the battery every time I precondition the cabin

[@romanpikuzinski3434]

Pre-conditioning typically warms (cools) the cabin only. And for good reason - there is very little point to warm up a battery every day for short trips (eg. drop kids to school). You would probably waste much more energy on heating that gain from better efficiency. It would definitely be useful on longer journeys - to bad there is no way to set battery heating independently. Good video Nigel and all the tips are spot on!

[@EVPuzzle]

Many thanks. Sadly some online environments are pumping out how preconditioning the cabin does the battery too. Good to put out the message that it doesn't although I did just read how it might be activated. I'll definitely test it out

[@Familytripyoutube]

Would it be a good way to precondition programming charging so that it ends just before you start a long trip?

[@EVPuzzle]

Yes

[@obelix007]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with EV car .

[@robsmith1a]

I found on the Zoe the ECO button made no difference if I drove sensibly (accelerating fast didn't make much difference to efficient but anticipating where I needed to slow down did). Turrning the heating off didn't seem to make a huge difference to range either so I left it at 22 degrees. Speed was the thing that affected the Zoe most. 56 mph slipstreaming a truck seemed to be the best tactic. 70 mph used about 30% more energy than doing 50 mph.

[@infinityNmore]

Hi Nigel, I Fully agree with you. In a nutshell, it comes back to driving style and anticipation. Same goes with ICE cars...! As for pre-conditioning, for me, it’s a question of comfort and range (avoid using battery to warm up). I think that if you look from a point of view of global cost (global electricity consumption), there’s no advantage in preconditioning (and probably little or no inconvenience as well). All my best wishes for lots of fun with your new Mini 😊

[@davidpearn5925]

Density altitude and true airspeed (TAS) are fundamental aero factors......combined with CDxA of course.

[@gregh7387]

I've had my SE for over 3 months now. As you guys would say, it's "brilliant"! I've noticed the range takes a big hit with the defrost on. I haven't noticed a huge swing when switching driving modes however. My biggest problem is when I switch to Sport Mode I drive like a real jerk. Have you experienced this phenomenon?

[@EVPuzzle]

Er hmm, Yes. It brings out the inner child in normal mode let alone sport 🤣🤭

[@StevenBeard]

Another good video, I shall put it all into practice, thank you.

[@EVPuzzle]

You're going through my library gradually. Lovely to see the videos used as intended not just as one offs

[@StevenBeard]

@@EVPuzzle oh I'll watch them all, "information is power" 🔋 as they often, used to say in the sixties! I suddenly feel rather old after typing that. 😁

[@uktechie8013]

Preconditioning uses charging station if you are plugged in. I have found the temperature has the biggest effect on range over all other attempts to increase range in all EV’s I have had.

[@EVPuzzle]

Depends how efficient the heating system is of course.

[@uktechie8013]

@@EVPuzzle We will both soon find out how our MINI copes 5 C today had knocked off 9% same trip for all week at 15 C

[@carcreationsyt]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@micheleheynes4298]

Thanks Nigel. The Mini does seem like a viable option for me. Remember, the temperature doesn't drop to below 5°C in winter that much. With summer ranging from 20°C till around 30°C and some days sky rocketing to a really unbearable 35°C. So glad I don't live where low 30's are the normal summer temperature as those regions climbs to the mid 40's, but in winter are also more likely to drop to below 0°C. As you said, temperature and humidity plays it's role. Can't wait for all my ducks to be in a row and start this experience for myself. Good review. I read you said your economy was 5.5miles/kWh (rough calculation 8.8km/kWh) meaning with the right foot 264km are doable, but with slightly higher speeds 220 to 240km (up to 150miles would be capable from the the mini, and if you use your Mini for the same sort of driving constantly 165miles would be your results.) I don't think I would be as efficient as you, maybe 10% worst, as I've always managed to get the economy figures quoted, sometimes by the manufacturer, and sometimes only by the automotive magazine CAR that I enjoy reading. Excellent on your part, for getting an average that should see you go over the 144miles claimed range. 🖖

[@EVPuzzle]

It's definitely possible but whether you can resist pressing the accelerator is another matter

[@micheleheynes4298]

Nigel easy like a Sunday morning. Been driving for over 22 years with a license. I'll try the accelerator a few times, just to acclimatize and know what she can do. My test comes in these forms. Acceleration, cornering, how the vehicle feels under harsh braking in wet and dry weather, then my regular driving of seeing how I can beat the economy of my best figures. Best I got from my Chevrolet Spark 1.2L was 900km with 5Ltrs still in the fuel tank. So 30km/1Ltr, or 3.33Ltrs/100km, which will equate to around 135miles/gallon if a gallon is 4.5Ltrs. Managed that twice with that car, and remarkably it happened on a long distance drive. I love either beating what the manufacturer tells me I can do. It's a challenge. My first car a 1974 Ford Escort I managed on average 62miles/gallon, my brother always manages 50% more on his fuel economy. It's not that I do not know how to be economical even in a sporty car. I get bored with the speed, because that is one fecit of the vehicle, the economy and safety are more important to me. Speed limits here are 60km/h (37mph) town, freeways are up to 120km/h (75mph), I've relinquish myself to being happy at 80-100km/h (50-62mph). Doesn't mean my speed demon has met the slayer and got destroyed, just dormant most of the times. I drive with a young child, thus speed isn't an important factor. For work, speed of the essence only if I work outside or assist with a carjacked vehicle needing to make an arrest. Responsible and reckless with my own life almost on a 50/50 range. Can't wait to find out your best economy, and will be following it. Do place the average speed, make that top speed reached, with the minimum speed or road conditions. And when I get my one, will go for the same economy as my mile marker.

[@EVPuzzle]

Understand that view totally. Very similar thoughts here. Used to always want to beat the advertised mpg of my ICE cars. Weather plays the biggest part for efficiency so given its winter here any day my efficiency isn't going to be great for a while. My best test drive result was 6.9miles per kWh over about 30 miles but at very low speed. I'm lick to see much over 5.0 at the moment. I'm looking forward to my first 100 mile trip setting off with less than 100 on the Gom

[@waynebruton7777]

Hi nigel your New mini is lovely car love the wheels on a side note the kona is getting a face lift next year it looks pretty cool I hope your enjoying your new car great color 👍

[@EVPuzzle]

Thanks Wayne

[@oneselmo]

Wayne Bruton Wayne, do you have a link for the Kona facelift? We just bought a 2021 that has the latest bms.

[@EVPuzzle]

I just posted images on my Twitter account... EVPuzzle

[@waynebruton7777]

@@oneselmo sorry I don't it was on a ev car article

[@waynebruton7777]

@@oneselmo it on motor 1 .com

[@dunphyjp]

Yes mini SE preconditioning is for the battery… otherwise it’s climatization for hearing/cooling the cabin. It’s why you have the option to climatize while preconditioning…

[@EVPuzzle]

It does not precondition the battery

[@symlexbrn5396]

I heard there's a long waiting list on these Minis, I think these cars will flood the UK roads

[@notsimplesimon]

Great video, yet again. When will the car come with regenerative parties?

[@EVPuzzle]

Paddles? BMW typically stick to their own way and they're still keen to appease their ICE customers making EVs feel like an ICE car. One day they'll get it

[@Insight-qg1pu]

I was trying to find the chemical engineer who had commented on this, or another of your videos- he'd mentioned the heating that occurs to the battery pack on charging and discharging. 'Makes me wonder if finishing a charge right before driving in colder weather might serve a preconditioning function? Edit: or maybe unplug earlier, before the tapered charge begins in the later phase of the charge cycle (?). ps- thx for your vids. Subscribed ✔.

[@EVPuzzle]

It does, charge before you go warms it up slightly.. A 50kw splurge helps even more. Hard regen early in a journey helps too

[@SWR112]

we have two MINI’s on the drive and a split new Clubbie on order for January. That will be our sixth. You can program the car to cool down on a timer but you have to set it every day. Always thought living in Scotland not the best but in Florida etc then ok the AC on before you enter the Car. I’d be more interested in defrosting the Car in winter by the App. Our experience of the MINI apps have been thus far they are a waste of space, half arsed just to say they have an app don’t know if it’s better for the SE.

[@EVPuzzle]

It's my first App with a car so the fact it works is impressing me

[@geetee4037]

Wish I had my Mini SE. It's currently sitting at the dealership because the company installing our charger is pathetic.

[@EVPuzzle]

So close

[@RzezioYT]

2:01 I see what ya did there ;)

[@richardwaller7721]

Enjoyed the second video Nigel. I was just wondering on your thoughts and experiences on the impact of adaptive cruise control? I suspect there’s an efficiency penalty with maintaining a fixed speed along an undulating motorway but I just like the convenience and the relaxing driving experience.

[@EVPuzzle]

Efficiency wise it seemed very good on the Kona. I used it mostly on urban environments to help.keep with the limits but that gave a few false braking situations. It's a feature o haven't missed so far to be honest

[@richardwaller7721]

@@EVPuzzle Thanks Nigel. I think your developing experience of multiple of EVs, their commonalities, differences and implications for the drivers are going to be increasingly valuable to the community. Particularly how you find living with an EV with a much smaller battery. Will be watching with interest...

[@compjelly]

From a physics standpoint, the low regen mode is probably more efficient than the high regen mode because trying to charge a battery faster (in this case from the wheels) will always waste more energy as heat.

[@EVPuzzle]

Equally the greater use of friction brakes will waste stored energy from previous acceleration

[@compjelly]

​@@EVPuzzle Well, if you are just wondering which one to leave on. I'm not even talking about any other factors, just comparing the regen modes. And I don't think the car ever uses friction brakes unless you press the brake pedal, that would just be annoying for no reason. At least the regen brakes can be helpful.

[@EVPuzzle]

In my Kona videos I tested the 4 modes of regen it had and found no real difference in efficiency If you anticipate appropriately (more) in lower regen settings. My experience shows maximising regen effect is all in the driving

[@compjelly]

@@EVPuzzle Guess it doesn't matter much in the real world then.

[@leslielyle2081]

Be great if you do mileage checks at different air temp how dose it affect range.dose warming car up while on charge in mornings mean more range cold mornings how much more .set a distance do in sport then in green and green + what do you gain

[@EVPuzzle]

As I said sport and green give the same result if you give the same care on the throttle. I've tested this diet of thing before but given weather changes day to day, accuracy is not easy

[@notbatman1001]

What about tires and their effect on efficiency? Is there any data on that or have you explored that?

[@EVPuzzle]

Marginal from my experience. Tyre wear and comfort more obvious

[@Scott-1000]

What efficiency did ya get on ya journey to screwfix 😁👍

[@EVPuzzle]

5.5 miles per kWh

[@johntisbury]

All good solid advice Nigel. The Tesla heats the battery automatically when using preconditioning, as well as at other times too, e.g. choosing to supercharge. Not really that helpful for you as you wanted to know specifically about the Mini. :-)

[@EVPuzzle]

Tesla is a rare beast.

[@CupidinColorado]

Highway driving range please going about 80mph?

[@EVPuzzle]

The roads here aren't suited to that sort of driving and I intend to keep within speed limits

[@marktizard7273]

So how many miles on a full charge driving sensible?

[@EVPuzzle]

Depends on the weather 100 to 140

[@voltagevillain7342]

@@EVPuzzle What, Nigel, is your miles per KWH? Mine, since travelling 1,000 miles is 4.8. When I charge the full range has never been more than 110 miles (the range given on the clock) so it’s misleading.

[@EVPuzzle]

It is misleading and hard to accept. You have to take the displayed range with a pinch of salt. We're averaging about 4.8 too including over winter (fewer miles in winter). Best is 6.8 and worst has been about 3 Our eGolf is a great comparison .. It gets a very similar range but gives a very accurate range display according to your last and current driving efficiency, unlike the Mini that seems to use a winter worst case calculation

[@voltagevillain7342]

@@EVPuzzle Thanks for your reply. Are you sure your were going anywhere when you got 6.8? 😂 On my other Mini, diesel SD, I can cover 1,000 miles of stop/start town and motorway driving and it costs £140.00 (based on 1 litre costing £1.77). The electric works out at £60.00 / 1,000 miles so a big enough saving for 5am trips to public chargers. What are your thoughts on public chargers by the way charging VAT at 20% Seems absurd and should be lower. Penalises those who can’t have home chargers; in my case as I have a high home rate and the chargers are now £1,000! Cheers Nigel and keep up the great videos.

[@bardz0sz]

Sorry, but if you’re driving like that - the Mini isn’t for you, just get a Zoe or something...

[@EVPuzzle]

Think I'll drive how I like in what I like thanks