This is BMW's all-electric Mini Cooper, production model due in 2019

[Shawn Knight]

BMW late last year confirmed it was working on an all-electric version of its popular Mini Cooper. At the IAA Cars 2017 trade show in Frankfurt next month, we will get our first look at the Mini Electric Concept… but for now, this set of renders will have to do.

The vehicle may have an uninspiring name but it’s unmistakably Mini. This “futuristic presentation” with yellow accents features specially styled LED headlights, unique four-spoke wheels and a redesigned front bumper. After all, those big air vents up front aren’t needed with an electric powertrain.

The concept is covered in “electric” insignia because of course you have to let the world know it’s powered by electricity instead of gasoline.

BMW in 2008 launched the Mini E, a “demonstration” vehicle developed for field trials and research. The Mini E looked just like the standard gas-powered Mini albeit with an electric powertrain that turned out 200 horsepower. Its 35 kilowatt-hour battery was good for a range of about 100 miles per charge.

In total, just over 500 electric versions of the vehicle were produced for private consumer use.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, a member of the board of management of BMW AG, said that with its characteristic go-kart feeling and powerful electric motor, the Mini Electric Concept is great fun to drive while also being completely suitable for everyday use.

A production version of an electric Mini is expected sometime in 2019.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/70790-bmw-all-electric-mini-cooper-production-model-due.html

 

[bmw95]

Hold on a sec just need to grab my Hotwheels collection.

 

[Reehahs]

Did someone forget to tell BMW, how ugly this design is?

 

[Humza]

I can fit 3 small and 1 big phone on each of the wheels, nice.

 

[GalahadIV]

Did someone forget to tell BMW, how ugly this design is?

I never figured why they always try to make electric cars look "futuristic"... I guess it's marketing

 

[TheBigT42]

Needs more range to sell...100 miles won't cover a lot of people's commute.

Yes I agree with everyone else...ugly as sin

 

[Reehahs]

I never figured why they always try to make electric cars look "futuristic"... I guess it's marketing

Futuristic look? This looks like it went full reverse out of futuristic town and down the ugly cliff. There is so much cool looking sci-fi material to draw inspiration from and yet they come up with this?

 

[wiyosaya]

Mini's have horrible repair histories in the first place, so I will not consider one. With 100 miles of range, this sounds more like an attempt to market to Mini fanatics so that BMW/Mini can make a killing - just like any other fad.

It would be nice if some companies who jump in on fads were really trying to make a better product. Personally, I just do not see that with this Mini iteration even though I strongly support the transition from fossil fuels to electric for transportation needs. Heck, they could probably greatly increase the range if they went to carbon fiber for the frame, body, etc, but even though that would be innovative, IMO, it would be deemed by corporate wonks as costing too much or being too durable or both.