We’ve known for a while that a electric mini is on it’s way, but the Mini Cooper Electric Test Mule has emerged on test. Had it not been for the stickers that clearly indicate that it is an ‘Electric Test Vehicle’, one might have mistaken it for just another oddly coloured Mini. Cosmetically, it would appear, that the Mini uses the same body shell as the regular Mini. Keep in mind, that companies use similar body shells so as not to give away the plot on a test vehicle.
The major change on the traditional Mini silhoutte is the grille, which like the Mini Concept is a flat-ish design, which is part and parcel of the Electric car driving experience. Another noticeable difference is the fact that the electric Mini is wider than your standard Mini and has shorter overhangs with a taller mid-section. Mini have already said in the past that certain design tweaks will make it to the otherwise unique EV, these are accented by smooter panel surfaces and sleeker touches like the door handles, all which have been done to boot efficiency and aerodynamics.
The Mini EV will share its powertrain with the tech extracted from the groups BMW i3. Which means that we could be looking at a 300km + range, DC fast-charging compatibility and is likely to propel the i3 from naught to 100 in 7.5 seconds. Although it is likely that the german sourced powertrain will continue to be built in germany and will find it’s way onto the Mini at their plant in Oxford. The Mini EV is likely to make a global debut in 2019, making it to Indian soil in the year to come.
Image Source: AutoExpress.Uk
