MINI USA launches ordering site for all-new battery electric MINI Cooper SE 17.12.2019: Consumers can now order the most affordable premium EV in the US by visiting their local MINI dealer or going on-line at MINIUSA.com. In response to over 15,000 hand-raisers and growing, MINI USA is pleased to announce that consumers can now place th

Consumers can now order the most affordable premium EV in the US by visiting their local MINI dealer or going on-line at MINIUSA.com.




In response to over 15,000 hand-raisers and growing, MINI USA is pleased to announce that consumers can now place their order for the all-new battery electric MINI Cooper SE at the MINI Electric page on MINIUSA.com or at  ShopMINIUSA.com. The 2020 MINI Cooper SE will reach U.S. showrooms in early March of 2020 with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $29,900 plus an additional $850 Destination & Handling fee.



“On the emotional side, “fun to drive” is the number one reason why consumers purchase a MINI, and this new MINI Electric offers the same fun-to-drive, go-kart reflexes we’ve built into our MINI Cooper S hardtop.”, said Michael Peyton, Vice President, MINI of the Americas.  “On the rational side, 80% of all MINI house-holds own two or more cars, and with an accessible price, the MINI Electric is a perfect complement in offering more customers attainable, emission-free driving.”



The Cooper SE makes electric mobility more “MINI” by maintaining authentic attributes of design, handling, and fun that are found in every MINI model.  The MINI Cooper SE harkens back to the mission of the very first Mini developed by Sir Alec Issigonis in 1959 – to develop a creative solution for a highly efficient car with a small footprint that was fun to drive, and accessible to the masses.




Power and Performance



With a low center of gravity, a powerful electric powertrain, and dynamic handling, the MINI Cooper SE is a true performance car that retains all the fun-to-drive attributes MINI owners have come to know and love. The front wheel drive electric motor generates 181hp and 199 lb.-ft. of torque enabling the new MINI Cooper SE to go from 0 – 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 93 mph.




Attainable Electric Mobility



While the MINI Cooper SE has an MSRP of $29,900, the federal EV credit of $7,500 along with available state EV incentives make the MINI Cooper SE even more attractive. In some cases, qualified consumers can get a MINI Cooper SE below $20,000.  Examples of some state EV incentives include;



    CO – offers $4,000 (as of 2020)
    CA - offers $2,000 plus an additional $2,500 based on income qualifications
    DE - offers $3,500
    MD - offers $3,000
    OR - offers $2,500

    NJ - Car is exempt form 7% sales tax on new vehicle purchases



There are also a number of states that offer $1,500 - $1,700 in credits, along with some states that offer additional benefits such as access to HOV lanes.



The value equation goes up more when one factors in fuel savings on top of federal and state incentives.  A MINI Cooper SE battery electric customer may realize an additional saving of up to $3,700 over a six year period of driving with the comparison based on the following assumptions:



    MINI Cooper S with 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine - 30 MPG combined
    MINI Cooper SE battery electric – miles per kWh at 3.22
    10,000 average miles driven a year
    Premium fuel at $3.30 a gallon
    Electricity at $0.15 a kW



With this estimated fuel cost savings, the MINI Cooper SE becomes even more attainable.





“Premium” Well Defined with High Level of Standard Equipment


The MINI Cooper SE comes standard with the Signature base trim level that offers a full complement of premium features and equipment. Beyond the standard equipment, two additional trim levels will be offered giving customers the choice to easily add two bundled packages of premium equipment.



 

 

 MINI DNA Carries on in Electric Form

Based on, and dimensionally almost identical to the MINI Hardtop 2 Door launched in 2014, the MINI Cooper SE has been engineered to be electric. Modifications include a height increase of 18 mm (.7 inch) to accommodate floor mounted battery packs and a new, more efficient HVAC heat pump to maximize range during colder weather.



Despite these modifications, the MINI Cooper SE has the same distinctive style and identical interior dimensions and cargo space as the internal combustion MINI Hardtop. It also includes a closed, uniquely styled grill for better aerodynamics.




Charging and Regeneration


The MINI Cooper SE comes standard with AC Charging at up to 7.4 kW, which allows for a 100% charge at home in as little as 4 hours, as well as DC Charging at up to 50 kW, which allows for charging at public stations in as little as 40 minutes to achieve an 80% charge, and utilizes the SAE Combo fast charging standard. From the outside you will immediately notice the new EV Specific Filler Flap with LED status indicator for when the vehicle is in charge mode.



The MINI Cooper SE also includes a programmable locking feature that can prevent the charge cord from being unplugged when charging and can automatically unlock when fully charged to allow others needing charge access to the charger. The MINI Cooper SE also comes standard with a two-mode regenerative braking system to help maximize the recharging of the battery while also meeting your personal driving style preference.







Inside the Cockpit


The MINI Cooper SE come standard with a new Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster which features a digital speedometer and graphic indications for Charge Level and Power Level, as well as scrollable data including remaining range and charging/charge level during charging. This puts essential EV operations and energy consumption data all in one convenient place.

The new MINI Cooper SE will go on sale early March 2020 and will be available for customers at all MINI dealers across the U.S.



   
Andrew Cutler