Who better to give us all the information on the MINI Electric than a Plant Oxford employee? Have a read about what Tom Festa has to say about the car and why now is a great time to switch to Electric.
The MINI DNA is all there.
After 17 years working at Plant Oxford, I get treated to the odd perk like driving one of the first ten MINI Electric production vehicles, before the official launch in the UK. There’s no better way to get to know a car than to live with it. To give it real customer and family use. And spoiler alert; I loved it.
When I got behind the wheel, I knew the Electric model was all MINI. The hallmarks were there: low centre of gravity (even lower than the other models), smooth acceleration and lively go-kart handling. In fact, accelerating is so effortless, I’d say it surpasses its combustion engine cousins.
Low servicing costs are a delight for drivers.
MINI Electric drivers will enjoy lower servicing costs compared to petrol and diesel cars. For one, the brake pad wear rate is so much lower. That’s because the electric motor braking system allows for energy to be regenerated back into the battery. There are also no spark plugs, oil or oil filters to change.
Batteries are more sophisticated.
The High Voltage batteries fitted inside MINI Electric are very different to the normal 12v battery which powers things like headlamps or the radio. In fact, its very chemistry and construct are different.
MINI Electric’s class-leading performance relies on maintaining the batteries at just the right temperature. Which is one of the reasons the underbody construction is so unique. It’s where the battery pack is fitted, with its sophisticated heat management system.
Find out more