About the Mini Cooper Electric SE
The Mini Cooper Electric SE is a battery electric version of the Mini Cooper Hatch that was launched in 2020. The drivetrain utilizes the same components as a BMW i3.
Mini Cooper SE Official Website
Driving Impressions
The Mini Cooper SE will contain all the pounce for the ounce that traditional ICE Mini customers will be accustomed to. Turn the traction control off, and it’s very easy to employ the 199 lb-ft of torque from the electric motors to spin the front wheels from a stop. The Cooper SE feels like a “hot hatch”, with the 181hp generating a fair amount of torque steer characteristic to powerful FWD vehicles.
While the Cooper Electric sits higher than conventional ICE-powered Minis, the handling does not seem to suffer, and even serves to create less apprehension with the nose approaching a cement parking block.
If there is one complaint to using it every day, it would be the range. For those with longer commutes who want to take advantage of not purchasing fuel, the Mini Cooper SE might have deal-breaking limits to it’s range.
Overall – the Cooper Electric delivers for Mini enthusiasts looking to make the change from ICE to Electric. You’ll experience a familiar, properly fun, easy-to-use vehicle that feels like an occasion to drive and puts a smile on your face.
Mini Cooper SE Performance Specifications
| Power | 181hp 135 kW |
| Torque | 270 Nm 199 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 6.9 seconds |
Mini Cooper SE Trim Levels
All Mini Cooper SE models have similar performance, suspension, and handling characteristics. The Mini Cooper SE comes in 3 trim levels that further define the model:
- Signature
- Signature Plus
- + Sunroof
- + GPS
- Iconic
Mini Cooper SE Battery Info
Battery Specifications
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Total Capacity | 32.6 kWh |
| Usable Capacity | 28.9 kWh |
| Battery Location | T-shaped, between front seats and below rear seats |
Battery Charge Time
The Mini Cooper SE has 3 levels of charging.
Mini Cooper SE Level 1 Charge Time
For Level 1 charging from a 110v wall outlet (charger included), you can expect to charge 2% of the battery per hour.
Mini Cooper SE Level 2 Charge Time
With Level 2 charging, up to 7.4KW, you can expect to charge 20% of the battery per hour.
Top-Rated Level 2 Chargers on Amazon
Mini Cooper SE Level 2 Charge Time
With a Fast DC charging station, it takes merely 36 minutes to reach 80% charge at 50KW.
Battery FAQs
Where is the drive battery located in the Mini Cooper Electric?
The main drive battery in the Mini Cooper Electric is under the vehicle, running down the middle in an elongated “T” shape.
What is the total electric range in the Mini Cooper SE?
The official Bjorn rating for the Mini Cooper SE is 147 miles at 56 mph and 101 miles at 75 mph. Some owners claim 150 miles is expectable for warm weather, 125 miles in cold weather. Mini is conservative with their estimated range at 114 miles per full charge.
Can battery regeneration be turned off?
Yes, the Mini Cooper SE features battery regeneration through braking and deceleration. This can be turned off and on while driving, seamlessly.
Mini Cooper SE Key Fob Battery Replacement
The Mini Cooper SE key fob uses a CR2032 battery that can be replaced without the use of any tools – the physical vehicle key does all the work. Watch the following video learn to replace the small 3V lithium battery that powers your Mini Cooper SE key fob.
CR2032 3V Lithium Batteries on Amazon
Mini Cooper SE Reviews
Join a Mini Cooper Electric Community
Reddit.com/r/ElectricVehicles – This is the Reddit community for EV owners and enthusiasts. Discuss evolving technology, new entrants, charging infrastructure, government policy, and the ins and outs of EV ownership right here.
NorthAmericanMotoring.com – The North American MINI Community of owners and enthusiasts. Access to post topics, communicate privately with other MINI enthusiasts (PM), respond to polls, upload your own photo gallery and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free.
Mini2.com – Join Mini Cooper Forums to talk about your new Mini. From reviews, mods, accessories, reliability concerns and more, this Mini Owners Club is full of info!
Reddit.com/r/Mini – For owners and fans of the mighty Mini Cooper. Both new MINIs and Classic Minis are welcome here.