in a conversation with David Waterworth by Jeff Shaw
My electric MINI has been with me since September 2020. In actuality, it was Australia’s first privately owned MINI electric vehicle. The price was $55,000 AUD plus on-the-road expenses, or about $59,990 AUD. I have a range of about 250 km (155 miles) surrounding town (an estimate, as I rarely go this far). I charge once a week, and if I used house rates, it would cost about $5. (ignoring solar).
I chose the MINI because it is without a doubt the most enjoyable EV to drive that the average person can afford. The Tesla isn’t as enjoyable to drive, and I don’t mean that in any way. In dual-motor form, it does accelerate more quickly, but MINIs are known for their go-kart qualities, and the SE still has all of that. It might even enhance the go-kart feeling, in my opinion as someone who has owned multiple MINIs. The better balanced weight distribution and immediate electric power make for a wonderful experience. Every time I drive the small beast, I still smile.
Around town, you never need maximum speed, but the electric MINI is the ideal city car because to its acceleration, handling, and size. It is simple to move away from a green light or to cross an intersection. Having a dynamic suspension and sure-footed handling makes for a great driving experience. Although the Tesla is a fantastic vehicle, it is not a MINI. It is overly useful.
Everyone in the car has expressed admiration for it. My friend who owns a dual-motor Model 3 made a comment about the suspension, stating it seemed much more sporty. Anyone who wishes to keep their license will be able to accelerate as quickly as a front-wheel-drive car is capable of doing. The speed limiter is my most favorite component of that. It is comforting to know that I never have to worry about speeding because I use it religiously. The inside is not like a typical EV. With everything within reach, the fantastic sports seats give you the impression that you are inside a cockpit. Not like a spaceship, more like a typical automobile. Everything is in the expected location.
The GOM (Guess o meter) for the expected range is the one thing that drives me crazy. Even when I’ve crossed 150 km with up to 40% of the charge left, it is frequently horribly incorrect to indicate 150 kilometers after charging. The car’s official numbers are also still quite a ways off. In Australia, the range is stated to be 233 kilometers, which isn’t bad. In sports mode, I can easily obtain this. According to reports, the 0100 km/h is almost one second slower. The 060 km/h is pretty severe and closely resembles a single-motor Tesla (particularly useful in a city area).
Overall, I adore the tiny MINI and have no qualms about recommending it (as long as you can actually find one to buy). I wouldn’t trade it in for anything less than an exotic automobile that costs ten times as much. It is a city warrior, so easy to pull out of traffic or change lanes with when necessary, yet so peaceful to one-pedal drive in traffic. I’ve driven a lot of automobiles, but I’ve never experienced better driving in the city.
As a side point, my lifetime average of 12.5 kWh/100 km makes me extremely happy. The electric MINI is a very effective vehicle. In addition to the typical mix of motorway and city driving, this average includes numerous beach journeys (at 110 km/h). My best mileage when traveling only within the city limits is 10.5 kWh/100 km, and longer excursions at freeway speeds average 14.5 kWh/100 km.
The featured image is a gift from LGI .
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