The new MINI Electric is the first solely electrically-powered model of the British brand and it has now been launched in the Singapore market.
No longer just a car of the future, electric cars in Singapore are slowly becoming more mainstream as compared to when early models were first introduced in 2015. The MINI Electric is the latest to be added to the choice of electric cars.
Cleaner, quieter and more cost-effective, electric cars are not only more sustainable but since helmed by the latest technology, can be further enhanced to make it even more integrated with one’s daily life.
The New MINI Electric at a glance
The new car is the first MINI and first small car in the premium segment to run on electrical power only. The MINI says it gives drivers “the typical MINI go-kart feeling” when taking it out on a spin due to its spontaneous power delivery, low centre of gravity, front-wheel drive, and wheel slip limiting close to the actuator.
The MINI Electric can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in 3.9 seconds and 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, making it an agile ride for its size.
Not trading power for space, the model-specific lithium-ion battery enables a range of 242 to 270 km without constraints in luggage compartment volume.
The new MINI Electric also has many premium features fitted as standard such as Park Distance Control in the front and rear and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
A particularly useful feature is the MINI Head-Up Display – this helps the driver concentrate on what is happening on the road by displaying relevant information right in the driver’s line of vision. This allows the driver to keep their eyes off the road when navigating with a GPS or reading any other relevant information.
The MINI Electric also has a smartphone app that allows you to lock your car remotely. The feature allows drivers to pre-condition the car. This includes setting the intended time of the next departure along with the preferred temperature so that when it’s time to drive, you can set off on your journey in ultimate comfort.
Who needs flying cars when you have this?
MINI Electric in Urban Spaces
The new MINI Electric is the first MINI model in Singapore to be equipped with the Driving Assistant package as standard. This is a feature that greatly contributes to the MINI electric being especially suitable for driving in an urban space.
The Driving Assistant is a camera-based system that increases safety on the road by recognising and reporting speed limits.
Other features include a digital high-beam assistant with Adaptive LED Matrix Headlights is also particularly useful when travelling at night in areas that are not well-lit.
The MINI Electric also comes with collision warning and pedestrian warning systems with city braking function make it easier to avoid dangerous situations, particularly in city traffic.
Lastly, parking in tight spaces is made less of a pain with The Parking Assistant, which offers maximum comfort in searching for and using parking spaces, while the reversing camera gives drivers a better view when manoeuvring.
Charging made easy with the MINI Electric
One of the main concerns when it comes to owning an electric car is due to the fear of the car running out of battery mid-drive. As mentioned above, a single charge enables a range of 242 to 270 km which is more than the entire perimeter of Singapore.
In addition, its regenerative braking channels otherwise wasted energy back to the battery to give that extra mile.
With the addition of 2,000 EV charging points across Singapore, this electric car can be charged at any wall box or public charging station. The new MINI Electric can be charged (with a maximum capacity of 11 kW) to 80 percent in two and a half hours, and 100 percent in three and a half hours.
With a DC fast-charging station at a maximum charging capacity of 50 kW, an 80 per cent charge can be achieved in just 35 minutes.
MINI Electric: Charged with attention to detail
To add to the look and feel of the car, the MINI Electric’s exterior is made distinct and unique with the bright yellow accents throughout the car to fit the electric character of the MINI Electric.
A series of unique sounds are played as you start up the engine, as you pull out of the driveway and as you turn off the engine.
It’s a detail that few might notice but will add to the overall experience of all who drive the Electric MINI.
Experiencing the MINI Electric
In an interview, Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design shared that “rather than a mobile phone on wheels, we see the MINI of the future as a “partner in crime”. Many owners give their MINIs a name, and we want to build on that, very simply and intuitively so that a real bond can emerge – a connection that extends beyond purely driving…More than anything, it should bring a smile to people’s faces.”
The new MINI Electric is now available for viewing at the Eurokars Habitat showroom. More details and specs can be found here.
