Model overview

The Mini Electric (sold as the Mini Cooper SE) is a battery-electric variant of the third-generation Mini Hatch launched in 2020. The drivetrain adopts the technology developed for the earlier BMW i3.

The Mini Electric should not be mistaken for the 2010 Mini E, a limited production vehicle used as a technology and market test platform.

The Mini Electric was preceded by a concept car, the Mini Electric Concept (presented in 2017 at Frankfurt IAA). The production Mini Cooper SE was announced in 2019 and the official launch was held six months later in Miami.

The Mini Hardtop 2 Door comes in three main trim levels: Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works (JCW). Mini also offers the all-electric Cooper SE. From there, you can pick sub-trim packages such as Signature and Iconic. 

The front-wheel-drive Electric's motor produces 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, and sources power from a 28.9-kWh battery. It sprints to 60 mph in a tidy 6.1 seconds, which makes it quicker than other small EVs such as the Chevy Bolt EV. 

Mini Cooper SE known problems

Some of the common problems or complaints owners have about the Mini Cooper SE are:

• Impractically short driving range for most people, mini rear seat, intrusive traction control
• Not as much range as other EVs
• Two-door layout and small back seat limitation
• Choppy ride on bumpy roads

Mini Cooper SE PDF owner manual

Posted by, John Mana

A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.