For over two years, the Mini Electric (Mini Ev) has been my daily driver. As someone deeply interested in automotive technology, particularly electric vehicles, I wanted to share my experiences of living with this all-electric hatchback. This isn’t a formal car review from a journalist, but rather a personal, retrospective look at owning a Mini EV and what it’s like to live with an electric car day-to-day.
If you’re looking for a more concise overview, I briefly discussed my Mini EV ownership in episode 24 of the Linux Matters Podcast.
Support Linux Matters on Patreon to get early access and ad-free content. 🙏
The Spark: From Mid-Life Curiosity to Mini EV Consideration
Back in August 2020, like many, I was navigating the uncertainties of the time. Approaching a milestone birthday, the idea of a new car started to take hold – perhaps a touch of a mid-life moment. My initial foray into the electric vehicle world began somewhat impulsively with a Tesla test drive request late one evening.
To my surprise, Tesla contacted me the very next day, scheduling a test drive at their Heathrow area location. This was my first proper experience with an EV, having only encountered them previously as passengers in countless Toyota Prius taxis.
The Tesla drive was brief, a set route, and solo. While impressive, I wasn’t ready to commit. The Tesla representative, understanding the long game, acknowledged that the positive experience itself was valuable, potentially leading to future rentals or word-of-mouth referrals. He was right about the latter; I certainly talked about it.
The Search for the Right Electric Car: Why the Mini EV Stood Out
A year later, the desire for a new car hadn’t faded. I explored other electric options, test driving a Citroen EC5 and borrowing a Renault ZOE. Both were competent vehicles, but neither quite clicked. The Citroen felt too large, while the Renault ZOE’s rear design wasn’t to my taste.
Then, the Mini Electric entered the picture. It wasn’t initially on my radar, but after watching numerous online reviews and hands-on videos, it quickly became a serious contender. By the time I booked a test drive, I was already leaning heavily towards it. The Mini salesman, after hearing about my previous test drives, confidently stated, “Drive the Mini, and you’ll choose it over the others.”
“A bold statement indeed,” I thought.
But he was correct. I bought the Mini EV. Here it is, a few months after purchase, at one of my regular charging locations late at night.
Having owned various cars over the years, mostly pre-owned or family hand-me-downs, this was my first brand-new car, chosen purely for personal enjoyment. While I appreciate driving, the daily traffic commute had become less appealing, especially since transitioning to working from home over a decade ago.
With grown-up children and my wife having a larger vehicle for family trips, a two-door car became a perfectly practical and desirable option.
Mini Electric Specifications and Configuration
I opted for the “2021 BMW Mini Cooper Level 3,” its official designation. This model year features the 2019 design, preceding the 2024 refresh. “Level 3” indicated a higher trim level, and I decided against any additional optional extras, with one exception I now regret.
Adaptive cruise control, a feature I appreciate in my wife’s car, would have been a valuable addition for UK motorway driving. It dynamically adjusts speed based on the car ahead, enhancing driving comfort and safety on long journeys.
For detailed specifications, the official BMW PDF provides comprehensive information. Here’s the specific page outlining my car’s configuration for quick reference. Click to enlarge.
My chosen aesthetic included black paint and the distinctive “3-pin plug” inspired wheel design. Their asymmetrical look is quite striking, especially at lower speeds. While I don’t often see them in motion from the outside, they add a unique touch to the car’s overall appearance.
The online Mini configurator accurately represents the car’s visual appearance during the ordering process. This is a close representation of how my Mini Electric looks.
Driving Dynamics: Pure Electric Fun
The driving experience is paramount, and the Mini Electric truly excels here. It’s incredibly enjoyable to drive. The instant torque from the electric motor makes it surprisingly quick off the line, perfect for confident overtaking and exhilarating acceleration from traffic lights.
The battery pack’s weight gives the car a planted feel on the road, enhancing stability and control. Its go-kart-like handling makes it feel agile and responsive, precisely what you expect from a Mini.
The electric drivetrain eliminates engine noise and vibrations, resulting in a remarkably quiet and smooth ride, especially around town. For pedestrian safety, it emits a futuristic “spacey” sound at low speeds, though it’s not always enough to prevent surprising pedestrians or animals on occasion.
Unlike the four-door Mini Clubman, the two-door Mini Electric features long, frameless doors, which not only enhance the car’s coupe-like aesthetics but also improve access for front passengers. I’ve always appreciated the sleek look of frameless windows on coupes and hatchbacks.
Four driving modes cater to different preferences: Normal (default), Sport, Green, and Green+. Green+ maximizes efficiency by minimizing energy consumption, even turning off fans to extend range. Sport mode prioritizes performance, providing quicker responses and illuminating the interior in red for a more dynamic feel.
Regenerative braking, enabled by default, offers two levels of intensity. I primarily use the standard setting, allowing for one-pedal driving. Lifting off the accelerator initiates regenerative braking to slow the car, minimizing the need for the brake pedal in most driving situations.
The brake lights illuminate during regenerative braking, which might be slightly disconcerting for drivers behind, especially in stop-and-go traffic. However, the regenerative braking doesn’t bring the car to a complete stop, requiring the brake pedal for full stops, which is a minor point against true one-pedal driving.
Navigating London: Electric Advantages in the City
London’s Congestion Charge (CC) and Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) impose fees on vehicles entering central areas. Electric vehicles like the Mini EV currently benefit from exemptions. While the daily £15 Congestion Charge is waived, a small annual registration fee (£10) is required to qualify.
I often utilize parking apps like “JustPark” to locate unique parking spots in London. On this occasion, I secured a parking space within the grounds of an old church.
Driving in central London, a perk I’ve often enjoyed, has become even more appealing with the Mini EV. The Congestion Charge exemption makes it surprisingly cost-effective, sometimes cheaper to drive and park in central London than taking a return train ticket.
Interior Space and Practicality
The Mini Electric, while compact, comfortably accommodates two adults in the front and is suitable for two children in the back. Four adults can fit, but rear legroom is limited. For my typical use, primarily solo or with one passenger, the space is ample.
On the occasional family trip with two adults and two teenage children, the Mini EV has been adequate for shorter journeys. However, for longer trips with four adults, it might feel a bit cramped.
The front seats are comfortable even on longer drives, and the compact dimensions ensure all controls are easily accessible. At nearly 6 feet tall, I find the driving position comfortable. However, with the seat positioned far back, traffic light visibility at the front of queues can be slightly restricted. The rearview mirror’s placement, being more parallel to my line of sight than in larger cars, also slightly obstructs forward vision.
The Mini Electric features two sunroofs, each with a manual sliding mesh shade. The front sunroof can tilt or slide open via an overhead switch, while the rear sunroof is fixed.
Retro-Modern Interior Design and Technology
The interior blends classic Mini design cues with modern technology. The iconic central circular element, reminiscent of the original Mini’s speedometer, now houses a rectangular infotainment display. Physical controls remain for essential functions like air conditioning, seat heating, parking assistance, media, and navigation. While the display is touch-sensitive, the physical controls minimize the need to use the touchscreen for most built-in functions.
The interior layout is similar to this image, but with the steering wheel on the right-hand side for UK models.
One minor ergonomic drawback is the flat, rocker-style buttons on the steering wheel and below the central display. These require a visual check to locate, unlike the previous generation Mini’s raised, round buttons which were easier to operate by touch.
Like many car manufacturers, Mini’s built-in navigation system is subpar compared to smartphone-based navigation apps. I prefer using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay for navigation, along with apps like Waze, Apple Maps, and podcast players.
This image shows the navigation display, including the range indicator circle. The “mode” button is also visible – one of the flat button designs I find less user-friendly. The ambient lighting around the central display changes color to indicate temperature or audio volume adjustments.
The integrated navigation system’s advantage is the Head-Up Display (HUD) integration, projecting driving directions and lane guidance directly in the driver’s line of sight. Unfortunately, mobile apps via CarPlay or Android Auto don’t currently utilize the HUD, requiring glances at the central display for navigation prompts. Alternatively, increasing the volume on mobile map apps can be distracting when listening to podcasts.
This HUD limitation might be addressed in future BMW software updates to enable better smartphone integration, as seen in newer BMW models.
The rear seats fold down to significantly expand the luggage space, a valuable feature in a compact car. With the rear seats folded, the Mini Electric can accommodate a surprisingly large grocery shop, easily handling numerous “bags for life.”
Standard media controls, cruise control, and speed limiter are located on the steering wheel. Window, sunroof, and other essential controls are conventionally placed. Unlike minimalist interiors like Teslas, the Mini Electric retains physical buttons for most functions.
An inductive phone charger is integrated within the armrest. This is convenient for wireless charging and keeping the phone out of sight while driving, especially when using Apple CarPlay. However, it’s easy to forget the phone in the armrest when leaving the car.
Electric Power and Charging Infrastructure
The Mini Electric is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), unlike Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs) like the Prius or BMW i3. It relies solely on battery power to drive an electric motor, with no petrol engine.
It comes with a 30kWh battery, offering an estimated range of around 140 miles. A CCS (Combined Charging System Combo 2) socket, located under a flap on the rear driver’s side, supports both slower AC and faster DC charging.
The car includes cables for charging from a standard 13-amp domestic socket or a 7kW home or public “slow” charger. Faster public chargers have integrated, thicker cables.
Prior to taking delivery, I had a home charger installed on an exterior wall. Having a driveway makes home charging very convenient. Typically, I park the car and plug it in upon arrival.
While I sometimes skip plugging in if the battery is sufficiently charged and no long journeys are planned, I generally aim to keep it plugged in whenever parked at home, even if scheduled charging is set for later.
Charging Habits: Predominantly Home Charging
My charging routine predominantly involves home charging. While I have used public chargers on various occasions, home charging accounts for the vast majority of my charging. Based on my last check, approximately 86% of my charging has been done at home, with only 14% at public charging stations.
I often photograph the Mini Electric while using public chargers, usually sharing these images on social media to spark discussions about EV charging infrastructure. This photo was taken at a charger in the Chepstow Castle car park.
I understand the concerns some petrol car enthusiasts have about charging time, but public charging locations can often be quite pleasant. This particular charger was relatively slow, but the location next to Chepstow Castle provided a great opportunity for exploration while charging.
Other public charging locations are less scenic. Chippenham Pit-Stop, for example, offers a convenient breakfast option while waiting for the car to charge.
Ohme Home Charger: Smart and (Mostly) Reliable
My home charger is an Ohme. It features a display and physical buttons for direct operation, independent of the app. However, some advanced features require the Ohme app.
The Ohme app integrates with my energy provider, Octopus Energy, via API to optimize charging times based on electricity prices. This smart charging feature works effectively, scheduling charging during off-peak hours.
Multiple charging schedules can be configured in the app, ensuring the car is charged and ready for departure at specific times.
The Ohme app is also designed to connect to the BMW API using car credentials for enhanced integration. However, this feature has never worked for me despite troubleshooting with Ohme support. While frustrating, it doesn’t affect the basic charging functionality.
Despite the API integration issue, the Ohme charger has reliably charged my Mini EV. According to the app’s statistics, I’ve accumulated over 720 hours of home charging in the past year. The charging dip in November and December, as shown in these stats, correlates with the car being off the road for crash repairs, detailed later.
Minor Issues and Annoyances
While my Mini EV ownership has been largely positive, I have encountered a few issues.
App Registration Hiccup
The Mini Electric has built-in mobile connectivity for communication with BMW services. To enable this, the car needs to be paired with the BMW mobile app. The pairing process, typically involving entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the app, initially failed. Troubleshooting took approximately two weeks to resolve.
Navigation System’s Address Confusion
The onboard navigation system initially had my home address incorrect. It displayed a non-existent house number and didn’t recognize my actual address, despite it being correctly registered for over 50 years. While I knew my way home, it was a minor annoyance.
Customer service suggested waiting for a map update. Taking a more direct approach, I identified the map data provider, “Nokia Here,” and submitted a correction request directly to them. A subsequent BMW map update eventually incorporated the fix.
Charging Interruption: AC Charging Failure
Within the first year, AC home charging stopped working. The AC charging port malfunctioned, preventing charging at home. However, DC fast charging at public stations remained functional.
BMW initially suspected a fault with my home wall box charger. This was disproven by successfully charging another EV using my home charger and demonstrating my Mini Electric’s AC charging failure on public chargers.
The dealership remained hesitant to acknowledge a car issue. I had to drive to the dealership and demonstrate the charging failure on their slow charger before they agreed to book it for repair.
In a slightly assertive move, I deliberately depleted the battery to 0% charge before arriving at the dealership, ensuring they had to address the charging issue to return the car. The charging system repair took a considerable amount of time.
During the repair period, I received a loaner car, a high-end BMW i7.
Upon collecting my Mini Electric, the dealership apologized for the delay and provided a bag of Mini merchandise as compensation. However, when I opened the boot to store the bag, I noticed an unclipped panel and dangling wires. A garage staff member had to rectify this before I could drive away, highlighting a lapse in final quality checks.
Frozen Charger Plug in Winter
In cold winter weather, the charger plug occasionally froze and became stuck in the charging socket. This was frustrating, preventing departure until the plug was freed. Applying plumber’s grease around the plug as a lubricant and water repellent has so far mitigated this issue.
Navigation Misguidance to Non-Existent Chargers
One evening, a wrong turn led to low battery charge, necessitating a public charge stop. I relied on the car’s built-in navigation system to locate charging stations.
The first location directed me to a hotel. After searching the car park, no charger could be found, possibly due to inaccurate hotel signage rather than navigation error. I then selected the next nearest charger, which led me down narrow lanes to a closed gate and what appeared to be a private farm residence.
Giving up on the in-car navigation, I switched to a phone app and found a Tesla Supercharger station nearby with ample availability, resolving the charging need easily. The in-car system perhaps should have prioritized this readily available option.
Persistent App Rating Nagging
The Mini app for Android and iOS allows basic car functions like locking/unlocking, lights, and climate control preconditioning. It also tracks charging sessions, locates chargers, and displays battery status and range.
However, the app persistently prompts for ratings and recommendations to friends/colleagues on a 0-10 scale. The frequency and context of these prompts are baffling, especially the recommendation to non-car owners.
Despite consistently rating the app as zero and providing feedback requesting the removal of these prompts, they continue even after two years. BMW engineers confirmed the prompt frequency is based on app usage patterns, but offer no option to disable them. This persistent nagging detracts from the app’s otherwise useful features.
Fuel Flap Sensor Issue
The Mini Electric’s charge port is covered by a flap, similar to a fuel filler flap on petrol cars. Recently, the car started displaying a warning that the flap was open, even when closed. Despite repeated opening and closing, the warning persisted. Thankfully, driving remained possible with a warning triangle displayed. The dealership addressed this sensor issue during scheduled maintenance.
Crash Repair and Aftermath
In November, my wife was involved in a collision when another driver unexpectedly pulled out from behind traffic. While thankfully she sustained only minor injuries, the Mini Electric’s front end was damaged. The other driver was at fault, and the insurance claim process was straightforward. The local BMW-approved repair center had the car from November to January, with a hire car provided in the interim. The repairs were completed to a high standard, restoring the car to its pre-accident condition.
No Spare Tire: BMW Roadside Assistance Experience
Being a compact car, the Mini Electric lacks a spare tire. Recently, I experienced a puncture and managed to drive home slowly. Pressing the SOS button in the car connected me to BMW emergency services.
They promptly dispatched a BMW engineer who arrived quickly in a van equipped with a spare wheel. He efficiently replaced the punctured wheel with his spare, placed my damaged wheel in my car’s boot, and requested a text message notification once mine was repaired so he could retrieve his spare. The puncture was repaired the next day, and the spare wheel was returned without issue. This roadside assistance experience was very positive.
Scheduled Maintenance and EV Servicing
Approaching the two-year ownership mark, the Mini app began prompting me to book a service. The app features a button for booking, but the links were consistently broken. Eventually, I contacted the garage directly to schedule maintenance.
The service included a scheduled two-year inspection, a minor recall, brake check, and repair of the fuel flap sensor issue. The car was with the garage for a full day, and all scheduled work was completed by the end of the day.
A significant advantage of EVs is reduced maintenance compared to petrol cars, eliminating oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, timing belts/chains, and other common failure points. However, regular servicing is still required.
While regenerative braking in one-pedal driving is expected to reduce brake wear, it’s debated whether some EVs subtly engage physical disc brakes alongside regenerative braking without driver awareness. Whether the Mini Electric intelligently applies brakes or only when the brake pedal is pressed remains unclear.
Final Verdict: Mini Electric – Fun and Functional
I thoroughly enjoy owning and driving the Mini Electric. It’s a joy to drive, and I often find excuses to take it out, even choosing longer routes simply to spend more time behind the wheel. While not without minor imperfections, the fun factor is undeniable.
As my first EV experience, it’s been largely positive. While the public charging network has room for improvement, it’s adequate for my local and travel needs. I don’t foresee returning to petrol cars anytime soon.
We are now considering replacing my wife’s car with an electric vehicle as well.
The refreshed Mini Electric model is now available, and dealership salespeople are keen for me to test drive it. Having seen it online but not in person, I’m not yet convinced it will appeal to me as much as my current model. Time will tell.
mini ev car review
