Mini Electric Spied Charging in the Alps Ahead of Debut

Sam McEachern
by Sam McEachern

The upcoming Mini Electric has been spied in the Alps charging its batteries.

Our sharp-eyed spies caught this pre-production prototype getting some juice in Switzerland this week, giving us an up-close look at the new pure electric Mini. The Mini Electric is expected to feature a single electric motor mounted to the front axle and a driving range of around 200 miles.

SEE ALSO: Stylish Concept Previews Future Electric MINI Model

The interior of the emissions free Mini was also photographed by our spies. The cabin looks like a normal Mini for the most part, but the wool upholstered seats, similar to the upholstery on the BMW i3, are a never before seen feature for the hardtop Mini two-door. It also looks as though the Mini electric will receive a digital driver’s display, which is covered by a piece of fabric in our photos.

Mini recently released two official teaser images for the Mini Electric, revealing the EV’s production grille and asymmetrical wheels. The grille will feature an integrated shutter that closes up for increased aerodynamic efficiency and opens when additional cooling is needed.

The Mini Electric will enter production in 2019 at Mini’s Plant Oxford in the United Kingdom. It’s electric drivetrain will be produced at BMW’s plants in Dingolfing and Landshut, which serve as the main “competence centers” for BMW’s electric mobility efforts.

ALSO SEE: Who Makes MINI Cooper and Where Are MINI Coopers Made?

Discuss this story on our Mini Forum.

Sam McEachern
Sam McEachern

Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.

More by Sam McEachern

Comments
Join the conversation
Next