MINI COOPER ELECTRIC.

MINI ACEMAN.

MINI COUNTRYMAN ELECTRIC.

FAQS.

How does home electric car charging work?

It's possible to charge your all-electric MINI vehicle from the grid just like any other appliance or device using the standard charging cable supplied, which can plug into any conventional wall socket. This method of charging can be very slow, however, and a dedicated home EV charger is a much better, safer and faster option. A smart home charger provided by our partner Pod Point offers safe and intelligent charging with standard installation included in the price. You can also speak to your preferred MINI retailer to select the best combination of charging products and services for your requirements.

Does cold weather affect electric cars?

Cold weather can indeed temporarily reduce EV battery range by about 10-12%. But nowadays, most EVs have a reach of 250-300 km anyway. Easily enough for a daily commute. And thanks to their design, they are far more efficient than people think in winter. They perform arguably better in snow than conventional cars due to the low position of the battery and the resulting lower centre of gravity. Your best defence in cold spells is not letting your all-electric MINI get below a 20% charge. This acts as a reserve in case the battery is too cold and needs to draw from that stored energy to begin the charging process. Furthermore, to charge efficiently, your car’s battery likes to be within a certain temperature range – 15 to 25°C. If it’s really cold outside, the battery needs to warm up first before it can charge at faster speeds. So, if possible, keep your car in a garage so it is not affected as much by the temperature outside.

Isn't driving and maintaining an electric car expensive?

Electric drive trains have far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines (ICE), meaning electric cars can be cheaper to maintain, especially as servicing tends to cost less on average when compared to an ICE car. In addition to saving on servicing costs, the lower cost of using electricity to power your car when charging at home can add up over time, increasing your savings even more. However, while there are aspects of electric car ownership that are clearly cheaper than costs associated with an ICE car, you can expect traditional car parts such as tyres and brake pads to cost roughly the same.

How do I pay at a MINI Charging station?

Your vehicle is charged using cashless payments – you can pay conveniently via a monthly direct debit from your payment account. Your MINI Charging online account provides you with a constant overview of your charging processes and the costs.

Why is it recommended to just charge to 80%?

It’s all about keeping your battery as healthy as possible, for as long as possible. It is perfectly safe to charge your electric car to 100%, but the Lithium-Ion batteries that power most EVs are most efficient working in ranges from 20 to 80% – with charging rates slowing down considerably once the 80% mark has been reached. So while you can charge to 100%, if you can avoid it, the battery will thank you in the long term.

Who do I contact if I have problems with charging?

If you cannot start a charging session, please take into consideration the following recommendations:

Please check in advance if the charge point is available or out of order using the MINI App.

For the authentication via MINI App, please first check whether the charging station supports authentication via app or QR code. You can find out by clicking on the charging station in your app. If it does, it is recommended to use the "Start" button in the app instead of scanning the QR code placed on the charging station.

In case of technical or physical problems, please contact the charge point operator first. You can find the operator's service hotline on the charging station.

If the problem still remains, please contact our customer service team. If you have specific problems with a MINI Charging session or have questions about your MINI Charging contract, invoices or payments, please contact MINI Charging at: Telephone: +44 1842 777133 (Monday - Friday, 7am - 7pm) E-mail: uk@mini-charging.com.

For more information about MINI Charging, please visit www.mini-charging.com

How does my driving style affect the range of my all-electric MINI?

As is the case for a vehicle with a conventional propulsion system, driving style also affects the range in an electric car. As a general rule, an anticipatory, relaxed and uniform style of driving optimises your range. If, for example, you reduce your speed on the motorway from 80 mph to 68 mph, you can noticeably increase your range. During recuperation, that means whenever you lift your foot from the accelerator pedal, kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and fed into the battery – and as a result you gain further miles in range.

What are the benefits of preheating the battery?

By pre-heating the battery, you not only improve the charging speed (especially in cold temperatures) and efficiency when you drive, but you also help maintain your battery's health.

What are the optimal battery charge levels for my all-electric MINI?

It’s best to maintain a charge of between 20 and 80 per cent. Lower or higher levels are possible, but to optimise the life of your battery, it is recommended to stay between these marks. In your vehicle’s menu, you can easily and conveniently set your target charge to 80 per cent, so you’ll never have to worry about it. This should cover all your daily driving needs. If you actually need more, simply set a higher target.

Is there a difference between charging using alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC)?

Normal charging with alternating current (AC): This charges your car efficiently, primarily overnight but also during the day. Compared to a domestic power socket, an AC charging station provides more power and can charge the battery in just a few hours. This type of charging station is referred to as an AC charging station, for short. Quick charging with direct current (DC): DC quick charging stations are the better option when you need to charge your car fast. They can recharge your vehicle's battery quickly – while you go shopping or have a bite to eat, for example. The charging process lasts between 30 and 40 minutes. This type of charging station is referred to as a DC charging station, for short.

Does the new all-electric MINI have enough range for my journeys?

When it comes to range, the all-electric MINI Cooper E gives you up to 305 km (WLTP), while the MINI Cooper SE provides up to 400 km. That’s probably more than enough for almost every trip you can imagine.

What advantages does an electric car offer?

An electric car offers an entirely new, emotionally charged driving excitement. Thanks to the torque available from a stand-still, you experience fascinating electric dynamics and spontaneous acceleration.

When actually driving, a BEV is also emission-free and therefore offers maximum protection for our environment.

And on top of all that, you can take advantage of generous country-specific subsidies and tax incentives available.

Is a MINI actually a BMW?

Although the MINI marque is part of the BMW group, a MINI is and will always be a MINI. However, it is fair to say that while the MINI range retains all the design flair and fun of the original Mini, it also benefits from BMW's renowned precision engineering and innovative technology.

Can I drive an all-electric MINI even if I have no charging option at home?

Yes of course. Simply use the steadily expanding public network of MINI Charging or other charging stations as available, such as from your employer. The MINI App or the navigation system in your vehicle shows you public charge points nearby. Attractive public charging tariffs and personalised offers are also available exclusively to MINI customers.