Mini is producing its first all-electric convertible. The Mini Electric Convertible will be available in April 2023 with a limited run of 999 units only available Europe, with 150 units offered in the U.K. alone. However, none are making their way across the pond to the United States.
Mini’s EV droptop is powered by a 184-horsepower (135kW) electric motor that propels the convertible from 0-60 mph in 8.2-seconds with a WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) range of 124 miles. This limited-edition Mini is priced at £52,500 ($63,000) and is manufactured with secondary raw materials to lower CO2 emissions during production.
“Three years ago, we launched the MINI Electric, and today one in five MINI models sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Electric Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling,” says Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI Brand.
The latest Mini EV is only available with an Enigmatic Black or White Silver exterior finish, with door handles, side scuttles and the surrounds of the front and rear lights finished in Resolute Bronze. It features consecutive numbering on the side scuttles and door sill trims to denote which of the 999 units available is yours. Interior surfaces are finished in Piano Black, which are complemented by ambient lighting Mini Electric yellow color accents. The Mini Electric Convertible rides on edition-specific 17-inch Electric Power Spoke two-tone alloy wheels made from 100% secondary aluminum.
As previously mentioned, the Mini Electric Convertible is not available in the U.S., but you can buy the Mini Cooper SE (Small Electric) two-door hardtop with a 181 hp motor and 114-mile range on a full charge. An overall lack of electric vehicle acceptance in the U.S. may have led to Mini opting out of the American market with its Electric Convertible but ultimately that is just conjecture by this reporter.
A Mini EV droptop could do well in the U.S. with its “open-air go-kart” driving experience as a vehicle to show the skeptics that you don’t need an internal combustion engine to have a fun behind the wheel. Unfortunately, a Mini Electric Convertible in the U.S. isn’t happening anytime soon (or possibly at all), another instance where America is getting left behind as the automotive industry is moving forward with alternative forms of propulsion. I realize that an EV with only 999 units produced is a drop of water in the ocean of car options but each EV can help the movement to lower emissions and a better tomorrow.
