MINI Cooper SE
MINI
Photo: Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
MINI Cooper SE: The Electric Go-Kart
The MINI Cooper SE is the all-electric version of the iconic Cooper hatch, bringing zero-emission urban motoring without giving up the brand's famous handling character.
MINI introduced its first battery-electric model, the Cooper SE (also badged as the Mini Electric in some markets), in 2019 as a conversion of the third-generation Cooper 3-door bodyshell. The early car used a 32.6 kWh usable battery producing around 181 horsepower and offered a WLTP range of approximately 145 to 170 km, which limited it primarily to city and commuter use. Despite that constraint, it sold strongly on the strength of its driving character and MINI's established city-car appeal.
The fourth-generation Cooper SE, launched in 2024 alongside a redesigned petrol Cooper, is an entirely new vehicle built on a dedicated electric platform developed jointly with Great Wall Motor of China. It carries a substantially larger 54.2 kWh usable battery and a more powerful motor, raising WLTP range to around 250 km. Two power outputs are offered, with the top Cooper SE producing 218 horsepower. The interior follows the same circular-OLED-display theme as the petrol Cooper, and the chassis retains the low centre of gravity and precise steering that define the MINI experience.
Rapid DC charging at up to 95 kW allows the battery to be taken from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes. The Cooper SE competes directly with electric city cars such as the Stellantis e-208 and Renault 5 E-Tech, but differentiates itself with premium brand perception, strong personalisation options, and the tactile, engaging drive that MINI has built its reputation on.
Frequently asked questions about MINI Cooper SE
How long does it take to charge the MINI Cooper SE?
Using a 95 kW DC rapid charger, the Cooper SE can charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes. On a 22 kW AC home wallbox the full charge takes approximately 2.5 hours, and on a standard 7.4 kW charger it takes around 4 to 5 hours.
Is the MINI Cooper SE good for long-distance driving?
The Cooper SE is designed primarily for urban and suburban use. Its WLTP range of around 250 km is adequate for daily commuting and shorter trips, but longer motorway journeys require planning around charging stops, making it less convenient for frequent long-distance drivers compared to cars with larger batteries.
Where is the MINI Cooper SE built?
The fourth-generation Cooper SE is produced at a dedicated facility in China by Spotlight Automotive, a joint venture between BMW Group and Great Wall Motor, rather than at MINI's traditional Oxford plant where the petrol Cooper is still made.
Does the MINI Cooper SE qualify for government EV incentives?
Eligibility varies by country. In many European markets the Cooper SE qualifies for purchase grants or favourable tax treatment. US buyers should check current IRA tax credit rules, as the Chinese manufacturing origin affects eligibility for the federal EV credit.
How does the Cooper SE driving experience compare to the petrol Cooper?
The Cooper SE is actually quicker off the line than a standard petrol Cooper thanks to instant electric torque, and the low-mounted battery improves the centre of gravity. Steering feel and body control remain very similar, so the go-kart character is well preserved, though regenerative braking requires an adjustment period.
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