CAN THE NEW EV MINI COOPER SE FINISH THE WORLD'S TOUGHEST ELECTRIC CAR TEST, OR DO WE GET STRANDED?

EV Channels Review

The Mini Cooper SE undergoes the rigorous Loveland Trials, a 148-mile round trip up and down a mountain, testing its claimed 110-mile EPA range. Despite initial range anxiety and a lower-than-expected estimated range upon departure, the electric Mini surprisingly exceeded expectations, completing the 126 miles to the charger with 16 miles of range remaining, well surpassing its official rating. The reviewer praises the SE's fun-to-drive character, instant torque, and quiet operation, noting its planted feel and BMW-like driving dynamics. However, the experience was marred by significant issues with Electrify America's charging infrastructure, including non-functional chargers, slow charging speeds, and a confusing per-minute pricing model that proved costly and time-consuming. In contrast, the gasoline-powered Mini Cooper S JCW achieved an impressive 41 MPG. While the electric Mini is deemed objectively better than its gasoline counterpart due to its performance, quietness, and lower running costs (when not using problematic public chargers), the charging experience remains a significant hurdle for widespread EV adoption.