The trend in the world of electric vehicles (EV) is all about speed and performance. Mini’s John Cooper Works models are the latest to get the high-performance, gasoline-free treatment.
Once, EVs were thought of almost exclusively as economy cars, small hatchbacks, and sedans that placed efficiency and odd looks as the most important aspects. Today, we have all-electric cars arriving with some serious performance credentials and they’re anything but dorky hatchbacks. Recently introduced EVs come from brands that place a premium on performance and comfort. Cars like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Jaguar I-Pace, Porsche Taycan, and Tesla Model 3 are all selling performance in a plug-in package.
We can blame luxury/electric automaker Tesla for this – they taught us that what we really want is an electric car that’s quick, luxurious, and good-looking.
Enter the JCW Mini EV
Mini currently has an electric car but it doesn’t look that much different than a standard gasoline-powered Mini. Adding the John Cooper Works (JCW) treatment will definitely change that. JCW Minis usually have bold colors, big wheels, and just a little extra in almost every way.
The current Mini EV is quick enough, it goes from 0-60 in about 7 seconds. We expect the JCW version to be quicker and have a longer range. For 2021, the standard-issue Mini SE hardtop has a range of just 110 miles and cost about $30,000. Based on previous JCW Minis, the electric “Works” Mini should stretch that range to about 200+ miles and be significantly quicker.
Bernd Korber, Head of the MINI brand says: “With the MINI Electric, we’ve shown how well brand-typical driving enjoyment and electric mobility can be combined. Now it’s time to translate the passion for performance of the John Cooper Works brand to electromobility. That’s why we’re working to develop concepts for electric John Cooper Works models.”
However, this doesn’t mean the gasoline power JCW Minis are going away. Korber added:
“John Cooper Works models with conventional combustion engines will still continue to have an important role to play, to make sure we’re addressing the wishes and needs of performance enthusiasts all around the world.”
No word on when the new hot electric Minis will arrive. At this point, it’s a concept. We expect them to arrive as early as late 2022.
