Mini Cooper SE Convertible concept hints at electric drop-top

Mini’s sole electric auto at present is the Cooper SE Hardtop, however the automaker on Friday hinted that we could see an electric model of its Convertible with the unveiling of the Cooper SE Convertible thought.

The strategy shares its mechanical elements with the Cooper SE Hardtop, which means a one electric motor at the front fantastic for 181 hp, and a 32.6-kilowatt-hour battery rated by the EPA at 110 miles of array.

The thought is not certain for output, Mini has confirmed. Nevertheless, the concept’s reveal is a strong sign that Mini is looking at launching an electric powered Convertible at some position. This shouldn’t occur as substantially of a shock as Mini has currently reported it will end introducing designs with interior-combustion engines just after 2025.

The wait around for an electric Convertible may well not be a lengthy 1. Mini following year will introduce a redesigned Hardtop, which like the present generation will offer an electric powered powertrain. A redesigned Convertible will likely arrive a yr soon after the new Hardtop.

Notice, the electric model of the redesigned Hardtop will use a independent system to new Hardtops geared up with an inner-combustion engine. The latter will use an updated variation of the current Hardtop’s system. Output of the electric Hardtop will also be handled in China as part of an settlement produced with Terrific Wall Motors in 2018. Production of interior-combustion variants will continue to be in Mini’s present household of Oxford, U.K.

Specified the very low gross sales volume for the Convertible, it truly is probable Mini only develops the new drop-prime with electrical power.

Mini has some active a long time ahead. A redesigned Countryman presenting equally electric powered and interior-combustion powertrains is also due out subsequent 12 months, and Mini is identified to be doing work on two additional crossovers. One will be a committed EV a little bit smaller than the new Countryman, and a concept of it will be unveiled later on this month. The other is expected to be a crossover even larger than the new Countryman.