How does it compare?
MINI Cooper SEs pint-sized dynamo lines up against the likes of the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Chevrolet Bolt EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric. Imagine a squabble of eco-conscious misfits, each vying for the title of best compact electric vehicle.
Range
First into the fray is the range. The MINI Cooper SE offers a modest amble of 235 km (146 miles), which matches the urban warrior ethos. The Nissan Leaf ekes out 270 km (168 miles), testing your bladder on the occasional road trip. For those with range anxiety, the Chevrolet Bolt EV zooms ahead with an emphatic 416 km (258 miles). The BMW i3 boasts a respectable 246 km (153 miles), and the Hyundai Kona Electric shoots for the moon with an audacious 484 km (301 miles).
Acceleration
Sprightly off the line but not exactly ludicrous, the MINI Cooper SE dashes 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. The Nissan Leaf, slightly more laid back, does it in 7.9 seconds. You’ll feel the G-force better in the BMW i3 at 6.9 seconds, but the torque monster here is the Chevrolet Bolt EV, launching in just 6.5 seconds. The Hyundai Kona Electric, not to be outdone, reaches 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.
Power
Power is where the MINI Cooper SE delivers a concerted 181 h.p. Its quaint compared to the Nissan Leaf at 147 h.p. The BMW i3 slightly edges out at 170 h.p. The Chevrolet Bolt EV flaunts a muscular 200 h.p, while the Hyundai Kona Electric crowns itself the powerhouse of the bunch with 201 h.p.
Charging Time
Charge time, a veritable game of patience. With a 32.6 kWh battery, the MINI Cooper SE fully juices up in around 4 hours on Level 2 AC, moving quickly on a DC fast charger to 80% in just 35 minutes. The Nissan Leaf, sporting a 40 kWh pack, takes about 8 hours for a full charge on Level 2 and 40 minutes to 80% via DC Fast charge. The BMW i3 with its 42.2 kWh battery takes about 6 hours on Level 2, and 42 minutes to 80% on DC. Speed is the game for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, with its 66 kWh battery needing 10 hours on Level 2 but only 30 minutes to 80% with DC. The Hyundai Kona Electric, with a 64 kWh battery, also sees 9 hours on Level 2 and 47 minutes to 80% on a high-speed DC charger.
Price
Cost is the final trump card. The MINI Cooper SE strikes a deal at $36,870 (£26,500, €30,800). The Nissan Leaf is more wallet-friendly at $31,620 (£22,700, €27,300). The BMW i3 sits on the pricier side at $44,450 (£32,000, €38,300). Cheekily, the Chevrolet Bolt EV lures you at $37,500 (£26,700, €31,400). Finally, the priciest is the Hyundai Kona Electric standing at $39,400 (£28,000, €33,000).


