1 Month with the Mini Electric Cooper SE & 2 excellent unexpected features
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มิ.ย. 2024
- It's been just over a month since picking up my Mini Electric so time for an update on some of the things you only notice when owning a car.
As always, in this video I share both the positive and negative things I've encountered so far.
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Twitter: @EVPuzzle
Email: ukminielectric@gmail.com
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Tel: 01603 406052
email: kris@powerdifferent.co.uk www.powerdifferent.co.uk/ - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Thanks very much for your thoughts. Great detail.
Thanks for making this video for us!
You're welcome. More to come..
From California, my wife and I really appreciate your in depth review of the Mini SE electric car. The Mini would be for my wife’s car for local trips. We have a ICE Honda CR- V for longer trips. Your review, based on your personal experience owning the Mini, motivated us to visit a Mini dealer having awareness of your personal experience with the Mini. We appreciate your time and effort producing your useful video,. Thank you.
You're very welcome. Thank you for letting my know and enjoy the Mini.
I took a trip out today and on quiet roads it was impossible to resist sport mode and some assertive driving. Even driving like a vicar withe the stereo up is a heavenly experience
Same, also from CA. I have an old house with a small garage (built for a model t). I live in a city and rarely have to drive out of it. I am a young adult who does not plan to have children. It makes little sense for me to consider a larger car with more range.
Hopefully there'll be more Mini content soon. The Mini is such a unique car
Thanks for the owner review. Much more details that are useful when considering to buy the car. In South Africa we only have the MiniE, Bmwi3 and Jaguar iPace.
Thanks for another great video.
You're getting through my recent videos. Glad you like them
@@EVPuzzle yer my TH-cam don’t show new videos offen so you got to check someone videos to see if they done new ones the notifications don’t show up always.
One review of the remarkable kind, brilliant!
In these times, where ppl mainly are focused on numbers only, it's great to see a real car enthusiast like myself.
Yes, absolutely - impressive numbers alone (in ev range or boot space etc.) won't make up for ugly or annoying materials, sounds, haptics etc.
Having a F56 JCW beside my BMW (and ultimately pleased by it, both actually), i ordered a SE for my wife recently.
Those Mini's cost a lot (in comparison to others that size) - but they actually ARE great cars. Equals to: you actually look forward to driving and enjoying it.
That's - what you buy, and what causes the costs (materials, engineering, testing, setup, fit&finish, etc. pp.), no matter if ev or not.
Especially ev wise in this size segment - there is no other option for me, with only the Honda E coming close.
Of course personal taste, needs, budget, car experience, skill level of driving etc. varies with each and everyone.
But as far as i'm concerned:
All others are ultimately boring, dull, ugly, uninspiring in design and crafting, unpleasing, outright no-fun to drive - and every test drive i made, was just a waste of my time.
Cost effective A to B mobility? Yes - some ok, but most with the charm level of public transport.
Great cars? Nah, not even remotely.
What he said 👍😉
Don't forget to share in any groups you're in etc 👍
Such a solid EV.
The pre-set buttons are a great idea. I had them on my 2007 BMW 5 series and had the last button set for the sat nav to get me home. Such a great idea
Set nav to get home, tire pressure, how many liters of AdBlue left, car performance display, favourite radio station....whatever action/info you like, within 0,1 seconds. Thoroughly enjoying iDrive's pre-set buttons on my 2018 JCW, 2019 BMW diesel and yet to be built 2021 SE. IMO the perfect mix of hightech, with display/s the right size in the right places, touch option and classic buttons. My personal #1 in - actual, while driving - usability (even over the Mercedes, Audi's and Jaguar's i tried in the last 2 years before buying)...
By BMW hybredd
@@sharonbraselton3135 This was an old car before I went BEV. I would buy the new BMW BEV if I could afford one.
excellent!
On the I drive controller next to the handbrake, I found once you can remember which buttons are which by touch it becomes very easy to use. Our other car has a touch screen where your hand waves around when travelling at speed or you have to steady it on the surround, I much prefer the mini system.
German car seats - my experience is always excellent, be that BMW, Audi or Mercedes. I’ve had all three brands but on balance BMW are the very best. I’m pleased you tried the horn, as I only hear one horn working it’s feeble, got to get that checked out. You can spin the wheels on the move, nice reserve of power. There must be some battery calibration in first few days. I’m not sure about your battery meter as a fully charged battery is 13.8v maybe 14v at a push. 3.7kw is the mid setting. Touch screen though! Yes those programmable multi-function buttons are great.
Hi there Nigel.
Thanks for the conversion to kWh/100km, and here I'm working on miles/kWh. Just because I like the factor of my brain being used.
Just for you Michele 👍
You do a great job selling the Mini. Great to see your enjoyment of the new car. Smaller Batteries and a better charging Network are the way to go. It doesn't make sense both economically and environmentally, to be carrying around a large Battery for the occasional long Trip.
I like the ability to change the radio buttons to other functions. Even better would be to digital labels, as to what they do.
Can you believe... Hover your fingers on the buttons tge screen tells you whats saved before you press it.... Although there's only a few buttons do not hard to remember....
Thanks Nigel. You might want to consider a hot air car dryer to clear those drips and water puddles. I use it on the Tesla and Kona and makes drying much easier. Stops those drip runs which still continue from mirrors, badges etc. They aren't cheap mind! But saves you touching the car when drying it. I use the Metro Vac Blaster 8hp jobbie.
That's 2 recommendations for the metro vac 👍
@@EVPuzzle ah yes, just looking at the comments and I see Dale had already recommended it - he knows his gadets and tech.
I'm attracted to the Big Boi dryer at present, no sniggers please 😉 with variable heat and power.
Seems like an over kill from using a few £5 drying towels and using all that valuable energy BUT I think I need one especially if I can find extra uses like sink unblocking😬😂
Nice video! I love the point you bring up about the short cuts, I use mine all the time programmed to a few destinations. One thing about this car that I feel is a really missing in my Level 3 / iconic US spec is active cruise :( We don't get the matrix LEDs stateside at all, and blind spot monitoring is probably not necessary on such a small car, but overall I agree with you. It is very hard to find faults with this car!
Thanks Alan
Thanks Nigel for your excellent review. Will you at a future date need a fresh application of your ceramic coating ? Or will the maintenance spray you mention after washing be enough for the foreseeable future.
Brian
The nano coating came with an after care pack for the interior leather protector etc and shampoo. It's the shampoo that tops it up so yes I'll be applying that too. Why not, it came with the car. Spring or summer job
Thanks Nigel. I enjoyed your review. I think that’s an interesting point you make at the end - it’s only in owning and driving multiple BEVs that you generate a depth of experience that identifies what you like and dislike or really value in an electric car. With ICE cars, we’ve all typically had the experience of driving several vehicles that provide an insight into the nature of the drivetrains, gear change etc. But this is a whole new, and very exciting world. I still love my Kona but it’s no driver’s car. That’s what I’d really like to try out with the Mini.
And it doesn't have BMS/fire issues. Poor Kona is getting such a bad reputation because of their awful BMS update and dodgy batteries.
I think I said on one of my very early videos there just wasn't enough choice. None were good to drive but the Kona was the best of the bunch. Ipace , Tesla and now Mini aside
@@EVPuzzle I've yet to have the new BMS update and I not looking forward to that from what I've heard!
It's the hassle if it finds a fault thereafter and the charging changes
Thanks for a great video, Nigel! I just bought the 2022 SE and love it-noticing a lot of rattle and interior noise though on the rough roads here in Seattle. Have you had any similar issues? It’s too bad because other than that the build quality and materials seem great.
I do have an intermittent rattle from the seat belt area but only occasionally
@@EVPuzzle take dealer fux under warnyty
❤️the numberplate! Cunning it seems
I know, was tempted by
M121 KWH but preferred M28
Can add .9 in small print to be totally accurate😂
I love how my dealer said it was nerdy and no one would get it. Surely any Mini-e owner would.?
@@EVPuzzle I am from a part of the world where EV's are very few and far between. Only really well off people can buy then. I am however keenly interested in anything EV & PV, that is why the little hidden message (in full display) caught my eye.
Handy just for remembering your reg too
@@EVPuzzle You bet!
Hi Nigel, we own our Mini, which is a level 3 let's say (as we have 4 levels in Belgium) now for 5 months - 13000 kms and my wife and I still LOVE this car although the 'new chemistry' is worn off by now. There are a few minor things that came up indeed of which you already mentioned: no lighting round chargeport, very large turning circle, not able to set charging percentage, etc... No dealbreakers though. About the 'higher level', I can say that the Karman SoundSystem, for me, is magnificent (was a must for me), also the bigger screen, rearpark camera + auto park (works like a charm) and indeed the matrix led lights are FANTASTIC. I hardly ever use my big lights with this car.
I checked again and I don't notice a gap like yours on the chargeport panel and also, the cap fits nice and snug in that little thingy. Oh.... and yes, I do miss a heated steering wheel as well. These buttons on the 'iDrive' system, you'll get used to them Nigel. I don't even have to look at it anymore.
I'll ask the dealer about my charge port
Hi Nigal a good all round opinion of your car.
Hi Nigel, have you discovered this - I went out in the Mini, got out tried to lock it, got a double-bleep of the car horn, confused I looked around the car to see if a door was open, nothing obvious, then I looked inside and saw the dash was still illuminated, eventually figuring out I had not switched the car off with the yellow switch, did that and it locked ok. Not in the manual I think.
Yes I've seen this. I've also left my side lights on from 8am to 5pm after not hearing the audible alert. No loss of 12v though. Very impressed
Great to get a longer term ownership experience. Interesting to hear about the window misting, I thought the omission of a heated front screen, available on the ice versions, was a mistake. It would be nice to have it and heated steering wheel, at least as a cost option.
There must be a reason besides price why all cars' windscreens are not electrically heated as the rear windows are. Maybe crash safety or reliability.
Hello! Great video, watching this after test driving at Mini in Norwich.
I haven’t had an EV before, and don’t have a driveway (I live in a close though, so can charge from home via a 3pin until I get a wall box).
What’re your thoughts of charging in and around Norwich? ( if you’ve done so!)
Great video, thank you.
Much better than it was few years ago and will be hugely better when Gridserve opens at postwick.
Lots of chargers in car parks . It's getting better all the time
Hi Nigel, thanks for the videos on this car, I've had a test drive and am interested in perhaps getting one next year. One question occurs to me which I don't think you've addressed -- do you miss any of the safety / driving assistance features compared to the Kona? I'm guessing that adaptive cruise etc isn't much use in Norfolk where there aren't many dual carriageways / motorways!
Addaptive cruise was useful not just on longer journeys not in 30mph limits.
I've got Cruise control bit it's not as good without auto braking so yes I miss it but then the Mini is all about the drive. I'm not missing it as I'm enjoying the drive. In the Kona it all helped but took some of the driving pleasure away.
To be honest I also miss lka tugging slightly at the wheel when I'm close to the kerb but then I'm not missing the constant beeps for crossing whites lines or not holding onto the steering wheel when I was holding it.
Overall it just feels like I'm driving the car again and there aren't any negatives. Adaptive cruise would be handy though to help me keep within 30 limits.
@@EVPuzzle Thanks for that. Reinforces my impression that the Mini is a fun car to enjoy driving. Which is why I keep coming back to it despite it really being a bit smaller than I would like and with marginal range for my usage!
(I use the speed limiter on my current (petrol, auto) car for 30 limits -- push button to turn on as my speed comes down when entering, off when leaving.)
The only time I've noticed it being smaller is whilst picnicking in the car. Not so much space to put things in the front. Cup holders tools the flask though 👍
Yes. A car--not a kitchen appliance.
On the introduction what’s the second second played ?the one after addicted to love it’s driving me mad trying to figure it out
Def Leppard "Pour some sugar on me". Classic driving music... Showing my age😉
Nigel use a leaf blower great for drying in gaps
I'm on the case
Biyy jssan keaf
Instrument cluster is "track & field" shaped.
That sounds right 👍
As we have just gone through some nice cold days recently in past few weeks how is your mini performing with efficiency? What sort of mile pkwh? And true winter range using heating and seat heating etc? I'm close to switching over to ev and wondering how your getting on with the mini over the Kona?
I haven't driven it more than 10 miles last month. Lock down
Yeah that's a shame about lockdown as it's slowed down lots of useful reviews from TH-camrs like yourself.
I know some are continuing as it's their business , I just can't justify breaching lock down on effectively pleasure trips..won't be long hopefully
What an excellent review!
I LOVE the looks of the Mini. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite meet my needs. A tribute to how much I’m attracted to it: despite its shortcomings (rangewise, in my case), I’m still considering a Mini ... have I run mad? 😬
Thank you.
Once you've driven it only the Ipace comes close to matching the enjoyment . Range or not , it's worth the compromise imo
@@EVPuzzle It very likely is. However, A Better Route Planner is telling me that in order to reach my charging stop (on a regular 2.5 hrs business trip) I’d have to limit myself to 50m/h on the motorway. I don’t know if I’d enjoy driving that slowly, in a Mini of all things.
Fond farewell to waste heat for heating the interior.
Air cannon aka blower to dry the car off. They are electric too.
Why not drive it at night?
Nigel really pleased you are enjoying your Mini, you are obviously a very positive person, but having owned an EV for over 4 years now & knowing my driving & charging habits l just couldn't live with such a small range it is the elephant in the room with this car, there is a sweet spot with battery size & range for a daily use EV & the Mini just doesn't hit it, if you excuse the pun it's miles off.
How many miles do you drive a day? Have you recorded they daily. It's surprising when you do.
I'm actually quite a negatively critical person always looking for improvement and what could be better. This is out of character
@@EVPuzzle My mileage varies a lot but yesterday l did a 150 mile trip, starting with 81%, was relaxing nicely at home afterwards, then was called into work 17 miles away, l hadn't charged as l do that overnight, but with a 64kwh battery there was no problem. Most of the time my old 30kwh Leaf was fine, but l had too many worrying moments, nervously pulling up to a charger knowing it had to work as l couldn't get to the next, panicking when l saw a road closed sign. On one occasion when the road was closed due to an accident l waited 5hrs for it to be opened again as l hadn't the miles to go around the diversion! Personally l would never return to 100 miles range although on average l drive about 40 miles a day.
That's where I questioned myself. Would I mind stopping for a splash and dash type charge now there are so many more chargers?
I haven't done it yet but I'm happy to give it a go. Doing it every day would be a step waaay to far though but once in a while.
In the Kona my mind set was I must not charge out, I must not charge.
It's a bit funny. I test drove a Mini Cooper se the other day and last night I was talking to some friends about it and say it felt like you got a nice little hug from the seats when you sat in them.
Proper seats and a nice hug. What more do you need
Buy the moni
I was a bit cynical about coatings for cars but the second hand SLK I bought in the summer had been coated a few years back and water just runs off it. It is black and actually stays pretty clean looking several weeks after a wash, My Zoe was black and in the winter looked filthy about a week after washing it. Seems like you're finding the Mini has some character and the Kona was missing this for you?
Exactly but then I like to not conform. The Mini has lots of character
Nigel, please give me a minute. Tell me the difference between the Mini and the i3s. What was/ is your thoughts on the i3s compared to your Mini,
Interior is more modern Uber hotel feeling in the i3
I3 rolls more and not as smooth on acceleration and Regen imo
I3 skinny wheels and weird looks
Mini 3dr i3 suicide doors
I3 drn on a stalk . Mini on a gear lever style .
Mini is much cheaper
I3 has more range with its 120ah battery
BMW i3 188 mies moni inky 110 mioe ran e tks e cell push i3 kverr 200 mioes rabge
The Minis will control the battery temperature before charging. That could be why you had vampire drain when only adding a little charge.
No they don't. Mini has a battery heater theoretically, it doesn't maintain battery temp while parked or anticipate a charge. It's really limited in what it does and when. It's in name only like so many others
Use a waterless wash, no problems then. I loved my short range Nissan Leaf Tekna back in the day but range has moved on since 2014, apart from these German mini’s!. Nowadays I expect a minimum of 250 miles and by the time we return our ZE50 I will be looking for 300 minimum, saves plugging in every trip like we have to do with our RRS PHEV, then again I guess when the current one goes back in 2022 JLR will have come up with a pure EV version.........otherwise we will be looking at Tesla or Neo assuming they’ve arrive in Great Britain by then.
♻️🔋👏💪🔝❤️
You have had it a month and not had a drive at night. I could not wait to drive at night and see what the lighting is like.
I would do too normally but I'm being good and limiting my journeys to essential only in light of Covid. I'm allowed I guess but it's not in the spirit of things. Won't be long though
Do you not miss adaptive cruise its putting me off not even on level 3? i want level one but with heated seats lol
Not at all. On really long journeys maybe but the Mini just suits being driven not being on auto pilot. Honestly it's a minor thing
Picked up my Mini SE it has heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control. Apparently standard specs now. Was a great surprise as they weren't expected in the model I had ordered (New Zealand 🇬🇸)
Would you know if any charge settings need to be adjusted on the Mini SE......
1. Using a Tesla charger with a J1772 adapter
2. Using a 110 wall unit
3. Using a 220 wall unit
Does the Mini SE automaticall adjust to the proper volatge/amps? In other words can I just plug it in and car will choose approriate settings?reat review.
So long as it's type 2 or CCS just plug in.
@@EVPuzzle Thanks. So as long as I use a J1772 to connect to the Mini SE charging port, It makes no difference if the source is a Tesla Level 2 charger, 110 or 220 outlet. No adjustments needed to be performed in the vehicle for any of the above methods.
I own a Tesla and it will charge fron anywhere w/o any charge settings as it adjust automatically. The Mini manual is a bit unclear.
Much obliged.
It is unclear. I agree.
Hi do you know if it preheats the battery for DC FAST charging on road trips? Thanks
It doesn't anticipate charging and pre heat in advance but will heat if really really cold when on charge otherwise a DC charge is more about cooling as it generates heat doing the charge.
On a road trip the battery will be warm from the drive already?
@@EVPuzzle Thanks for the quick reply ... one more question if it is not connected and I preheat the cabin. Does it heat up the battery pack as well? thanks
Mini say no, it has to be plugged in and charging with departure time set.... BUT I'm yet to see any evidence it does at all. Bmw refuse to answer the question of at what temperature will it start heating? What conditions will it work.
I fear it's like most EVs which say they have a battery heater but can't or won't confirm when precisely it works. The Kona one never did. It needed to be -10c outside first.
I think you've got to live in extreme conditions to need one though
@@EVPuzzle I live in Canada so I will do some test this winter and let you know if I find out anything ... getting mine this Wednesday. Can't wait ... I test drove it twice before making my decision of buying it ... it is so much fun to drive :)
It really is fun. Ah Canada, that'll test things.
hi Nigel
our charge flap has failed to close properly and will not lock it's dark and wet at the moment will have a closer look tomorrow morning but yes i like pretty much everything and the charge flap is a bit flimsy
Oh no, that not good. Hope it's fixed soon.
Hi Nigel , it seams the depressible toggle that holds the plastic flap in place does not twist all the way out and this causes it not to get under and hold the flap in place, if anyone else has this problem if you look at the toggle and twist it as far round as it will go it will then hold the flap in place when pushed shut i will book it in with mini asap in the new year thanks for all your videos useful as always have a cheap motoring new year
Good update thanks
You have the same lights on your level 2 as the level 3. The only difference between yours and matrix are that matrix are able to blank out part of their beam automatically so not the dazzle other road users.
Really!!!?? I'd presume there would be more LEDs on the matrix. Still yet to try them in anger
The EV Puzzle Indeed. I was at Mini recently and I test drove a L3. I asked this question and was given this answer. I double checked later and the salesman was spot on. The revelation of this meant that I no longer wanted a L3 and that, like you, I think the L2 is best value.
Awesome news. Definitely good decision
I suspect the country of origin of the various cars drives the design. Far East view their cars more like appliances ....
This blog sounds a bit like knocking the Kona! Which I think is a bit 😢 as I think the Kona’s a great car, all be it that I now have the E Nero. I like the retro looks of the mini but my real complaint would be it’s really poor range. Thats a definite no for me as when one looks at the 20 to 80% range it’s just way to small for longer journeys and was one of the reasons you thought the Kona was so good. The new Kona & Niro now also come with an app to control various functions such as locking and unlocking the car and preheating as well as charging the car.
But I just said the Kona is the probably one of the Best EVs out there. You must've missed that bit. That's not knocking!
@@EVPuzzle
Actually I think you sad was! one of the best, I still think it is still one of the best, but each to their own. There certainly is some nice features to the mini, looks being one and the sporty appeal certainly take me back to my Mini Cooper S days. Where have those years all gone 🤔
Past tense for me.
If only there was an EV that combined the feeling of the Mini and the technology of the Hyundai
So how long will you keep this one? 2,3,...10yrs? It is a ICE modified to fit an EV into it remember as well not a ground up designed EV.
I'm not fussed if it's an EV ground up design. It performs beautifully, better than the i3 and us more efficient than the i3 which was a ground up EV design.
Time will tell on keeping it. I suspect longer than the Kona
Nigel, get a tooth brush and brush off the remaining suds. Better still, overlook the dirt and concentrate on the sheen of the drive experience. Or, go off and read a poem, watch a decent play or go to a gallery
Air blower it seems is the answer 🤔👍
First ;)
How do you find time lol
@@EVPuzzle Its what all the cool kids do isnt it?
Driving gloves.
Never got on with gloves but yes