Mini’s First-Ever Plug-In Hybrid is on its Way

Mini Cooper Plug-In Hybrid (Credit: © Mini )

Surprisingly, Mini has never offered an electrified model, be it a hybrid or full EV. That is all about to change, as the British automaker recently previewed its first-ever plug-in hybrid model.

Based on the Cooper Hardtop, this tiny hybrid’s body is nearly indistinguishable from the gasoline-fueled model. Even the charging port is neatly tucked away into the left-side scuttle. Inside, however, there are hints that this is no normal Mini Cooper. These exclusive bits include the yellow-glowing start/stop button (the gasoline model glows red) and the power display in place of the tachometer.

While Mini didn’t dive too deep into this plug-in hybrid’s powertrain, it did reveal a few tidbits of information. According to Mini, when you fire up this plug-in model, it automatically starts in electric-only mode and will continue up to 50 mph when it’s in AUTO eDRIVE or 78 mph in MAX eDRIVE on only electricity. There is no mention on how far it can drive before the gasoline engine kicks in, but Mini does note that it’ll start the engine if the driver hammers the accelerator pedal too hard.

Mini Cooper Plug-In Hybrid (Credit: © Mini )

There is one final mode for this hybrid powertrain, and that’s SAVE BATTERY. This mode keeps the Mini running only on the gasoline engine while the battery recharges or holds its charge.

While Mini didn’t get into power specs and performance, it did mention that the Mini Cooper Plug-In Hybrid will feature “unparalleled acceleration performance when compared with its combustion-only siblings.” Those are mighty big words, considering the Mini Cooper S hits 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. That would be one quick hybrid.

Finally, this model will feature the same chassis as its gasoline-only siblings, so it’ll not only retain the agility Minis are known for, but its battery pack will help lower its center of gravity and increase stability.