Exploring the Electrical Mini: A Private Journey
Considered one of my fondest reminiscences from the ’70s is cruising via Brisbane in my Mini Cooper S, thrilling my passengers and taking off from the lights with its turbocharged efficiency. It was a exceptional little automotive, and I can solely think about how rather more exhilarating it might have been with an electrical model. These days, I usually inform folks that our Tesla (affectionately named Tess) drives simply as spiritedly, though it would simply be my enthusiastic driving model at play!
Just lately, I had the prospect to speak with Sethu throughout our espresso morning, the place he shared his experiences along with his electrical Mini Cooper SE. Whereas the enduring Mini is now produced by BMW as an alternative of Morris of England, Sethu was drawn to this 2022 mannequin for a number of causes. He talked about, “It’s the proper measurement for my wants and straightforward for my spouse to drive. The automotive was in-built Germany, which suggests dependable elements availability. It has low mileage (21k) and a protracted battery guarantee of six years. Plus, it’s extremely enjoyable to zip round city, and its compact design makes parking in tight spots a breeze, particularly with its Partial Self-Parking Help performance.”
Sethu, who works in cybersecurity, and his spouse are each professionals and don’t personal a enterprise. He has expressed some curiosity in pursuing enterprise concepts sooner or later, whereas his spouse tends to their stunning backyard, full of edible greens and flowers. Sethu has additionally taken some electrical automobiles for a spin, together with the MG ZS EV, Tesla Mannequin 3, Tesla Mannequin Y, and BMW iX3, via Sixt Automobile Rental. After thorough consideration, he opted for the Mini on a novated lease for its tax advantages. His spouse added, “It appears to be like nice! As soon as you purchase this automotive, you should not be on the lookout for extra.”
Apparently, Sethu hasn’t test-driven automobiles at dealerships apart from the Volvo EX30. He feels the idea of electrical automobiles is simple—cost the automotive and preserve it operating. “I am properly acquainted with service and upkeep throughout varied automobile varieties, whether or not petrol, diesel, or electrical. EVs typically have fewer elements, making upkeep easier, though common servicing remains to be vital,” he famous.
Sethu’s spouse has solely pushed their new Mini thrice to date, and she or he’s nonetheless getting accustomed to electrical driving nuances. Evaluating Mini to different automobiles, she appreciates its efficiency however is cautious with acceleration modes. Storage capability could also be a limitation, however they handle by utilizing their ASX automobile for bulk buying journeys. Sethu believes he made a smart alternative, particularly with new rules in Australia relating to Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and emission requirements set to take impact this 12 months.
With regards to know-how, Sethu noticed that Tesla boasts the most effective battery administration system, though its controls are considerably confined to a single tablet-style display, a design additionally seen in automobiles just like the Volvo EX30 and Polestar. He famous important enhancements in 2025 fashions in comparison with these from 2020 and 2022, highlighting the variety amongst producers.
Sethu’s exploration included varied automobiles along with the Mini SE, such because the GWM Ora GT, BMW i3 (now discontinued), Nissan LEAF (requiring ChaDeMO charging), Hyundai IONIQ (additionally discontinued), Polestar 2, and Kona Electrical. As for his expertise buying a second-hand Mini, he said, “I’m the second proprietor. The earlier proprietor, a mature pilot, took wonderful care of the automotive and even delivered it to me personally from Brisbane Southside. My analysis has helped me make an knowledgeable alternative.”
Sethu expressed optimistic sentiments about his Mini, describing it as adorably compact with spectacular driving capabilities. He appreciates the six-year battery guarantee and top-notch battery well being with a present state of cost at 96%. He enjoys the one-pedal driving function and regenerative braking choices, and along with his novated lease, all service and upkeep bills are coated via a month-to-month cost plan.
On the flip facet, he talked about that often the cruise management sensor malfunctions, forcing him to make use of the accelerator pedal manually, which he nonetheless finds pleasing. Every automobile comes with its distinctive challenges, and he recollects a 2015 BMW i3 REX that lately caught his consideration, recognizing that older fashions require cautious consideration.
Sethu bought his Mini in September 2024, clocking in at 20,900 km. Since then, he has pushed about 5,000 km, primarily round city and on longer journeys corresponding to to Byron Bay (164 km away). A full cost sometimes gives an estimated vary of round 185 km, influenced by different driving circumstances. Most of his charging wants are met at house, supplemented by his 6.6 kW photo voltaic system put in in 2022, which permits him to profit from invoice credit.
He makes use of a daily granny charger, which takes roughly 14 hours to totally cost the Mini’s 28 kWh battery. Sethu has additionally mapped out public DC charging choices, favoring JOLT Charging for its membership advantages, which permits him to cost his automobile a number of occasions per week.
Electrical Minis stay a uncommon sight on Australian roads, eliciting each pleasure and curiosity from onlookers. Sethu has acquired quite a few inquiries relating to vary, charging choices, and battery longevity—reflecting the general public’s curiosity surrounding electrical automobiles.
His technique of hiring an EV earlier than committing to a purchase order stands out as insightful; fast dealership take a look at drives usually fall brief in offering an actual really feel for the transition from fossil gas to electrical driving. Sethu has constantly opted for used vehicles prior to now, together with fashions just like the Mazda 323, Nissan Pulsar, Mitsubishi Lancer, and ASX, which he nonetheless owns. He views his shift to an electrical automobile as an thrilling journey and is keen to proceed studying about developments in EV know-how.
Along with his new electrical Mini, Sethu embodies the intense and dynamic future of electrical driving.
