The electric car is slowly permeating the automotive industry, with every segment starting to include vehicles running exclusively on volts. However, of the UK’s most popular performance car breeds has been absent from this electrified space race, until now. The Mini John Cooper Works Electric could become the first hot hatch EV.
Mini has announced today that it is working on an a hot hatchback, not powered by its familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Instead, this pocket rocket will feature an electric motor and a battery. Some official pictures of a prototype car at the Nuburgring have been released, highlighting that the go-faster EV is deep in development already.
The car pictured is wearing the distinctive bodywork of the new Mini John Cooper Works GP – a very spicy hatchback indeed. We highly doubt the electrified performance Mini will be clad in such extreme and polarising design, but then maybe Mini will make this a real statement for its electric offering with a 300bhp+ car. Watch this space.
Bernd Körber, Head of Mini said: “Now it’s time to translate the passion for performance of the John Cooper Works brand to electromobility. That’s why we’re working to develop concepts for electric John Cooper Works models.”
The Mini Electric is a great zero emissions car that retains that popular mini recipe of keen handling and characterful looks. People are invested in the Mini brand, and the key to this car’s success is that it is simply the Mini we know and love, but electric. It is powered by a 135kW electric motor that produces 181bhp, with its battery capable of being charged to 80% in just 35 minutes from a 50kW charger.
Speculation starts here on the new JCW Electric. Clearly 181bhp doesn’t qualify it for a JCW badge, but BMW/Mini have two potential options here. One avenue is a more powerful electric motor from something like the BMW i3S would push the car closer to the 228bhp of a petrol JCW. However, if it were to go all-out and make this an electric GP, one of the dual motors from BMW’s electrified SUV lineup might just about fit inside the compact Mini.
Details are very scarce, but considering Mini’s enthusiasm to share prototype picture, the model might be seen for the first time in 2021 with a 2022 on sale date.
Keyword: Mini John Cooper Works Electric hot hatch on the way