Mini, like so many carmakers, is going electric, confirming its new EV will be available to buy in Australia next year and a rival for BMW’s i3.

Mini Australia has confirmed it will launch the new fully-electric Mini Cooper SE here mid-2020.

Making its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show this week, Mini’s electric Cooper is a full-production follow up to its experimental Mini E of ten years ago, with better range and functionality.

The three-door hatch arrives as the current-generation Mini is readying for replacement, but the new electric car will suit city drivers well with a useable claimed 235-270km driving range supplied by a T-shaped, floor-mounted lithium-ion battery. Thankfully, given the Mini’s small size, the battery’s configuration doesn’t take up any extra space in the cabin or boot.

In place of a petrol or diesel engine, an electric motor drives the front wheels, producing 135kW of power and helping pull the British EV from 0-100km/h in a spritely 7.3 seconds.

Mini has unveiled the fully-electric vehicle on its 60^th anniversary, and like the original compact car, the Mini Cooper SE will be built in Oxford, UK.

Mini Australia general manager Brett Waudby said that the new Mini marks a change of direction for the brand into the future.

“The Mini Cooper SE Hatch marks a new era for our brand in providing our customers with a progressive mobility solution wrapped in a package that is unmistakably Mini in its look, feel and the way it drives,” he said.

“We look forward to introducing this exciting and game-changing member of the Mini family to the Australian market next year.” 

Mini will launch the model next year at an estimated price range of around $50-60,000, though pricing and specification details will be announced closer to launch.