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Used MINI Electric for sale: everything you need to know 

The MINI Electric aims to bring the style, charm and fun-to-drive enjoyment of the classic, retro MINI into the 2020s with pure electric power. On sale since 2020, it’s a battery-powered version of the standard MINI Hatch that’s dripping in style and available in a choice of trim levels. A top-down model called the MINI Convertible Electric was sold from 2023, and a brand-new version of the hatch went on sale in 2024.

With its major selling points being looks and enjoyment behind the wheel, the MINI Electric counts its rivals as other small electric hatchbacks like the Fiat 500 Electric, the Honda E and the Peugeot e-208, as well as the likes of the Vauxhall Corsa-e, the Renault Zoe and the DS3 Crossback e-Tense.

Should you buy a MINI Electric?

The MINI Electric is several things – small, stylish, great fun to drive and pretty premium among its peers. It’s also not several things – spacious, particularly cheap or in possession of a large battery range.

For that reason, you should consider the first-generation MINI Electric as a car for everyday town driving and/or short-to-medium commutes. It’s not the best choice as a family car or as a long-distance cruiser – although it’s capable and comfortable on the motorway, the 145-mile official battery range (which will be shorter in real-world conditions) means more recharging stops than would be ideal.

With 184PS from its electric motor, and a zippy 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds, it’s a brisk car to drive and agile through the corners with quick steering and tight body control. Not many EVs are this much fun to drive, let alone of this size.

Practicality isn’t its strong point, with a small boot, only three doors, and limited space in the rear seats, because of the need to store the car’s batteries there. It’s also missing a couple of features, such as Android Auto, and not every version has automatic emergency braking. But its interior is both charming and high-quality, with plenty of comfort in the front seats.

The second-generation electric MINI – marketed as the MINI Cooper E – promises (a bit) more space and extra range, with two versions planned. One has a range of 190 miles, while the MINI Cooper SE promises around 250 miles. A sporty John Cooper Works model is due to follow. It’s still a three-door hatchback, however, so don’t expect practicality levels to match a family car.

A MINI Electric not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What’s the best used MINI Electric model to buy?

With just one electric motor option, your choice of a used first-generation MINI Electric will depend on what trim level you want. The trims are very sensibly labelled Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 in order of price and equipment generosity. We think 2 is the sweet spot, with all the basics in terms of equipment and a few extras – you’ll get rear parking sensors and a camera, heated seats, cruise control and dual-zone air conditioning.

The latest generation of the electric MINI is so new that at the time of writing we hadn’t had a chance to try one. There are more choices, with three trims to choose from and two power options.

Used MINI Electric fuel economy and performance

Original MINI Electric

• MINI Electric: The sole power option for the MINI Electric puts out 184PS and 270Nm, with its 32.6kWh battery giving it a range of up to 145 miles according to official figures. The 0-62mph benchmark test takes 7.3 seconds and it’ll drain the battery at a rate of up to 4.1miles per kWh. It’ll charge at up to 50kW, which means a full charge to 100% will take around 1hr 24mins.

Second-generation MINI Electric

• MINI Cooper E: The entry-level power option in the latest-generation electric MINI puts out 184PS and 290Nm. Which means a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds – identical to the previous model. However, range is up to 190 miles and efficiency is improved to up to 4.3miles per kWh. It’ll now charge up to 75kW, which gives a 10% to 80% charge in 28 minutes.
• MINI Cooper SE: The higher-spec electric motor puts out 218PS and 330Nm, giving it a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds. With a range of up to 250 miles per charge, it promises efficiency of up to 4.4/kWh.

What used MINI Electric trim levels are available?

The original MINI Electric came in the following trims:

• Level 1: The entry-level MINI Electric is handsomely kitted out with LED headlights, automatic wipers and headlights, dual-zone air conditioning, satnav and cruise control. It came with a choice of 16-inch or 17-inch wheels in three different designs. Apple CarPlay was included, but Android Auto was not.
• Level 2: The mid-spec trim features keyless access, rear parking sensors and a rear camera, heated front seats and extra storage, as well as folding and auto-dimming mirrors.
• Level 3: The top-spec trim adds adaptive matrix LED headlights and front parking sensors, as well as a Harman Kardon sound system, a head up display and a panoramic sunroof.
• Multitone Edition: A limited-edition model sold in 2022, just 200 units were brought to the UK. If you can find one, you’ll get an exclusive Sage Green exterior paint and a roof design with rainbow-shaped decals, as well as 17-inch two-tone wheels. The equipment levels match Level 2.
• Shadow Edition: With blacked out features and bespoke bonnet graphics, the Shadow Edition Mini Electric is clad in black paint with a contrasting silver roof. Based on the Level 3 model, it rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.
• Electric Collection: Limited to just 300 models, this Level 3-based MINI Electric came with exclusive blue or grey paint with a multitone roof, and original owners could spec a panoramic sunroof for no extra charge.

The latest MINI Cooper Electric is available in the following trims. We say trims – MINI calls them ‘styles’ and they establish the car’s look before owners then specify equipment using packages:

• Sport: Inspired by MINI’s sporty John Cooper Works cars, Sport models have more aggressive exterior styling on the numbers and sideskirts, and gloss black grille surrounds. There’s a sportier steering wheel design, too. LED headlights, dual-zone air-con and dynamic cruise control are all included, and the infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Classic: With a more traditional look, inspired by MINI's heritage, the Classic style comes with synthetic leather seats in grey or black with a houndstooth pattern. A black gloss grille on the outside is offset by a silver Mini logo, and 16-inch wheels are included as standard.
• Exclusive: Carrying a more sophisticated vibe, the Exclusive trim has silver accents on the outside, and perforated synthetic leather upholstery, with a dashboard covered in a knitted recycled fabric.

After the original owners chose their trim level, they add equipment packages, named after the trim levels from the original MINI Electric:

• Level 1: The most affordable package includes keyless access, folding and auto-dimming mirror, heated front seats, adaptive LED headlights and a head-up display.
• Level 2: The mid-spec package adds a panoramic glass sunroof, sun protection glass all round, a Harman Kardon sound system and adaptive cruise control. 
• Level 3: The top-spec package has an even larger glass sunroof (called a Skyroof), electrically adjustable front seats with a massage function for the driver, an interior camera that you can access remotely via an app and a 360-degree exterior camera system to help manoeuvring.

Used MINI Electric dimensions and boot size 

The MINI Electric's exterior dimensions are: 

Original MINI Electric

• Length: 3863mm
• Width: 1727mm
• Height: 1414mm

Second-generation MINI Cooper Electric

• Length: 3858mm
• Width: 1756mm
• Height: 1460mm

The MINI Electric’s boot size is:

Original MINI Electric

• 211 litres
• 731 litres with back seats folded

Second-generation MINI Cooper Electric

• 210 litres
• 800 litres with back seats folded

Used MINI Electric road tax

As with all electric cars, there’s no Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) to pay on the MINI Electric. Well, for now at least. From April 2025, the rules change – new electric cars will pay £10 VED when they’re first registered, and then from the second year they’ll attract the standard flat rate, which is currently £190 a year.

How much is it to insure a MINI Electric? 

Insurance for the MINI Electric isn’t terribly cheap. Depending on the model, it sits between insurance groups 22 and 26 of 50. Groups for the latest Mini Cooper Electric hadn’t been announced at the time of writing.

Read our full MINI Electric review