Mini has significantly increased the range of its all-electric Countryman model, now offering up to 311 miles on a single charge. This update is a direct response to growing competition in the EV market, where longer ranges are becoming standard. The upgrade keeps Mini competitive against rivals like the Skoda Elroq (355 miles) and Ford Explorer (374 miles).
Efficiency Gains Through Technology
The range improvement isn’t due to a larger battery but to smarter engineering. Key upgrades include:
- A new silicon-carbide inverter, which minimizes energy loss during power conversion from DC to AC. This technology is becoming increasingly common in EVs because it extracts more usable power from the same battery capacity.
- Low-friction wheel bearings on the front axle, further reducing energy waste.
- A slight increase in usable battery capacity (from 64.6 kWh to 65.2 kWh), maximizing the available energy for driving.
The all-wheel-drive Countryman E All4 also benefits from these improvements, now achieving 290 miles of range, a notable increase from its previous 267-mile capability.
Pricing and Market Impact
The Countryman E remains the most affordable version of Mini’s crossover lineup, starting at £29,255 thanks to the UK government’s Electric Car Grant scheme, which provides a £3750 discount. The Countryman is a critical model for Mini; in 2023, it accounted for nearly one-third of all Mini sales, with over 93,305 units registered globally.
The updates underscore how manufacturers are now refining existing EV technology to extend range without drastically increasing battery size or costs. This trend suggests that incremental improvements in efficiency will be just as important as larger battery capacity in the coming years.
