MINI Countryman Electric Vehicle Premieres in United States at Climate Week

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【Summary】The MINI Countryman EV has made its debut in the U.S. during Climate Week. The U.S. market is important to BMW as it rolls out the new generation of MINIs. The MINI design was born out of necessity during fuel shortages in the UK, leading to the unconventional decision to turn the engine sideways and position the wheels at the corners. To succeed in the U.S., MINI had to consider challenges such as the absence of tax credits and the preference for larger cars.

FutureCar Staff Sep 19, 2023 11:19 PM PT

MINI Countryman Electric Vehicle Premieres in United States at Climate Week

BMW is placing a strong emphasis on the U.S. market as it introduces the new generation of MINIs. The company has shown that it understands the essence of the MINI brand. The MINI design originated from the fuel shortages caused by the Suez Canal crisis in the late 1950s. British manufacturers had to create their own fuel-efficient cars to stay competitive. The MINI's innovative design featured a sideways engine configuration, allowing for optimal space utilization and positioning of the wheels at the corners of the car.

In addition to its unconventional design, the MINI also integrated the transmission within the engine's bottom sump, creating a cohesive unit with a shared oil system. This design decision has been adopted by many electric vehicles today. As BMW moves MINI into the EV world, it is returning to some of the pioneering roots of the brand.

While small, compact, and efficient cars have always been popular in the European market, BMW had to make some changes to succeed with Mini EVs in the U.S. market. One major challenge was the absence of tax credits and additional tariffs for EVs from China. To overcome this, MINI announced plans to continue manufacturing MINIs in the UK, potentially beating tariffs and even obtaining tax credits for MINI buyers.

Another challenge was the changing preference of U.S. consumers who are less inclined towards small cars. To address this, MINI decided to produce and sell the MINI Countryman, a small crossover version of the vehicle, in North America. Offering a manual transmission in limited numbers could also be a beneficial addition to the U.S. market.

During Climate Week NYC, MINI USA unveiled the new all-MINI Countryman Electric, marking its debut in North America. The larger-sized all-MINI Countryman Electric represents a significant step in MINI's journey towards fully electrified mobility and sustainable design. The brand's commitment to innovation and embracing a greener future is showcased in this exciting model.

The unveiling of the new electric Countryman took place during a panel discussion hosted by URBAN-X, MINI's urban technology startup platform, at Newlab in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. MINI's redesigned digital ecosystem, enhanced utility, and electric power were highlighted during the event. The panel also delved into the future of mobility and BMW Group's sustainability strategy.

By introducing the all-MINI Countryman Electric, MINI is not only creating an electric version of its iconic car but also prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. This move aligns with MINI's goal of becoming a more sustainable and fully electrified brand by 2030.

Image: BMW/MINI