According to Mike Peyton, vice president of MINI in the USA, dynamic characteristics, refined handling and driving excitement these days do not necessarily have to be the prerogative of cars with a petrol engine. In a conversation with Motor Authority, he noted that the company sees great potential in the electric version of the MINI John Cooper Works. Over time, the fastest and most powerful representatives of the MINI model range should also become environmentally friendly, but at the moment a number of circumstances prevent this, the main one being the current level of development of battery technologies.
Like their compatriots from McLaren, MINI engineers are of the opinion that modern batteries are still too heavy and bulky, which is especially critical when trying to place them in a compact hatchback. Therefore, until electrification technologies reach the required level, MINI intends to continue producing cars with petrol engines. Of course, not forgetting about hybrid versions. Meanwhile, sales of the brand's first electric model, the MINI Cooper SE, equipped with a 184-horsepower electric motor and capable of traveling up to 270 kilometers on a single charge, will start soon.
