Under the Hood of the New EV Battery Study

A new study was recently done by scientists in the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center. This center is a joint venture between Stanford University’s Precourt Institute for Energy and the SLAC National Accelerator Lab.
They found that batteries used real-world conditions such as heavy traffic, short trips in the city, and even long highway trips lasted longer than the batteries that were originally tested in the lab. In the lab, they simulated use by creating a constant rate of discharge and then recharging.

What Did the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center Do?

The SLAC-Standford Battery Center conducted their test differently than the previous battery tests. They replicated real-world conditions and driving patterns by designing different discharge patterns based on real data. They tested 92 lithium-ion batteries for over two years using a variety of different scenarios such as electronic starting and stopping, to mimic real conditions.

What Did They Find?

Once batteries were being used out in real driving conditions, including long periods of being parked, they realized that the way they were testing the batteries in the lab was not a good way to predict the life expectancy. Other driving habits such as frequent acceleration, braking the charges the battery, and letting the battery rest for several hours such as overnight, helps them last up to 40 percent longer.

So What Does This Mean for EV Drivers?

What does this pleasant surprise mean for people who already drive electric vehicles or are looking into buying electric SUVs? It means that EV drivers could save a significant amount of money in the long run.
One of the things that was holding some car buyers back from choosing an EV over a gas vehicle was the idea that they would have to replace the battery, Now, they can feel more comfortable with the idea of an EV, knowing that the replacement is many years down the road. Batteries that last longer help reduce the overall cost of owning an EV.

What Affects Battery Life

EV batteries can last 10 or 20 years, but there are many things that can have an effect on how long they last. One of the biggest factors is battery chemistry. There are two main types of batteries found in EVs: lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride. Most EVs have lithium-ion batteries.
In addition to the type of battery, the environmental conditions can impact its lifespan. Extreme heat and cold can affect the chemical process. DC fast charging is another factor that can affect battery life. Frequent use is linked to faster degradation.

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Michigan: The Heart of American Automotive

Michigan’s identity is linked to the automotive industry, making it a key player in shaping national policies. As the birthplace of the Big Three, Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, Michigan has major political influence, with candidates often adjusting their platforms to address the needs of the state’s workforce and economy.

For a local Ford dealer, these policies can directly impact sales, manufacturing decisions, and incentives for electric vehicles (EVs). Presidential candidates frequently promise initiatives to protect and grow automotive jobs, and debates often center around subsidies for EV production, tariffs on imported vehicles, and investments in domestic manufacturing.

Michigan’s prominence in green energy discussions is also growing. Federal support for EV tax credits and charging infrastructure is not just a national issue but a local one, as Michigan workers stand to benefit from expanded production and innovation.

Ohio: A Manufacturing Powerhouse

Ohio, another swing state, plays a huge role in shaping automotive policies. With a strong tradition of manufacturing and assembly plants, Ohio’s economy heavily relies on the automotive sector. Policies that promote domestic production and discourage outsourcing are crucial to the state’s workforce.

Green energy policies are a growing priority in Ohio, especially as automakers shift toward EV production. A local Ford dealer in Ohio might see firsthand how incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles influence consumer decisions. Presidential candidates often use Ohio as a platform to discuss infrastructure investments, including charging stations, and how these initiatives will create jobs and modernize the industry.

Pennsylvania: Where Energy Meets Automotive

Pennsylvania’s role in automotive policy discussions often intersects with its energy resources. As a major producer of natural gas, the state straddles the line between traditional energy policies and the push for green energy. This duality makes Pennsylvania a powerful voice in debates about the future of EVs and renewable energy in the automotive industry.

For Pennsylvania’s Ford dealer locations, consumer interest in EVs depends not only on federal tax credits but also on the development of infrastructure like charging stations. Candidates frequently highlight plans to expand green energy initiatives in Pennsylvania, aiming to attract investments from automakers and drive job creation in the process.

Swing States Matter

Swing states like Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are major areas for the future of the U.S. automotive industry. The policies debated and enacted during elections shape everything from job creation to technological innovation. Whether it’s ensuring the success of a local Ford dealer or positioning the U.S. as a leader in EV production, the impact of these states extends far beyond their borders.

As presidential candidates fight for votes in swing states, the automotive industry remains a central topic of discussion. From promises of job security to investments in green energy, the policies shaped in Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania will continue to steer the future of American manufacturing and mobility.

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Bridging the Gap with Charging Adapters

To make Tesla Superchargers compatible with their vehicles, Mercedes-Benz will offer a specialized adapter for $185, available through dealerships starting in February. This adapter will allow current Mercedes EV owners to connect to Tesla’s North American Charging System (NACS) plugs. While some competitors faced delays in making adapters available, Mercedes aims to avoid the same pitfalls by offering early and clear access to the technology.

A Shift Towards NACS Integration

Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz plans to eliminate the need for adapters entirely. Starting with its 2024 production, the brand will include built-in NACS charging ports in all North American electric models. This aligns with an industry-wide shift as major automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Volvo also move toward integrating NACS into their EV lineups.

This direct access to Tesla’s Superchargers adds to the convenience of EV ownership. With charging times faster than many public alternatives, the network represents a major upgrade for those planning long trips or daily commutes.

The Current Mercedes-Benz EV Lineup

Mercedes-Benz already offers an excellent selection of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, appealing to a wide range of drivers. Here’s a look at some of the standout models:

• GLC and GLE Plug-in Hybrid SUVs: Ideal for drivers who want electric efficiency and long-range flexibility.
• EQB SUV: A compact but spacious SUV designed for urban and family use.
• EQE and EQS Sedans: Sleek and luxurious options for those who prioritize premium performance.
• EQS SUV and EQS Maybach: These top-tier SUVs offer unmatched comfort and cutting-edge technology.
• Electric G-Class: An all-electric version of the iconic G-Wagon, bringing off-road power to the EV world.

Expanding its EV charging capabilities helps Mercedes-Benz ensure that these models remain competitive in an evolving market.

What This Means for EV Owners

The inclusion of the Tesla Supercharger network is a game-changer for Mercedes-Benz drivers. The convenience of fast-charging infrastructure reduces range anxiety and makes road trips more feasible.

For current owners who don’t want to wait for built-in NACS compatibility, the adapter provides an immediate solution. Though some may not like the $185 price tag, it’s a small price to pay for access to one of the most extensive and reliable charging networks available.

Driving Toward a Fully Connected Future

As the EV market continues to grow, Mercedes-Benz’s partnership with Tesla’s Supercharger will make a real difference. Whether you’re exploring the latest models at a Mercedes-Benz dealership or planning a long-distance trip in your EQS SUV, the integration of NACS ports and access to Tesla’s Superchargers improves electric mobility. By prioritizing convenience and expanding charging access, Mercedes-Benz is ensuring its drivers stay charged.

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Electric vehicles aren’t brand new to the market and actually date back much further than you might expect. That said, it wasn’t until the last dozen years or so that EVs have become popular enough to require an infrastructure for recharging the batteries or the development of faster charging capabilities.

Here are some important things to know about EV charging that will help demystify the confusion surrounding these vehicles.

How many levels of charging are there?

Currently, there are three distinct levels of charging that can be used for most electric vehicles. In many cases, modern EVs won’t charge quickly or effectively using Level 1 charging, but its still part of the available charging network. Let’s take a look at all three charging levels to understand what they offer.

Level 1

The most basic form of EV charging is Level 1. This means using a regular household 120V outlet to charge your electric vehicle. This is the slowest way to charge any vehicle, but it is the most widely available and convenient way to replenish the batteries, especially if you only drive your vehicle a few times per week. The charging rate using a Level 1 plug is about two to four miles of additional range per hour. This is the least efficient way to charge your EV, but it could work for some drivers who don’t drive often.

Level 2

The most useful type of charging is what you can use at home. Level 2 charging utilizes a 240-volt outlet, which is the same power as your clothes dryer needs. In most cases, in order to effectively charge your EV at home, you need to have a Level 2 charging plug installed in your home that can be used when you need to replenish the batteries. Most automakers offer an included Level 2 charger with the purchase of an EV, but they don’t include installation of a new 240-volt plug that operates separately from your clothes dryer.

The movement toward electric vehicles is extremely dependent upon EV owners adding a Level 2 charging outlet to their homes. In general, a Level 2 charging system can replenish EV batteries overnight. You’ll need to consult an electrician to ensure your home’s electric panel can support your new EV charging setup.

You may also find Level 2 chargers in many public spaces, such as parking garages and parking lots. Other public chargers are Level 3, and you need to know the difference.

Level 3

Level 3 chargers are the quickest of all three systems and they are also known as DC fast-chargers. These chargers are extremely useful on long trips and make it possible to take EVs on road trips because of the fast charging time. The speed at which these chargers operate depends on the setup, which can add between 100 and 250 miles of additional range in 30-45 minutes. The higher voltage means you can’t charge to 100% of the battery’s capacity while attached to the Level 3 charger.

These DC fast chargers operate at as little as 50 kW and as much as 500 kW, depending on the EV and the charger. Once an EV battery reaches 80% of the full charge, a Level 3 charger changes and slows down considerably. This is done to prevent overheating and overcharging.

Most automakers advise charging only to 80% when using Level 2 and Level 3 chargers.

What about the connectors?

Most EVs come with different connectors that you can utilize based on the speed of the EV charging being done. Level 1 and Level 2 charging uses a standard round port, which is called a J1772 connector. There are a few different types of connectors being used for Level 3 charging, including CCS and NACS connectors. The NACS connector is becoming the standard across the industry.

Some EVs use the CHAdeMO connector, but this plug is becoming obsolete. Soon, the CCS will also be obsolete, and all EVs will utilize the same connector.

Is the infrastructure ready?

You’ve probably seen more EV Level 3 charging stations along your route, especially during road trips, but the infrastructure growth hasn’t kept up with the increased number of EVs on the road. Still, most electric vehicles charge at home using Level 2 chargers, which makes them useful for most driving needs. If you’re considering an electric vehicle, now you know a little more about how to charge it and the various types of charging available to you.

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As you might expect, the Sierra EV and Silverado EV are built on the same platform, but as has always been the case, the GMC truck has higher-class features and qualities to make it the more upscale truck for your driving experience. The first model year for the Sierra EV came late in the model-year cycle, which means it hasn’t been available for long, but now we’ll get a full year with this new electric truck.

A few updates for a newish truck

The 2025 version of this electric truck will have a smaller battery option to provide more choices than before. There will be new trims added later in the year, with the AT4 and Elevation models entering the lineup to give you more options when looking at this electric truck. This truck debuted last year with only a few choices, but a more affordable Extended Range version or the Denali trim has been added to the mix.

Until the new additions arrive, the Denali trim includes remote automatic parking and an upgrade to the 5G connection. New paint colors, including Dark Ember Tintcoat, Deep Ocean Metallic, Summit White, Onyx Black, and Moonlight Matte, are available this year, giving you several new colors to choose from.

The power you need in an electric truck

The GMC Sierra EV comes standard with a powerful setup in the Denali trim. This electric powertrain has motors at the front and rear wheels, giving you the benefits of AWD in every model. The motors produce 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque.

You’ll also have several other tricks up your sleeve with this truck including an air suspension that can raiser or lower the truck to give you the height you need when you get behind the wheel. The Sierra EV should also have the benefits of the Hummer Ev’s “Crab Walk” feature which allows the truck to drive diagonally thanks to the turning off the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels.

Admirable driving qualities

This electric pickup truck from GMC isn’t short on anything. You’ll find a variety of drive models that allow the Sierra to drive the way you want. This truck also features a one-pedal driving option, which utilizes the regenerative braking system to slow the truck when you lift of the accelerator. The Sierra EV is shockingly quick, pardon the pun, but that’s what you get when you drive an electric vehicle of any size.

Quick and capable, what more would you ask for?

The GMC Sierra EV in the Denali Edition 1 trim can hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. While that’s not as quick as the Hummer EV, which completed the sprint in 3.3 seconds, it’s still exciting and quick. This is an incredible number for a truck that weighs as much as the Sierra EV.

While the sprint time is admirable, you probably don’t need this truck to rocket off the line for you. Instead, you’re probably more interested in the towing capacity. The Sierra EV can tow up to 10,000 pounds and can be equipped with the ProGrade Trailering system, which gives you:

• An integrated trailer brake controller
• A hitch-view camera
• Trailer tire pressure sensors
• Trailer camera
• Blind-spot compatibility to the rear of the trailer

How far can you go?

If you want to drive this big and powerful truck for work, you need to know that it has you covered all day long. GMC offers this electric truck with an impressive driving range of 440 miles with the Max Range battery pack. If you need to add more range to the mix, it won’t take long. The Sierra EV can add up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes using a Level 3 DC fast charging station. This means you can drive this truck all day long and keep working the way you would with a gas-powered Sierra.

One build for all

Every version of the GMC Sierra EV is a crew cab pickup with a six-foot bed. This should give you more than enough space for your whole family or work crew to enjoy the comfort offered inside this truck. There is a midgate function that expands the bed into the cabin to make it easier for you to carry longer items. You’ll also find a frunk where the gas engine would have resided, which means you’ve got all the cargo space you could ask for.

Will the new 2025 GMC Sierra EV become the electric truck you depend on every day?

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Tesla’s Story

Tesla began the EV market as we know it today and the company remains the strongest seller of EV models in the world. From China, BYD is close, but nothing in the United States compares. The Tesla Model Y is currently the world’s best-selling vehicle. Alongside the compact SUV, the Model 3 sedan is the second most popular. Higher-end models include the Model S sedan and the Model X SUV. Most recently, the Cybertruck has captured the imaginations of EV buyers.

Rivian’s Story

Several EV startups have tried to take on Tesla and gain success, but only a few have managed to produce a large number of vehicles and get them to customers. Rivian is one of those. The California company began in 2009 and in 2021 it launched its first vehicle, the Rivian R1T pickup truck. It was the first electric pickup of the modern EV era. Rivian followed that with the R1S, a big SUV based on the same platform. Rivian also makes a delivery van for Amazon, one of its original investment backers.

Comparing Rivian and Tesla Vehicles

Tesla’s trademark is mostly medium-sized sedans and SUVs, while Rivian is going after buyers who want larger vehicles with off-road ability. Rivian’s brand description embraces the outdoors. Both Tesla and Rivian vehicles are packed with cutting-edge and thoughtful features.

For example, the R1T has a nifty gear tunnel where you can stash items between the cab and bed. The Rivian truck and SUV have a choice of four motors, an adjustable height suspension, and multiple drive modes for taking on rough terrain.

On the other hand, Tesla’s vehicles are strongly geared toward urban and suburban driving. They’re designed to deliver on-road performance, and that’s especially true if you look at a sporty model like the Model S Plaid. There is some overlap between the two brands, including modern technology and design simplicity.

Both Rivian and Tesla have done away with physical buttons, which is cool on one front, but frustrating when you need to use the touchscreen simply to change the air vent direction.

Buying a Tesla or Rivian

One perk of buying either a Tesla or a Rivian is that you can order easily online. Both companies reject the traditional dealership model and instead sell their models directly to customers via their websites. This easy ordering method makes both companies feel distinctly modern and it may even represent the future of the auto industry.

Which Should You Choose?

It’s difficult to say that one brand is heads and tails better than the other as they both appeal to different consumers. If a truck or a large SUV with impressive off-road chops is your preference, then Rivian beats Tesla easily. However, Rivian doesn’t have an answer for Tesla’s sportier offerings either. So, it largely depends on what you want.

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Access to Tesla Superchargers

GM customers in the United States will soon be able to use Tesla’s Supercharger network, thanks to the introduction of the GM-approved NACS DC adapter. The adapter allows Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC EV drivers to connect their vehicles to the extensive Tesla Supercharger network. Initially launching in the US for $225, the adapter will also be available to Canadian customers later this year.

This move grants GM customers access to more than 231,800 public Level 2 and DC fast chargers throughout North America. With this expansion, GM drivers can now tap into reliable charging stations that were previously exclusive to Tesla owners. Now, long-distance travel and daily commuting is much easier.

Improving the Customer Experience

Through the vehicle mobile app, GM customers can locate Tesla Superchargers, check station status, initiate charging sessions, and even pay for charging, all within one platform. This user-friendly approach makes EV ownership more convenient by simplifying the charging process, reducing range anxiety, and helping drivers find charging stations when they need them most.

Collaborative Efforts in Charging Infrastructure

GM’s partnership with Tesla to offer Supercharger access is just one part of its broader strategy to improve public EV charging infrastructure. GM has already taken steps to expand its own charging network in collaboration with companies like EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers. For instance, GM is working with EVgo to install 2,850 DC fast chargers in major metropolitan areas across the US, and it’s building an additional 2,000 fast chargers at Pilot and Flying J travel centers to accommodate long-distance travelers.

GM’s involvement in the creation of IONNA, a joint venture to develop a high-powered charging network, shows its commitment to accessible EV infrastructure. With a goal of installing more than 30,000 chargers in both urban and highway locations, GM is working hard to ensure that EV drivers have plenty of options when it comes to fast, reliable charging.

A Bright Future for EV Drivers

With GM’s expansion into the Tesla Supercharger network, EV drivers will have even more charging options at their fingertips. This collaboration between two major players in the electric vehicle space signals a future where EV owners can expect greater convenience and accessibility, no matter where they’re headed. By improving public charging infrastructure and making it easier for customers to charge their vehicles, GM is leading the way toward a more electrified and connected future.

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The electric vehicle world covers almost anything with wheels, a motor, and a battery. A bike powered by an electric motor could be extremely useful for college students on campus, for an urban population, and as a companion vehicle for some driving adventures. Ford recently teamed up with N+ to build some electric bikes that will wear two of the most popular Ford nameplates: Bronco and Mustang.

Let’s see what these two new electric bikes have to offer.

The differences in character

The Ford Bronco and Mustang couldn’t be much different from each other, save for the ultimate goal of each vehicle. These two vehicles are made to make driving fun but in different ways. The Bronco is a hardcore off-roader that’s designed and developed to tackle nearly every outdoor trail and obstacle in its path, while the Mustang is made to be a fun and fast muscle car that can tear up the track and leave other cars in the dust. Both vehicles are made to be fun, and Ford has teamed up with N+ to make a bike that fits each vehicle’s individual personality.

Ideal design DNA

Much like the vehicles they are named for, the two electric bikes are made to tackle different areas of biking fun. The Bronco model is a trail-riding mountain bike with an electric motor that is ideal for your fun hill climbs and trail rides while the Mustang has performance and handling on the street in its DNA, giving it the spirit of the iconic pony car.
These two builds make it easy to have a bike that can be a lot of fun wherever you want to take your ride.

What does the Bronco e-bike offer?

The Bronco e-bike has a motorcycle-style seat to make it more comfortable when you hit a bump or ride over some roots in the forest. This bike has a dual suspension system with rims that are wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M hardwall tires that are knobby and made to give you better grip and durability when you take this bike on the wilderness trails that you want to explore. This bike could be the perfect companion to its namesake, giving you a great way to explore trails where the Bronco 4×4 can’t go.

What does the Mustang e-bike offer?

If you want an electric bike that has a sportier look and feel, the Mustang e-bike is the right choice. This model has an aluminum alloy frame and a conventional saddle-style seat that makes it look more like a regular bike. The tires are a set of Pirelli Angel GT semi-slicks that give this bike the perfect riding feel when racing down the streets in your local town. The Mustang e-bike helps celebrate 60 years of the pony car with a 60th Anniversary Edition with vintage decals and available limited numbers to give you something extra special.

What drives these two e-bikes?

Both bikes use the same hub-mounted electric motor that is good for 1 horsepower (yes, only one) and 63 lb-ft of torque. This is more than enough power to allow an average-sized person to enjoy the ride. The top speed of these e-bikes is limited to 28 MPH, and the driving range is 60 miles. The battery pack is a 48-volt 720-Wh battery, which takes 3.5 hours to charge to refresh the batteries.

These bikes also feature a set of four-piston hydraulic disc brakes, a set of bright lights, and an LDC display on the handlebars that shows the speed, range, and battery life to ensure riders know what’s going on with the motor and drive system.

These Ford-branded e-bikes aren’t cheap

You wouldn’t expect an electric bike with Pirelli tires to be cheap, and these e-bikes are not. The Mustang model starts at $4,000, while the Bronco model will cost at least $4,500. Both bikes offer the choice of ten colors, but these choices cost an additional $390 to go away from the standard colors provided.

These new Ford e-bikes should begin delivery later in 2024, giving many shoppers an option of a fantastic companion vehicle or the right electric bike for students to ride around on college campuses.

How will you use your e-bike

Could the Bronco or Mustang e-bike be the right choice for you? If you love to ride around on two wheels but you don’t want to pedal, these bikes give you an enjoyable electric option that bridges the gap between a traditional bicycle and a motorcycle.

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Your gas-powered vehicle loses power and acceleration while driving in the mountains. This is caused by the extra work a vehicle has to do to drive uphill but also because the air is thinner, and most gas and diesel-powered vehicles are made to perform ideally at sea level. EVs tend to maintain power better in the mountains because they don’t require air to operate the electric motors, but are you losing driving range when going up a mountain?

How well do EVs handle climbing a mountain?

It only makes sense that when a machine is working to go up a mountain road, it takes more energy to complete this task than driving on flat ground. EVs don’t lose power like combustion vehicles because the thinner air doesn’t affect them, but they will lose driving range more rapidly while climbing a mountain than when driving on level ground.
Because your EV will lose some driving range when going up mountains, you need to plan for some range loss when driving these roads. It is smart to know where the nearest electric charging stations are located to plan stops along the way.

Can you regain driving range on the way down?

Driving down a sloped mountain road means you’ll use the engine to handle much of your braking. Electric vehicles not only use engine braking but capture some of that energy by utilizing the regenerative braking system. This energy is sent to the batteries and can add more miles to your driving range.

In a recent test by the team at The Fast Lane, the team learned that EVs regain much of the energy lost from the incline during the decline portion of a mountain drive. They did this test by going up on one side and back down, going in the opposite direction. If you test this out during your mountain drive and continue to go forward toward your destination, there might be some variances in slope, which means you might not recapture as much energy on the way down as you lost on the way up.

What factors impact an electric vehicle’s driving range?

Colder temperatures

Driving on mountain roads that rise high above sea level means you might face some challenges while behind the wheel. Other than the incline and decline of the mountain grades, the air temperature is often colder when you reach high altitudes. This colder temperature could mean driving range loss for an EV, even if all you do is park it for a little while.

Driving style

While not as much an environmental issue as a user problem, your driving style and driving conditions can significantly impact your driving range. When you drive at high speeds or aggressively, you will quickly notice a decrease in your driving range due to the increased energy consumption. Don’t allow other drivers to force you to drive faster or more aggressively than you would normally.

Vehicle makeup

Each electric vehicle has a quoted driving range, and that figure is based on several factors. This number is calculated using battery capacity, vehicle weight, electric motor power, and aerodynamics. Most modern EVs have a 70% useful rate for the maximum driving range.

Charging habits

What are your charging habits? If you typically charge at home and push the battery capacity to 100% of its charge, your battery lie will be reduced. The same can be said if you use fast charging stations almost exclusively. If you choose to charge at home, set a limit for the charge you want on the battery. Stopping below 100% battery charge can extend your battery’s life. The only time you should charge to 100% capacity is when you head out on a road trip and will need to charge several times along the way.

How can you maximize your driving range?

You probably never thought about the driving range of your vehicle until you bought an EV. Electric vehicles come with this concern because you can’t find a charging station on every corner. If you want to maximize your driving range, you should:

• Employ efficient driving habits
• Plan your route
• Avoid poorly maintained roads
• Minimize using climate system in your EV
• Maintain your tires

For the most part, the driving range lost in an electric vehicle while going up a mountain road will be regained on the other side while coming down. This is good to know, but if you drive an EV, you’ve got to keep an eye on that driving range and know where charging stations are located along your route.

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Its difficult to put the Mini Cooper in any category. It could be a premium subcompact car, it might be an extremely tiny SUV, or it might be one of the last remaining hatchbacks in the market. Regardless of what this little car brings to the table, it is a stylish, fun, and active vehicle. The SE model comes as an EV, which makes it even more intriguing and charming.

What powers the electric Cooper?

This small and unique EV could be the darling of the town. Many people might turn and look as you drive on by. The SE Electric is great for city driving but not so great on the highway. Its driving range is limited to only 114 miles on a single charge. This driving range comes from a 135-kW electric motor that gives this little vehicle 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. A full recharge when using a DC fast charger takes about 90 minutes, and an at-home 240-volt battery pack does the job in 4.75 hours.

What does the Cooper EV include?

The Mini Cooper SE Electric has a few unique features that are ideal for this electric vehicle. It has a unique set of 16-inch wheels and a heat pump to handle the heating system. Otherwise this model uses the same trim ladder as the other Cooper models. This electric Mini has a two-door configuration, which makes it highly recognizable.

Here’s what you’ll find at each trim of this electric Mini Cooper:

Classic Trim

• Run-flat tires
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Automatic on/off LED headlights with cornering lights
• Heated power side mirrors
• Heated washer jets
• Carbon-black leatherette upholstery
• Height-adjustable manual front seats
• Cruise control
• Power windows and door locks
• Manual air conditioning
• Leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• Digital instrument cluster
• 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 6-speaker audio system
• Bluetooth connectivity
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Apple CarPlay
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Rearview monitor
• Rear parking sensors
• Tire pressure monitor

The Classic trim options include three colors, performance summer tires, and heated front seats.

Signature Trim

• Additional exterior colors, including roof and mirror colors
• Power-folding mirrors
• Proximity key fob
• Keyless entry
• Panoramic moonroof
• Dual-zone automatic climate controls
• Heated front seats
• Navigation system

If you choose the Signature trim, you can delete the panoramic moonroof and the navigation system if you desire. Options for this trim include:

• Heated steering wheel
• Alarm system
• Cloth and leatherette upholstery
• Roof rails
• Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel

Iconic Trim

• Additional paint and roof choices
• Nappa leather steering wheel
• Head-up display
• Wireless charging pad
• Premium leather upholstery

Check out the Union Jack taillights

The Union Jack is the national flag of the United Kingdom, bringing elements of the English, Scottish, and Welsh flags together in a unified manner. The Mini Cooper SE Electric has a set of taillights that utilize this design with LED lights and interesting uses of the stripes. The diagonal part of the lights is the regular taillight, while the horizontal part acts as the turn signal. This leaves the vertical part to be the brake light, offering a unique way to signal other drivers and pay homage to the UK.

Can an FWD car be fun to drive?

The Mini Cooper, in any of its forms, is supposed to be a fun and active car. This impressive machine is only offered with FWD, but that doesn’t make it less fun. The quick acceleration of the electric powertrain in the SE Electric model makes it easy to take this car out for a spin around town. You’re sure to enjoy the peppiness and quick steering responses when behind the wheel.

No Android Auto… bummer

The Mini Cooper SE Electric is certainly behind the times. This car doesn’t offer standard phone integration, which is odd. In fact, Android Auto is not available for this little car at all. That could be the BMW influence at work. Apple CarPlay is part of the mix, and Android users will have to connect via Bluetooth when driving this small electric car.

The electric Mini Cooper could be a good choice for drivers who don’t mind sticking to city streets. It has a low driving range and doesn’t provide connectivity for Android users. Still, this little car has the style you admire that makes it recognizable as part of the Mini Cooper family. Will you choose the Mini Cooper SE Electric?

The post 2024 Mini Cooper SE Electric: Compact, Charming, City Cruiser first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

The post 2024 Mini Cooper SE Electric: Compact, Charming, City Cruiser appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.