MINI is the latest manufacturer that will have a new, an all-electric offering for South African customers in the shape of the MINI Cooper SE with first deliveries scheduled for October.
The price might raise a few eyebrows. At R642 000 for the S trim level and R722 000 for the L trim level, MINI says it will be the most affordable electric vehicle (EV) in the country and that it is not the most expensive MINI available locally.
The only other offerings available locally are the BMW i3-series from the same stable which also includes a model with a “range extender” small petrol engine for back-up. BMW also have plug-in hybrids in the X5 and 7 Series ranges. Other full EVs are the Jaguar I-Pace and the Porsche Taycan with Toyota and Lexus offering a range of full hybrids.
MINI launched the new model with a number of demonstration models available for customers across the country. The model has a 200 km range on a full charge. Charging time ranges from as little as 30 minutes during regular commutes to a couple of hours, depending on the model and usage.
On the question if BMW considers increasing its electric charging points around South Africa maybe in conjunction with other manufacturers, a company spokesperson says they cannot speak on behalf of other manufacturers.
BMW said to Dealerfloor they would however welcome every competitor that can help to speed up the adoption of electromobility and draw attention to its benefits. In South Africa, BMW currently has around 60 ChargeNow charging sites, with a total of 104 chargers (six of the sites are shared with Nissan as part of the companies' original Memorandum of Understanding, signed in 2015).
There are five DC fast chargers at BMW i dealerships nationwide, and these ChargeNow stations can be accessed using a ChargeNow card at no cost to owners and drivers. The BMW Group’s pure electric models in South Africa – BMW i3 and, now, the Mini Cooper SE – are intended for use primarily in cities and suburbs, says the company in a statement.
The BMW Group delivered more than 140 000 electrified (pure electric and plug-in hybrids) vehicles to customers in 2018. A total of 145 815 electrified BMW and Mini vehicles were sold worldwide in 2019 – an increase of 2,2% over the previous year. By the end of 2021, they aim to have a total of more than one million electrified vehicles on the roads and expects electrified vehicles to account for between 15-25% of global sales before 2025, the company said in a statement.
Looking for the perfect family vehicle that does not compromise on style or your budget? Say hello to the all-new Hyundai Alcazar – designed with South African families in mind, says the Korean manufacturer.
Proton SA says that following the recent release of CMH’s annual results, it would like to clarify Proton South Africa’s position and reaffirm the company’s long-term commitment to the local market.
A shift towards an electric vehicle landscape in South Africa will get another boost with the soon-to-be released Geely Riddara double cab 4x4 and 4x2 bakkies locally by Enviro Automotive.
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Looking for the perfect family vehicle that does not compromise on style or your budget? Say hello to the all-new Hyundai Alcazar – designed with South African families in mind, says the Korean manufacturer.
Isuzu introduced the latest evolution of the MU-X locally with the latest model line-up raising the bar with improved styling, upgraded technology and safety, and refined driving dynamics. The range is also being bolstered with the addition of a new flagship model, the 3.0-litre 4x4 ONYX XT.
Omoda has officially unveiled its new C3. Building on the legacy of “Art in Motion”, the C3 draws inspiration from lightning, merging cyber-futuristic sharpness with deconstructed lines and electric energy to redefine aesthetic expression, the manufacturer claims.
