DISCOVER THE BENEFITS OF GOING ELECTRIC WITH MINI

Electric and hybrid vehicle technology is rapidly advancing, customers are now reaping the benefits of an alternative energy. From taking advantage of grants and incentives, to joining the movement for our planet’s sustainable future, there are lots of reasons to go electric today.

Are you considering your first electric vehicle or just fancy trying something new? Either way you probably have questions around the practicality of electric vehicles today, how the costs stack up and whether you will be able to find a model you like.

At Sandal, we are committed to a greener future, and there has never been a better time to consider the switch. We are here to help you make sense of all things electric and hybrid and hope this will help with some of those unanswered questions, keep you up to date and put your mind at ease!



WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MINI PLUG-IN AND MINI ELECTRIC?



MINI PLUG-IN HYBRIDS

Plug in Hybrid vehicles are driven by two power sources, a combustion fossil fuel engine and electric motor. Plug-In hybrids provide a step change to the electric vehicles and allow a greater distance to be driven by electric alone and providing the added benefit of lower running costs, reduced emissions, and an exceptional driving experience. During driving, electric powered or combustion, the Plug-In Hybrid allows the vehicle to motor with these power sources independently or in combination.

MINI FULLY - ELECTRIC

The fully electric vehicle, simply put, is the cheapest, cleanest and quietest to run. They rely on power by electric battery and motor only as power. They provide a solution to remove the fossil fuel engine completely and a solution to zero-emission when driving. The energy from the brakes can be reused but requires charging via a plug-in.

Currently a single charge of an electric vehicle is between 150-200 miles and as technology improves and designs are revised, the mileage range is becoming less of an issue. Where longer journeys need to be taken, charging facilities have a big impact on the practicality of owning an electric vehicle but there is now a wealth of fast charging points available across the UK to charge your car on the route at most service stations.

Battery technology is also constantly improving as well as well as the levels of instant acceleration improve both speed, traction and cornering ability from the electric motor. The life of the battery life can be 100,000’s of miles before it needs to be replaced. Schemes for recycling these batteries are also beginning to develop that can utilise the life of remain car batteries for alternative use.



WHY CHANGE TO ALTERNATIVE ENERGY?



ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Whether your choice is the MINI Fully Electric or a Hybrid, the switch from a traditional fossil fuelled car releases far fewer emissions into the atmosphere.  They can be refuelled or recharged by a multiple of options from charging at home to one of the 7,000 charging points nationwide. Plug-In Hybrids have the added convenience benefit, particularly on longer journeys of using tradition fuel in the combustion engine to top up a journey where needed. 

FINANCIAL SAVINGS

Whether it be MINI electric or hybrid motors, fuels stops are less frequent, and your running costs can be kept to a minimum. When it comes to maintenance costs, electric becomes an even more attractive option – brakes systems tend to last longer, and electric vehicles have fewer fluids to change and far fewer moving parts.

PERFORMANCE

Its fact, unlike MINI traditional powered vehicles, MINI electric and hybrid deliver higher levels of torque instantaneously. They accelerate at a faster rate and faster and a more exhilarating drive! In addition to the power benefits, they have increased performance handling including the ability to power and brake each wheel individually to improve traction and cornering ability.

CONNECTIVITY

MINI Electric and Hybrid vehicles are the vehicles of the future. The new technologies are becoming standard features of both electric and hybrid vehicles often before those of fossil fuelled powered vehicles which provides better integration and connectivity to the wider world!

The Government announced the plan to ban the sales of new traditionally fuel-powered cars by 2035 to force the switch to electric or hybrid power. This however this remains challenging for the National Grid and its capabilities from the home and how power could be made available.



​HOW TO STAY CHARGED.

With the growing charging network, charging is becoming more and more effortless, with easy and convenient charging methods. ​



HOME CHARGING

HOUSEHOLD POWER SOCKET (AC)

Many people like the convenience of charging from home. All MINI Electric and Plug-in Hybrid models come equipped with charging cables compatible with any domestic 3-pin power outlet. The cycle takes between 5-10 hours (0-100%) so that they can recharged overnight or during work hours.

THE MINI WALLBOX

These can be mounted onto the wall of the house or garage and connected to the homes electrical system, allowing for 70% faster vehicle charging than with the standard charging cables.

PUBLIC CHARGING

The network is continually expanding to ensure that drivers can remain charged on the move. In partnership with Chargemaster, the BMW ChargeNow service can be used with the BMW integrated navigation system, the BMW Connected App or the BMW ChargeNOw homepage. This provides cashless and monthly billing providing an overview of all charge events and costs with access to over 7,000 location nationwide.

AC charging stations have a higher charging performance and can charge the high-voltage battery to 80% of its full capacity in under three hours.

DC (direct current) public charging station enables you to charge at speed. The energy is transferred directly to the vehicle's battery charging to 80% of its full capacity in under 40 minutes.

With a range of finance options available individual and business customers, it’s never been easier to switch and purchase electric.

Explore our Electric and Plug-In Hybrid range below or contact your local Sandal centre for more information or we are happy to help should you like to book a test drive.



MINI Plug-In-Hybrid 

MINI Full Electric