‘Corona Spoke’ Wheels Renamed To ‘Power Spoke’ On Mini Cooper SE Electric

Due to obvious reasons, Mini USA has changed the name of ‘Corona Spoke’ wheels used on Mini Cooper SE electric car to ‘Power Spoke’. These uniquely designed wheels carry a futuristic look and feel and have been tested for improved aerodynamics.

With a global disaster now associated with the term, the company appears to have made a prudent decision with the renaming exercise. It may be recalled that ‘Corona’ is a widely used term and has different meanings related to pubbing, astronomy, and botany. This is not the first time something like this has been done in the auto industry. Tata’s best selling car – Tiago, was originally named Zica. But later its name was changed as it sounded similar to Zika virus.

Speaking about the Mini Cooper SE electric car, it was being speculated that it could be launched in the Indian market. However, given the adverse conditions created by coronavirus pandemic, things are expected to be delayed. The company could take a decision when the situation improves in India and its home country USA.

The company’s current portfolio in India comprises Mini 3-door Hatch, Mini Convertible and Mini Countryman. If launch plans for Mini Cooper SE electric get the green signal, the car will be assembled at the company’s production facility in Chennai.

In comparison to world’s bestselling electric car Tesla Model 3, Mini Cooper SE is relatively cheaper. In the US, it retails at a starting price of USD 29,900. Power is supplied by a T-shaped 32.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is placed on the floor of the car. The motor is capable of generating max power of 184 hp and max torque of 270 Nm.

Available range is 235 to 270 km depending on the chosen mode and driving conditions. This modest range has been a limiting factor for some people, as the usual expectation from current generation electric cars is 400-500 km. In the Indian market, recently launched Hyundai Kona electric car offers a range of 452 km. Tata Nexon electric has an ARAI-certified range of 312 km.

Range may not be an issue for Mini Cooper SE in the US market, as the company has set up more than 19,000 public charging locations. Moreover, the battery can be charged to 80% in just 36 minutes using a 50kW DC fast charger. With another hour of charging, the battery reaches 100% charge. When using a home charger, the battery can be charged to 80% in 3.2 hours.

Mini Cooper SE electric offers fast acceleration, with 0-60 kmph achieved in just 3.9 seconds. 0-100 kmph takes 7.3 seconds. Top speed is 150 kmph. The car offers driving modes of Standard, Sport, Green and Green+. Sport mode boosts performance and responsiveness while Green and Green+ ensure the highest possible range. Green+ mode shuts down the heating/AC and seat heating to maximize range. It is meant to be used in low battery situations when a charging station is not available close by.