Skip advert
Advertisement

MINI Electric vs Renault ZOE: range and charging

The Renault ZOE wins the range competition, with the MINI Electric geared towards urban motorists

Renault ZOE

Put simply, the Renault ZOE can go further on a single charge than the MINI Electric. That’s because the Renault has a larger battery, with 52kWh playing the MINI’s 29kWh. The MINI is more powerful, too, with 181bhp on tap; the Renault makes do with either 107 or 133bhp depending on which version you pick. So, with less charge on board and a larger drain from its motor, the MINI is only good for 144 miles of range.

Advertisement - Article continues below

That’s still plenty for most urban users, however – especially if short commutes and shopping trips are the extent of your motoring requirements. In contrast, the ZOE’s 238-mile range feels like overkill in an urban setting – but opens up much longer trips as a possibility.

Of course, official range figures are best taken with a pinch of salt, even under the current, more accurate test procedure. Based on our on-test efficiency measured under mixed driving – 3.7 miles per kWh in the Renault and 3.6 miles per kWh in the MINI – the ZOE would have been good for 192 miles, and the MINI just 104 miles. 

Charging

The MINI comes as standard with 50kW CCS fast charging – a £1,000 option on the ZOE. In our view it’s an essential feature; thankfully, the Renault’s so-called 'chameleon' charger allows for charging to happen at the highest rate possible. With the UK’s rapid-charging network continually improving, it makes sense to tick the box.
 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Renault 5 review
Renault 5 - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Renault 5 review

Renault’s retro supermini is a stylish EV with plenty of substance
6 Nov 2024
Top 10 best hybrid cars 2024
Best hybrid cars
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid cars 2024

The best hybrid cars will help reduce your fuel bills without needing to invest big bucks in a new electric car. These are our favourites…
7 Nov 2024
​Top 10 best small electric SUVs 2024
DrivingElectric best small SUVs
Best cars

​Top 10 best small electric SUVs 2024

Small electric SUVs are steadily increasing in popularity thanks to low running costs, practicality and more choice. We run down the best ones for 202…
30 Oct 2024