The Mini Urbanaut Concept Is a Roomy, Futuristic EV

Jane Lu
· 3 min read
Mini's long history is marked by stylish and famously fun vehicles. Soon, Mini is going to make a major change. Mini has previously focused on gas-powered vehicles, but they’re shifting focus to
electric vehicles
(EVs). This shift will start with the Mini Urbanaut concept. 
According to
Autoweek
, Mini has confirmed that they are producing an electric compact vehicle. Previously, Mini showcased a prototype for the Mini Urbanaut concept, which the new EV will fully realize.
The Mini Urbanaut concept gives us a glimpse of what’s in store for the electric future.

Features of the Mini Urbanaut

Because the new Mini EV is so early in development, details on things like its range are not yet known. It’s not clear whether the final product will even receive the Urbanaut name. If the new EV does turn out like the Urbanaut concept, it will resemble a vehicle of the future. 
The Mini Urbanaut concept sticks out most for its reconfigurable interior, designed with comfort in mind. At the back of the Urbanaut is a bed and a table, and the driver's seat can be turned around. This design brings to mind images of the Volkswagen Bus, which is interesting because VW is also releasing the
ID.Buzz
.
The Urbanaut will target the premium market. Mini has unveiled the Urbanaut concept as an electric vehicle, but it’s not yet known if it will exclusively be an EV. A gas-powered model could be announced in the future, but it doesn’t seem likely.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Find insurance savings

Is Mini going electric?

MORE: Mini Will Collaborate With Dogs Trust to Help Pets Travel Happier
With the Mini Urbanaut concept, the car brand is showing off a potential electric future as they prepare to switch away from gas. Manufacturers, like Mercedes-Benz, have announced plans to convert their model lineups to electric vehicles. Mini has joined in this trend and will gradually move from gas to electric in the coming years.
The popular Mini Countryman crossover SUV will continue as a gas-powered model for now, but it will also have an electric variant. Mini is also planning another three-door EV. 
Previously, Mini entered the electric market with the Mini Cooper SE. According to
CNET
, the electric Mini Cooper is fun to drive, even if it does not have the best range. The Mini Cooper is the most famous vehicle with the Mini name, so it makes sense as their first EV.

New Mini EVs will be produced in China

Along with the announcement of the Mini Urbanaut, Mini has announced that the production of their electric vehicles will move to China. There is a new Mini facility in China, and Mini EVs will be exported from this factory.
The Chinese market is projected to be the largest EV market in the world, and Tesla has its
second-largest market in China
. Producing cars there while EVs are still fairly new means possibly becoming a major player in the Chinese EV market.
Mini's commitment to electric vehicles reflects major changes currently happening in the automotive industry. While we might be hearing the most news about EVs, we’ve also been seeing changes in car insurance. One of these innovations is
Jerry
, which uses artificial intelligence to help you save money on car insurance.
Jerry compares quotes from top insurance providers to help you find cheap coverage. Signing up is as easy as taking 45 seconds and answering a few questions, and then Jerry can get to work for you.

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings