Mini John Cooper Works Electric to bring battery power to hot hatch

Mini has confirmed that it is working on a pure EV hot hatch that will carry its famous John Cooper Works badge.

The brand has already stated its intention to electrify its range via either plug-in hybrid or all-electric drivetrains and has now confirmed that this approach will apply to even its most performance-focused models.

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The JCW cars are famous for being the sharpest, quickest and most focused of Mini’s models and the range is currently topped by the 302bhp JCW GP. However, it has confirmed that it wants to broaden the profile of the JCW brand and offer a zero-emissions version alongside petrol-powered cars like the GP.

Mini has not revealed any technical specifications of its planned JCW EV but insists that the new car, which will be built on new vehicle architecture, will maintain its famous dynamic driving experience. It has released images and video of a prototype with blanked off grill and no tailpipes, testing around the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

(Photo: Mini)(Photo: Mini)
(Photo: Mini)

“With the Mini Electric, we’ve shown how well brand-typical driving enjoyment and electric mobility can be combined,” says Bernd Körber, head of the Mini brand.

“Now it’s time to translate the passion for performance of the John Cooper Works brand to electromobility. That’s why we’re working to develop concepts for electric John Cooper Works models.

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“John Cooper Works models with conventional combustion engines will still continue to have an important role to play, to make sure we’re addressing the wishes and needs of performance enthusiasts all around the world. With this new focus on electric performance, we’re also creating the opportunity to sharpen the distinctive profile of the John Cooper Works brand more than ever before.”

Earlier this year the Oxford-based brand launched the Mini Electric which joined the Mini Countryman PHEV in its line-up. The two models now account for 10 per cent of all new Mini sales.

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