Mini Halts US Electric Vehicle Launch Plans Amid Trade Challenges

Mini has indefinitely postponed its plans to bring new electric vehicles to the North American market, dealing a setback to the brand’s electrification strategy in one of the world’s largest EV markets. The decision affects both the electric Cooper and Aceman models, which were unveiled last year as key pillars of Mini’s electric future, reports Autoblog.

The primary obstacle stems from the vehicles’ Chinese manufacturing location, which subjects them to substantial tariffs under current US trade policies. Both models face a 100% import duty on Chinese-built electric vehicles entering the United States, effectively doubling their base prices and compromising their market competitiveness.

This development reflects broader challenges facing global automakers as they navigate complex international trade policies while trying to scale up electric vehicle production. Other manufacturers have already begun adjusting their strategies – Volvo, for instance, plans to shift production of its EX30 electric crossover to Belgium starting in 2025 specifically to avoid Chinese import tariffs.

Mini isn’t completely absent from the US electric vehicle market, however. The larger Countryman SE electric crossover, manufactured at BMW Group’s plant in Leipzig, Germany, remains available to American buyers. This manufacturing location allows it to sidestep the tariff issues affecting its Chinese-built siblings.

The company’s US sales have already been struggling, with projections indicating 2024 will mark their lowest point in over a decade at approximately 17,500 units. While introducing new electric models could potentially boost these numbers, the current trade environment makes such a move financially untenable.

There may be hope for future availability of these models in the US market. Mini has confirmed plans to begin production of both the Cooper and Aceman at its Oxford, England facility in 2026. This manufacturing shift could potentially create a more viable path for bringing these vehicles to North America, though the company remains non-committal about specific timeline commitments.

The situation highlights a growing challenge in the global automotive industry: balancing the need to source competitive EV components and manufacturing capacity with increasingly complex international trade regulations. Even UK-produced Mini models could face complications under existing US trade rules, as sourcing non-Chinese components represents a significant logistical and time-intensive process.

For now, American consumers interested in a compact electric Mini will need to either consider the larger Countryman SE or wait for potential future developments in production and trade policies. The Countryman SE remains Mini’s flagship electric offering in the United States, though its larger size and different character may not appeal to traditional Mini enthusiasts seeking the brand’s characteristic compact dimensions and urban-friendly design.

Photos courtesy of Mini / BMW.