You have several options if you want a small, affordable electric vehicle (EV). For instance, you could buy a Nissan LEAF or a Chevrolet Bolt EV and enjoy a balance of range and affordability. However, there is a joyful, stylish alternative to the Nissan and Chevrolet EVs: the Mini Electric Hardtop. Still, there are at least three reasons to follow your head instead of your heart and pick the Chevrolet Bolt EV over the Mini Electric Hardtop. 

How much will the 2023 Bolt cost?

While the Chevrolet Bolt EV started at over $32,000 for the 2022 model year, potential owners who opt for a 2023 Bolt EV have some good news. According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV will feature a $6,000 price cut, resulting in a starting amount of around $25,600 before fees. As a result, the new Bolt EV is much more affordable than a comparable electric Mini. 

Instead of starting just below the Chevy EV, the 2023 Mini Electric Hardtop starts at around $30,750. While that still constitutes a bargain compared to electric options like the Tesla Model 3, the Mini is now quite a bit costlier than the upcoming Bolt EV. 

What is the range of the Bolt EV?

Another advantage of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is the budget EV’s range. The upcoming Chevy EV manages an estimated 259-mile range on a single charge. While that’s a far cry from the Tesla Model 3 Long Range’s 358-mile range, it’s more than commendable for Chevrolet EV’s starting price point. 

Conversely, the enthusiastic Mini Electric Hardtop falls short on range. A 2023 Mini Electric Hardtop promises just 114 miles of driving range, less than half the Chevrolet EV’s range. A disparity like that is challenging to overlook, even with the driving fun that the Mini promises. 

How practical is the Mini Electric Hardtop? 

While the Mini Electric Hardtop is a liftback, it’s far from Chevrolet Bolt EV practicality. In addition to the lack of range, the Mini EV is a three-door hatchback configuration, meaning back seat-bound passengers must maneuver over the folded front seats to find their places. Furthermore, TrueCar says that the Mini’s back seats are snug. Also, with 16.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, the Chevrolet EV is nearly twice as spacious as the Mini. 

Should you pick a Chevrolet Bolt EV over a Mini Electric Hardtop?

If you want an EV that is more powerful, practical, and has a longer range than a Mini Electric Hardtop, the Bolt EV is tough to beat. Furthermore, with the substantial price cut, the upcoming Bolt is a serious EV bargain. However, if you want more joy in a much more stylish electric option, you might consider the Mini EV. Also, the Mini is a much more handsome package. 

However, the Chevrolet EV is worth your consideration if you’re looking for anything beyond fun and fascia. Scroll down to the following article to read more about EVs!