evlover
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Here’s a detailed comparison of the Honda e, Mini Electric (Mini Cooper SE), and the BMW i3 based on a real-world range test, price, battery, size, and other features to help you decide which small EV under $30,000 fits your needs:
1. Price
Honda e: Starts at approximately $29,000 to $31,000.
Mini Electric (Mini Cooper SE): Starts at around $30,000, but higher trims can push it slightly over this mark.
BMW i3: The BMW i3 is now discontinued but was priced around $45,000 new. Used models can be found for $20,000 - $30,000, depending on age and mileage.
2. Battery and Battery Range
Honda e:
Battery capacity: 35.5 kWh.
Real-world range: 100-120 miles.
Mini Electric:
Battery capacity: 32.6 kWh.
Real-world range: 110-120 miles.
BMW i3:
Battery capacity: 42.2 kWh.
Real-world range: 120-150 miles depending on conditions.
3. 60-Mile Cost (Energy Efficiency)
Honda e: Around $3-4 per 60 miles, based on an energy consumption of 3.5 mi/kWh and electricity costs of $0.12/kWh.
Mini Electric: Similar to the Honda e, costing around $3-4 for 60 miles, depending on driving style.
BMW i3: Slightly more efficient, with a cost of around $2.5-3.5 per 60 miles, as it can achieve up to 4 mi/kWh.
4. Size and Dimensions
Honda e:
Length: 153.5 inches.
Width: 68.9 inches.
Height: 60.6 inches.
Ground clearance (belly height): 5.3 inches.
Trunk space: 171 liters (6 cubic feet), quite small.
Passenger capacity: 4 passengers.
Mini Electric:
Length: 152.2 inches.
Width: 68.0 inches.
Height: 56.4 inches.
Ground clearance: 5.6 inches.
Trunk space: 211 liters (7.5 cubic feet).
Passenger capacity: 4 passengers.
BMW i3:
Length: 157.4 inches.
Width: 69.9 inches.
Height: 62.8 inches.
Ground clearance: 5.5 inches.
Trunk space: 260 liters (9.2 cubic feet).
Passenger capacity: 4 passengers.
5. Warranty
Honda e:
3 years/36,000 miles warranty.
8 years/100,000 miles battery warranty.
Mini Electric:
4 years/50,000 miles warranty.
8 years/100,000 miles battery warranty.
BMW i3:
4 years/50,000 miles warranty.
8 years/100,000 miles battery warranty.
6. Off-Road Capability
None of these small EVs are designed for off-road use, as they are low-clearance city cars. However, their compact sizes make them ideal for urban environments.
Ground clearance (belly height):
Honda e: 5.3 inches.
Mini Electric: 5.6 inches.
BMW i3: 5.5 inches.
7. Trunk Size
Honda e: Small trunk with 171 liters of space (6 cubic feet), enough for a couple of shopping bags or small luggage.
Mini Electric: Slightly bigger than the Honda e, with 211 liters (7.5 cubic feet).
BMW i3: Largest of the three, with 260 liters (9.2 cubic feet).
8. Annual Maintenance Costs
Honda e: Expected annual maintenance costs around $500. Electric cars generally have lower maintenance costs compared to combustion engine cars, but it's still important to consider tire wear, brake pads, and software updates.
Mini Electric: Slightly higher than the Honda e, around $600/year.
BMW i3: Maintenance costs are higher, at $700-900/year, especially as it ages and parts become more difficult to source since it's no longer in production.
9. Insurance Prices
Honda e: Insurance cost varies depending on your location and driving profile, but typically around $1,200/year.
Mini Electric: Similar to the Honda e, around $1,200-1,300/year.
BMW i3: Being a more premium vehicle, insurance tends to be higher, ranging from $1,500-1,700/year.
10. Types of Faults and Reliability Concerns
Honda e:
Some early owners report battery degradation faster than expected in hot climates. The small trunk size and limited range might also be limiting factors for some.
Infotainment system can sometimes be laggy.
Mini Electric:
The range is quite limited compared to some competitors, and the ride can be stiff on rough roads.
The battery pack size is relatively small, so the car isn't ideal for long trips.
BMW i3:
Battery replacement cost is high (after warranty expires).
Early models (pre-2017) had some issues with the range extender engine. Some owners also report software glitches.
Rear-hinged doors (suicide doors) can be inconvenient for back-seat passengers.
Conclusion: Small EVs under $30k Real-World Review
Honda e: Great for urban use with futuristic design and tech-heavy features. However, its limited range and small trunk size make it less practical for long trips or families.
Mini Electric: More fun to drive with its nimble handling and slightly better trunk space, but still limited in range. It’s a great city car if you want some driving excitement but can live with charging frequently.
BMW i3: The most spacious of the three, with the longest real-world range. However, it’s an older model, and its rear doors are not the most practical. Additionally, maintenance and insurance costs are higher, especially as it ages.
If range and practicality are your primary concerns, the BMW i3 is the best, though used models may be your only option. For a modern, techy city car with low maintenance costs, the Honda e stands out despite its limitations, while the Mini Electric offers a fun, quirky option with a bit more refinement.
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1. Price
Honda e: Starts at approximately $29,000 to $31,000.
Mini Electric (Mini Cooper SE): Starts at around $30,000, but higher trims can push it slightly over this mark.
BMW i3: The BMW i3 is now discontinued but was priced around $45,000 new. Used models can be found for $20,000 - $30,000, depending on age and mileage.
2. Battery and Battery Range
Honda e:
Battery capacity: 35.5 kWh.
Real-world range: 100-120 miles.
Mini Electric:
Battery capacity: 32.6 kWh.
Real-world range: 110-120 miles.
BMW i3:
Battery capacity: 42.2 kWh.
Real-world range: 120-150 miles depending on conditions.
3. 60-Mile Cost (Energy Efficiency)
Honda e: Around $3-4 per 60 miles, based on an energy consumption of 3.5 mi/kWh and electricity costs of $0.12/kWh.
Mini Electric: Similar to the Honda e, costing around $3-4 for 60 miles, depending on driving style.
BMW i3: Slightly more efficient, with a cost of around $2.5-3.5 per 60 miles, as it can achieve up to 4 mi/kWh.
4. Size and Dimensions
Honda e:
Length: 153.5 inches.
Width: 68.9 inches.
Height: 60.6 inches.
Ground clearance (belly height): 5.3 inches.
Trunk space: 171 liters (6 cubic feet), quite small.
Passenger capacity: 4 passengers.
Mini Electric:
Length: 152.2 inches.
Width: 68.0 inches.
Height: 56.4 inches.
Ground clearance: 5.6 inches.
Trunk space: 211 liters (7.5 cubic feet).
Passenger capacity: 4 passengers.
BMW i3:
Length: 157.4 inches.
Width: 69.9 inches.
Height: 62.8 inches.
Ground clearance: 5.5 inches.
Trunk space: 260 liters (9.2 cubic feet).
Passenger capacity: 4 passengers.
5. Warranty
Honda e:
3 years/36,000 miles warranty.
8 years/100,000 miles battery warranty.
Mini Electric:
4 years/50,000 miles warranty.
8 years/100,000 miles battery warranty.
BMW i3:
4 years/50,000 miles warranty.
8 years/100,000 miles battery warranty.
6. Off-Road Capability
None of these small EVs are designed for off-road use, as they are low-clearance city cars. However, their compact sizes make them ideal for urban environments.
Ground clearance (belly height):
Honda e: 5.3 inches.
Mini Electric: 5.6 inches.
BMW i3: 5.5 inches.
7. Trunk Size
Honda e: Small trunk with 171 liters of space (6 cubic feet), enough for a couple of shopping bags or small luggage.
Mini Electric: Slightly bigger than the Honda e, with 211 liters (7.5 cubic feet).
BMW i3: Largest of the three, with 260 liters (9.2 cubic feet).
8. Annual Maintenance Costs
Honda e: Expected annual maintenance costs around $500. Electric cars generally have lower maintenance costs compared to combustion engine cars, but it's still important to consider tire wear, brake pads, and software updates.
Mini Electric: Slightly higher than the Honda e, around $600/year.
BMW i3: Maintenance costs are higher, at $700-900/year, especially as it ages and parts become more difficult to source since it's no longer in production.
9. Insurance Prices
Honda e: Insurance cost varies depending on your location and driving profile, but typically around $1,200/year.
Mini Electric: Similar to the Honda e, around $1,200-1,300/year.
BMW i3: Being a more premium vehicle, insurance tends to be higher, ranging from $1,500-1,700/year.
10. Types of Faults and Reliability Concerns
Honda e:
Some early owners report battery degradation faster than expected in hot climates. The small trunk size and limited range might also be limiting factors for some.
Infotainment system can sometimes be laggy.
Mini Electric:
The range is quite limited compared to some competitors, and the ride can be stiff on rough roads.
The battery pack size is relatively small, so the car isn't ideal for long trips.
BMW i3:
Battery replacement cost is high (after warranty expires).
Early models (pre-2017) had some issues with the range extender engine. Some owners also report software glitches.
Rear-hinged doors (suicide doors) can be inconvenient for back-seat passengers.
Conclusion: Small EVs under $30k Real-World Review
Honda e: Great for urban use with futuristic design and tech-heavy features. However, its limited range and small trunk size make it less practical for long trips or families.
Mini Electric: More fun to drive with its nimble handling and slightly better trunk space, but still limited in range. It’s a great city car if you want some driving excitement but can live with charging frequently.
BMW i3: The most spacious of the three, with the longest real-world range. However, it’s an older model, and its rear doors are not the most practical. Additionally, maintenance and insurance costs are higher, especially as it ages.
If range and practicality are your primary concerns, the BMW i3 is the best, though used models may be your only option. For a modern, techy city car with low maintenance costs, the Honda e stands out despite its limitations, while the Mini Electric offers a fun, quirky option with a bit more refinement.
Youtube