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DESIGNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY.
MINI has always pushed boundaries of what is possible – and now we’re shaping a sustainable, smarter future. We are meeting the current challenges by deploying our spirit of innovation with sophisticated design, reduced to the essentials, and made from sustainable materials.
Christian Bauer, Head of MINI Interior Design
“WE DON’T DO THINGS THAT ARE UNNECESSARY. THEY NEED SUBSTANCE AND A REASON TO BE THERE.”
Creating means much more than merely assembling the parts. Our Charismatic Simplicity design language provides our designers and engineers with considerations that help guide their thinking. With new exciting proportions, enhanced aerodynamic contours and new wheel dimensions is a design that helps each new MINI model develop a strong individual character of its own, intuitively focusing on the essence of the brand with a clear, reduced design language.
Designed for recycling.
SIZE DOES MATTER.
The vehicle architecture for the new MINI model generation has been developed for purely electric mobility right from the outset. Every inch of the available installation space is used even more efficiently for the comfort, well-being, emotional experience and driving pleasure of the occupants. This means that every MINI model, whatever its exterior dimensions, will continue to offer the ideal combination of a small footprint and available interior space in the future.
LEATHER-FREE SURFACES.
With the new generation, MINI offers a completely leather-free interior. This is made possible in particular by the use of sustainable, partly recycled materials. Leather-free surfaces reduce CO2 emissions by 85% along the value chain.
FULLY RECYCLABLE MONO MATERIALS.
A mono-material that is fully recyclable is also used for the surfaces of the 3D Knit seat concept. A special manufacturing process also contributes to the sustainable character of the concept. The surface material is created using a resource-saving 3D knitting method that generates almost no production waste and is less time-consuming than conventional manufacturing processes.
GOING RARE EARTH FREE IN THE ALL-ELECTRIC MINI COUNTRYMAN.
MINI has now completely dispensed with "rare earths" in the drivetrain of the all-electric MINI Countryman. This was achieved by adopting a new design approach in which magnetic fields replace the conventional magnets, eliminating the need for these materials. This significant development enables the production process of all-electric MINIs to become even more sustainable and helps further relieve the burden on the environment.
Anna Goldhofer, sustainability expert in the circular economy supply chain.
“EVEN IF I CHANGE SOMETHING SUPER SMALL, THE IMPACT IS PRETTY BIG BECAUSE YOU CAN MULTIPLY IT BY 2 MILLION CARS.”
BECAUSE IT’S THE ONLY WAY FORWARD.
Everyone can play their part in making MINI sustainable. In our interview seria, we highlight the sustainable contribution made by a wide range of MINI people – and the motivation that inspires them.
THINGS WE'RE OFTEN ASKED.
Recycling begins with the monitored return of the MINI to an approved take-back point or dismantling facility. Contact your MINI dealer to locate these approved places which can issue the certificate of destruction necessary for finally deregistrating the MINI.
Recycling begins with the neutralisation of airbags and other pyrotechnical components. Then the air conditioning system refrigerant and the brake fluid are extracted, the cooling water and the engine and transmission oil are released and the fuel is pumped off. The different liquids are poured into separated containers and then processed or recycled in specialised plants. Once the MINI has been drained of fluid, those parts and materials that are suitable for recycling are dismantled. The remains of the dismantled MINI are reduced to palm-sized pieces at a shredding plant and then sorted. Plastics, textiles, iron and non-iron metals will be recycled further.
MINI commits itself to ambitious goals through strategic direction, which we intend to continually improve upon. By 2030, we aim to have halved CO2 emissions per vehicle in the use phase. We are also planning to utilise up to 50% secondary materials, and we will be focusing on further cooperative ventures for plastics recycling. The circular economy plays a particularly important role in this. Futhermore, we have been purchasing aluminum produced by electricity from solar energy since the beginning of 2021. Aluminum production is particularly energy-intensive, so utilizing green electricity results in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. Green power is fundamentally an effective lever to achieve the corporate goal of reducing CO2 emissions in the supplier network by 20% by 2030.
National grid capacity isn’t the big problem most people think. So far, the market entry of EVs in the EU has been very predictable and the electric grid is constantly being developed in in parallel. So there is no need for new electricity-generation capacity in the near future. Utility companies have had the time to plan ahead. However, the situation is country specific. For example, in northern Europe, the evolution is more effortless because of the strong power grids and electric heating already in place. In other areas of Europe, the evolution is a bit more difficult due to the one-phase energy systems and older structures. But this is being addressed at speed. In fact, there is an ‘unexpected’ twist to this answer as electric vehicles can provide a vital source of flexibility in the energy system. Rather than being a threat to grid stability or capacity, EVs act as big batteries on wheels. They make it possible for energy to be stored and used at a later time. In the next few years, we will have a pool of EV chargers utilised as aggregated reserves.
Electric drive trains have far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines (ICE), meaning electric cars can be cheaper to maintain, especially as servicing tends to cost less on average when compared to an ICE car. In addition to saving on servicing costs, the lower cost of using electricity to power your car when charging at home can add up over time, increasing your savings even more. However, while there are aspects of electric car ownership that are clearly cheaper than costs associated with an ICE car, you can expect traditional car parts such as tyres and brake pads to cost roughly the same.
WE'RE ON THE ROAD TO ELECTRIC.
BE PART OF THE CHANGE.
Explore the benefits of embracing the new electric lifestyle. See how much you’ll save, how often you’ll need to charge, and how easy electric driving can be.
MEET THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC MINI FAMILY.
It’s the beginning of a new era. The new all-electric MINI family offers hallmark driving excitement with an all-electric drivetrain and an immersive digital user experience.