Car world abuzz as electric Mini Cooper spotted testing

Motoring correspondents are abuzz as photographers have shot a Mini Cooper Electric Test Mule with 'Electric Test Vehicle' stickers on it.

If it weren't for the stickers, the Mini EV would have gone unnoticed since this early prototype uses body panels from the regular Mini range.

Although the traditional Mini silhouette has been carried forward to the electric Mini, the grille is similar to the concept car's grille which was showcased earlier. It is not really even a grille as it as an all-electric drivetrain.  

The electric Mini is wider than the regular Minis and has shorter overhangs with a taller waistline. Mini has already expressed its intent to add design tweaks that will be unique to the electrified model. You will notice that smoother panel surfaces (all across) with sleeker door handles have been incorporated to increase aerodynamics and boost efficiency.

Powering the Mini EV will be the same drivetrain tech seen in the group's BMW i3. We're essentially looking at a range of 305km, DC rapid charging compatibility and enough zest to hit 100kmph from standstill in close to 7.5 seconds.

Although the powertrain will be built in Germany, the car will be put together at Mini's plant in Oxford, UK. The all-electric Mini is due to hit roads around the world in 2019, and should reach India in 2020.