- The Mini Cooper Electric and the Aceman won’t be imported into the US until a “later date”.
- The EVs are manufactured in China, but Mini will start production in the UK too in 2026.
- The US-imposed tariffs on China-made EVs are likely the main reason behind the delay.
Bad news for Mini enthusiasts in the US as the BMW Group’s British brand won’t be gracing American streets with its smallest electric offerings anytime soon. Both the Mini Cooper Electric and the Aceman have been benched for North American markets indefinitely, with hefty import tariffs likely to blame, as they are currently manufactured in China.
Introduced in 2023 and 2024 respectively, the Cooper Electric three-door hatchback and Aceman five-door crossover marked Mini’s foray into an EV-only platform. However, plans to expand availability to the US and Canada have been paused, with UK-based production scheduled to begin at Mini’s Oxford plant in 2026.
More: Mini Launches Full-Blown JCW Versions Of Cooper Electric And Aceman EVs With 255 HP
As reported by Motoring File, Mini evaluated the feasibility of bringing these EVs to the US and Canada and decided to defer their launch indefinitely. For now, the US lineup will continue to feature the internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered Cooper/Convertible and the larger Countryman (offered in both ICE and EV configurations).
Mini confirmed this decision in a statement to Road&Track, with a spokesperson stating: “A decision has been taken to defer market availability of these models in the U.S. (and Canada) until a later date … At this time we’re not able to confirm what that date may be.” It’s a diplomatic way of saying: ‘don’t hold your breath.’
MINI Cooper Electric
MINI Aceman
Tariffs and Production Realities
The harsh reality of 100% import tariffs on Chinese-built EVs has left Mini—and many others—locked out of the US market for now. A similar tariff regime is brewing in the European Union, prompting many automakers to shift EV production away from China to Europe. This explains Mini’s commitment to UK-based manufacturing for the Cooper Electric and Aceman starting in 2026.
But there’s more to it than assembly location. To sidestep US tariffs, Mini will also need to purge these vehicles of China-sourced components, which is a far more complex and expensive endeavor. Securing alternative suppliers and restructuring supply chains will take time, and until these pieces fall into place, a US launch is simply off the table.
A Tough Road Ahead
Only time will tell if Mini will succeed in delivering UK-manufactured EVs to US buyers. At the moment, the only fully electric Mini in the US is the Countryman Electric, which is being produced in Leipzig, Germany, alongside the closely related BMW X1 and iX1.
Both the Mini Cooper Electric and the Aceman are available with single front-mounted electric motors producing 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS), 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS), or 255 hp (190 kW / 258 PS) in the flagship JCW versions. Energy is sourced from a 40.7 kWh or a 54.2 kWh battery pack, offering a WLTP range of up to 406 km (252 miles) between charges.
MINI John Cooper Works Electric And Aceman
