MINI Cancels J03 Electric Convertible Amid Changing EV Strategy

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In a move that’s sure to disappoint open-air MINI enthusiasts, we’ve confirmed that MINI has scrapped plans for its much-anticipated electric convertible, the J03 Cooper. This decision is yet another sign of a broader strategic shift within MINI and its parent company, BMW Group. But it may just be a smart one.

The End of the Road for the J03

First reported by our friends at BMW Blog and independently corroborated by one of our sources, the J03 appears to be a casualty of MINI’s re-alignment of its EV strategy.

The J03 electric convertible was expected to launch by 2027, riding on the coattails of the J01 electric hardtop and part of MINI’s next-generation lineup. Production was slated for the Oxford plant in the UK, with additional output planned in China. In fact it had even been tipped to make it to the US. However, according to two of our sources, those plans have been shelved as part of a wider reassessment of MINI’s EV strategy.

This decision is tied to BMW Group’s move to halt production plans for the J01 Cooper and the upcoming Aceman (J05) at the Oxford facility. As we covered previously, this significant shift put the future of electric MINI production in the UK into question. The J03’s cancellation yet another domino falling in BMW’s broader effort to recalibrate its small EV offerings in the face of mounting economic and competitive pressures. However we’re not so sure it’s the wrong move given EV sales and the complex economic global situation.

Why MINI Pulled the Plug

There are several factors at play behind MINI’s decision to axe the J03:

Market Pressures – The rapid growth of Chinese automakers, particularly companies like BYD, has intensified competition in the small EV space. These manufacturers are producing cost-effective, technologically advanced electric vehicles that are undercutting European brands on price and innovation. And the threat of these companies producing products in Europe means tariffs might not be the protection they once were.

Profitability Challenges – Given the market pressures, manufacturing small, premium electric cars is proving to be a financial balancing act. With rising production costs, increasing tariffs and shrinking profit margins, creating a low-volume convertible EV was likely seen as a luxury MINI couldn’t justify.

Strategic Focus Shift – MINI appears to be reallocating resources towards models with broader market appeal. With the UK-made combustion Cooper and the German-made combustion Countryman models, MINI has a great foundation of new cars to build on. Add to this its electric offering, the Chinese-made J01 Cooper, J05 Aceman, and German-made Countryman E and SE, and the brand already has a full family of well-reviewed products in the market. A convertible simply didn’t make the cut as it seems like an extra gamble not worth making.

The J03 MINI Cooper Convertible – Background

The J03 was envisioned as the electric successor to MINI’s beloved convertible lineup, utilizing the same electric platform as the J01 hardtop. Here’s a breakdown of what could have been:

Cooper E – 184 horsepower, 290 Nm of torque, and a 40.7-kWh battery providing up to 190 miles of range (WLTP).

Cooper SE – 218 horsepower, 330 Nm of torque, and a 54.2-kWh battery, extending the range to around 250 miles.

The J03 would have featured subtle chassis reinforcements to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof, maintaining MINI’s go-kart handling. It was also to be one of just a couple mass produced electric convertibles in the world..

The Bigger Picture

MINI’s decision to cancel the J03, coupled with the pause in J01 and J05 production plans at Oxford, points to a significant shift in strategy. While the brand has consistently championed its UK roots, these recent moves suggest that MINI’s electrification future may lean heavily on production outside of the UK – primarily in Germany but perhaps in other BMW plants as well.

This doesn’t mean convertible fans are entirely out of luck. MINI will continue to offer the gasoline-powered F67 convertible, which recently debuted and is available globally. In fact we’re hearing demand is even higher than anticipated in some markets.

What’s Next for MINI?

For MINI loyalists, this recalibration reflects the harsh realities of today’s EV market. The cancellation of the J03 is a reminder that even brands rooted in individuality and charm must navigate the financial and technological challenges of modern car manufacturing.

As MINI pivots to ensure long-term profitability and competitiveness, one thing remains clear – the road ahead will require tough decisions, but so far (to us), they look like smart ones.

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