The MINEmobility Sport EV Concept, specifically the 45 kWh (163 Hp) variant, represents a relatively early foray into the burgeoning electric vehicle market. Introduced in 2018, this coupe aimed to showcase the potential of electric powertrains within a sporty, compact package. While MINEmobility itself didn’t achieve widespread production, the Sport EV Concept served as a technological demonstrator and a statement of intent within the evolving automotive landscape. The vehicle was positioned as a proof-of-concept, exploring design and performance parameters for future electric offerings. It was never intended for mass production, remaining a single concept vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | MINEmobility |
| Model | Sport EV |
| Generation | Sport EV Concept |
| Type (Engine) | 45 kWh (163 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.7 kg/Hp, 148.2 Hp/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 45 kWh |
| All-electric range | 250 km (155.34 mi) |
| Electric motor | 1 |
| Electric motor power | 163 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 350 Nm (258.15 lb.-ft.) |
| System power | 163 Hp |
| Kerb Weight | 1100 kg (2425.08 lbs.) |
| Length | 4300 mm (169.29 in.) |
| Width | 1700 mm (66.93 in.) |
| Height | 1200 mm (47.24 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm (98.43 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Tires size | 255/30 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The MINEmobility Sport EV Concept is built around a fully electric powertrain. The core of the system is a 45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing the energy storage for the electric motor. This single electric motor delivers a peak output of 163 horsepower and 350 Nm (258.15 lb.-ft.) of torque. Details regarding the specific battery chemistry and cooling system are limited, given the concept nature of the vehicle. The powertrain utilizes a front-wheel-drive configuration, a common choice for maximizing efficiency and minimizing complexity in early EV designs. The motor is directly coupled to the front wheels, eliminating the need for a traditional multi-speed transmission. Instead, a single-speed reduction gear is employed to optimize torque delivery and efficiency across the vehicle’s speed range. The vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU) manages the power flow between the battery, motor, and wheels, optimizing performance and range. The decision to use a front-wheel drive layout was likely influenced by cost considerations and the desire to maintain a relatively simple powertrain architecture for a concept vehicle.
Driving Characteristics
The Sport EV Concept, with its 163 hp and instant torque delivery characteristic of electric motors, offered brisk acceleration. The 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.6 seconds, and 0-100 km/h in 8 seconds, positioned it competitively against similarly sized gasoline-powered vehicles of the time. The single-speed transmission provides linear acceleration, without the gear changes found in conventional vehicles. The front-wheel-drive configuration, while contributing to efficiency, could exhibit some torque steer under hard acceleration. The relatively low curb weight of 1100 kg (2425.08 lbs.) further enhanced the vehicle’s agility and responsiveness. The range of 250 km (155.34 mi) on a full charge was considered adequate for urban and suburban commuting in 2018, though it lagged behind some of the longer-range EVs entering the market. The immediate torque availability of the electric motor provided a different driving experience compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, offering quick response and effortless acceleration in city driving conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
As a concept vehicle, the Sport EV Concept featured a relatively minimalist interior focused on showcasing the electric powertrain and modern design. The interior boasted a contemporary aesthetic with a focus on sustainable materials. Standard features included a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system, and comfortable sport seats. Given its concept status, a detailed breakdown of trim levels and optional extras is unavailable. However, the vehicle showcased advanced features for its time, such as regenerative braking and various driver assistance systems. The exterior design emphasized aerodynamic efficiency, with a sleek coupe silhouette and distinctive lighting elements. The interior design prioritized a clean and uncluttered look, reflecting the simplicity and efficiency of the electric powertrain.
Chassis & Braking
The Sport EV Concept utilized an independent suspension system on both the front and rear axles. The front suspension employed a McPherson strut design, while the rear featured a multi-link setup. This configuration aimed to provide a balance between ride comfort and handling precision. The vehicle was equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power. The tires, sized 255/30 R20, were chosen to maximize grip and handling performance. The chassis was designed to accommodate the battery pack while maintaining a low center of gravity, contributing to the vehicle’s stability and responsiveness. The low center of gravity, achieved by mounting the battery pack low in the chassis, was a key factor in enhancing the vehicle’s handling characteristics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The MINEmobility Sport EV Concept received limited public reception due to its status as a one-off concept vehicle. Automotive critics generally praised the vehicle’s design and its potential as a showcase for electric vehicle technology. However, the lack of production plans and the limited availability of information hindered a more comprehensive evaluation. Compared to other EVs of the time, the Sport EV Concept’s range was competitive, but not class-leading. Its performance was comparable to other entry-level electric vehicles. The vehicle’s focus on design and technology, rather than outright practicality, differentiated it from some of its competitors. The concept served as a valuable exercise in exploring the design possibilities and technological challenges associated with developing a compact electric coupe.
Legacy
The MINEmobility Sport EV Concept, while not a commercially successful vehicle, represents an important step in the development of electric vehicle technology. It demonstrated the potential of electric powertrains to deliver sporty performance and modern design. The vehicle’s legacy lies in its contribution to the growing awareness and acceptance of electric vehicles. While MINEmobility itself did not continue development, the Sport EV Concept served as a valuable learning experience and a source of inspiration for future EV designs. In the used car market, the vehicle does not exist as it was never sold to the public, making it a unique and historically significant artifact of the early EV era. It stands as a reminder of the early experimentation and innovation that paved the way for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles we see today.
