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.’

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 has introduced performance-focused versions of the Electric hatchback and the Aceman subcompact crossover, bearing the JCW moniker. If you’re having a deja vu moment, it’s because the automaker already offers JCW trims based on the SE versions. However, these ones add more power and a sharper chassis setup into the mix, crowning the respective lineups.

The new versions are called John Cooper Works Electric and John Cooper Works Aceman, in an effort to be distinguished by the similar-looking but less powerful JCW counterparts. Under the hood lies a single electric motor producing 255 hp (190 kW / 258 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, transmitted to the front wheels. This represents an increase of 40 hp (30 kW / 40 PS) and 20 Nm (22 lb-ft) compared to the SE derivatives.

More: 2025 Mini John Cooper Works Hot Hatch To Bring Pure ICE Thrills This Fall

Furthermore, the driver has access to an extra 27 hp (20 kW) of power by pressing the boost paddle on the steering wheel. Mini says that the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint is completed in 5.9 seconds for the JCW Electric and in 6.4 seconds for the JCW Aceman, while top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h (124 mph).

Both models are fitted with a 54.2 kWh battery pack, allowing a WLTP range of 371 km (231 miles) for the three-door hatchback and 355 km (221 miles) for the five-door crossover. Predictably, these figures are worse than the range of the less powerful SE versions with the same battery pack.

Visually, the hot versions feature the same bodykit with the JWC trims, including sportier front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear wings, diffusers, and John Cooper Works badging. However, they ride on exclusive aero-optimised wheels (18-inch for the hatchback and 19-inch for the crossover), shod in standard high-grip tires.

The performance EVs also benefit from stronger brakes with Chili Red brake calipers, and a JCW-specific suspension setup, focusing on delivering a sharper version of Mini’s signature go-kart handling.

Inside, we find a black and red pattern on the knitted dashboard, an illuminated panoramic roof, and synthetic leather upholstery on the seats with knitted fabric inserts.

The Mini JCW Electric and JCW Aceman will be manufactured in China, although starting from 2026, they will also be produced in Oxford, UK. The company has also confirmed there will be a JCW version of the ICE-powered Mini Cooper hatchback, set to be unveiled this fall.