Brief
19‑year‑old buys used electric Mini for £3 a charge
Abi, a 19‑year‑old apprentice chef, says a full charge at home costs around £3 and insurance is cheaper than a petrol version.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A 19‑year‑old apprentice chef from near Weston‑super‑Mare bought a used electric Mini Cooper and says a full home charge costs about £3. The vehicle, purchased from a main dealer in December 2025, was within her budget after saving from her apprenticeship wages.
Abi chose the electric model because she wanted an automatic and had been told by her parents, who already drive EVs, that running costs are low. She added that research showed the insurance premium for the electric Mini was cheaper than for a comparable petrol version.
She highlighted the eight‑year battery warranty and remaining manufacturer warranty as reasons for buying from a dealer, noting the dealer provided a full service history. The car’s battery is charged overnight on the E.ON Next Drive tariff, which runs from midnight to 6 am and costs roughly £3 per full charge.
Abi charges only when the battery is low and has tried public chargers, but prefers home charging for cost reasons. The Mini’s range comfortably covers regular trips to Bristol, and she plans a longer journey to Cornwall using apps like Zapmap to locate chargers.
Key facts
- Abi bought a used electric Mini Cooper from a main dealer in December 2025. (independent.co.uk)
- A full home charge costs around £3 on the E.ON Next Drive tariff. (independent.co.uk)
- Insurance for the electric Mini was cheaper than for a petrol version. (independent.co.uk)
- The battery has an eight‑year warranty and still had manufacturer coverage when purchased. (independent.co.uk)
- Abi plans a trip to Cornwall and uses Zapmap to find charging points. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “19-year-old Abi’s electric MINI costs just £3 a charge and has lower insurance”
