With the new BMW iX3 and all-electric MINI Countryman taking part, Team BMW and MINI will return to the EV Rally for the third year to use the challenge to showcase the range, technology and practicality of their latest electric models – while helping to bust some of the myths around long-distance EV driving. Andrew Jago, general manager of BMW Corporate Sales, explains further
2026 marks BMW and MINI's third year of participation in the EV Rally. What motivated the teams to return this year?
The GREENFLEET EV Rally allows us to demonstrate the strength and versatility of BMW and MINI all-electric cars, while reinforcing how practical and achievable electric driving is in everyday life. We’re looking forward to returning for another five-day journey to showcase the long-range comfort, capability and driver enjoyment that make BMW and MINI EVs such great cars to live with.
How has the EV Rally evolved since you first took part? Has the challenge of driving long distances in an EV got easier?
The ability to drive long journeys in BMW and MINI electric vehicles has never been easier with our leading vehicle range and technology supported by ongoing improvements to public charging infrastructure. While route planning is still important, the experience is seamless compared to when we first took part, highlighting how driving electric vehicles is no longer a barrier to long-distance electric driving.
Looking back on previous rallies, what key lessons or experiences will help Team BMW and MINI this year?
Previous rallies have highlighted the value of smart planning and using the technology built into BMW and MINI electric vehicles. Features such as intelligent route planning, real-time charging information and battery pre-conditioning make longer journeys easy, efficient and enjoyable – all of which will be valued by the team again this year.
What further improvements would you like to see in the UK’s EV charging infrastructure?
The UK’s charging network has improved significantly in recent years, which is helping more drivers to feel confident about making the switch to electric vehicles. Continued investment will only strengthen this momentum, with improved availability of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, greater consistency across the charging network and easy payment options to make electric driving even more accessible and enjoyable.
This year's rally theme is busting EV myths and misinformation. Is there a particular myth that you will be addressing on the rally?
One myth we will be busting is that electric vehicles are only suited to short, urban journeys. The EV Rally is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate how capable, enjoyable and confidence-inspiring electric driving can be over longer distances, especially with the support of advanced vehicle technology, improved charging infrastructure and smart journey planning.
Can you tell us more about Team BMW and MINI this year – who will be taking part and what vehicles will you be driving?
The BMW Corporate Sales team will once again form Team BMW and MINI. This year, we will be participating in two fully electric models: the new BMW iX3 and the all-electric MINI Countryman.
The new BMW iX3 is the perfect model to showcase long-distance electric driving, with an impressive electric range of up to 500 miles* and ultra-rapid charging capability that can add up to 231 miles in just 10 minutes**. Combining the latest BMW technology with a spacious premium interior, the new BMW iX3 signals a new era of sheer driving pleasure and long-distance refinement.
With up to 310 miles*** of EV range on a single charge, the all-electric MINI Countryman delivers an unrivalled combination of style, space and fun for long-distance adventures.
Looking ahead, what are BMW and MINI's future plans? Any exciting launches this year?
Looking ahead, BMW and MINI are entering an exciting new chapter in electric mobility. For BMW, the Neue Klasse introduces a new era for design, technology, efficiency and driving dynamics. New additions to the model line-up such as the forthcoming BMW i3 and BMW iX5 will continue to set the benchmark for long distance range, intuitive technology and driving pleasure.
MINI will offer a full range of all-electric models that combine distinctive design, everyday versatility and the signature go-kart feel our customers know and love. Together, BMW and MINI make electric driving more exciting, more desirable and more relevant for a wider range of customers.
*The BMW iX3 is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. WLTP electric range for the new BMW iX3 model range: 331-500 miles. Whilst we recommend the battery is charged to 80% to help optimise the health and life of your battery, the electric range figure shown is the WLTP figure after the battery had been fully charged to 100%. WLTP figures are shown for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.
**The range after 10 minutes High-Power-Charging was determined according to ISO12906 in the WLTP cycle. This, as well as the charging performance depend on vehicle equipment, the state of charge and health of the battery, battery temperature, individual driving profile, use of auxiliary users, ambient temperature, and the charging power provided at the charging station. High speed public charging stations are currently available in limited numbers in the UK, most commonly found in high traffic areas such as motorway service stations. Availability continues to grow and more information on charger locations can be found at: https://bmw-public-charging.com/web/en/bmw-gb/map. Use of AC charging stations for your regular charging and less frequent use of DC fast charging stations will help optimise the health and life of your battery.
*** Figures shown are for comparability purposes. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.
