Winter brings cold temperatures. Cold slows down chemical reactions and can play hell with the performance of healthy batteries. As expected, Mini E drivers in the Northeast are seeing much-decreased range from their lithium-ion packs. Laws of physics FTW, y'all.

I first drove the new all-electric MINI E at the LA Auto Show, but didn't have much time with it. That all changed when I spent time behind the wheel here in New York.