Electrifying the classic Mini
A new bespoke upcycling project allows owners of the classic Mini to replace their petrol engine with an electric motor to give their cars an even longer life.
The conversions are being carried out exclusively by a team at the Mini Plant Oxford in the UK, with each converted vehicle given an individual number, making it unique.
The original Mini launched in 1959, created during an oil crisis and based on the idea of saving fuel and transporting four occupants and their luggage in the smallest possible footprint.
Today, Mini remains connected to the design principles of its creator Sir Alec Issigonis with its creative use of space and driving fun. The Mini Recharged project is an opportunity to continue telling the story of the classic Mini in the 21st century, in a sustainable way.
The electric conversion of classic Minis combines traditional values with future-oriented technology. The idea was born even before the brand had the Mini Electric on offer (electricity consumption combined:17.6 – 15.2 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km.).
A one-off, classic Mini Electric was built in 2018 and presented at the New York Auto Show. The reactions were so positive that a dedicated team from Mini Plant Oxford set to work and developed the plan to make a corresponding offer available to customers who own a classic Mini.
To experience traditional go-kart handling with an emission-free drivetrain, the original petrol engine of the classic Mini is replaced by a modern electric drive. During the conversion, Mini Recharged makes reversible changes to the substance of the vehicle.
Careful handling of the car’s historical heritage is an important part of the concept. This makes it possible to restore the classic Mini to its original condition at a later date. During the conversion, the original engine of each vehicle is marked and stored so it can be reused in the event of a future retrofit of the classic Mini.
The Mini Recharged project means a vehicle’s life can be extended in a sustainable way. A classic Mini can now be given a new lease of life, accompanying its owner into the future, whilst maintaining its much-loved heritage.
The drive is a modern electric motor that generates a continuous output of up to 90 kW and accelerates the electrified classic Mini from zero to 100 km/h in approximately nine seconds.
The energy is supplied by a high-voltage battery, which can be charged with an output of up to 6.6 kW and enables a predicted range of around 160km. In addition, every electrified classic Mini from Mini Recharged receives the characteristic central instrument cluster, which now displays the drive temperature, the selected gear, range and speed.
Mini Recharged fans gain a whole new driving experience; a silent drivetrain with instant acceleration and the ability to enter the electric or low-emission driving zones of many large cities, otherwise inaccessible with a combustion engine.
The cost of having a classic Mini converted to an EV by Mini Recharged has not yet been announced.