Kit turns Mini into powerhouse EV

Conversion of classic cars to run on electric power has sparked plenty of debate in the past few years.

The best solutions bolt in, with no chassis modifications required and so can so be removed at any time returning the var to its original condition.

A UK-based outfit is offering just such a kit for the Classic Mini Minor and Mini Australia has hooked up with their local arm Felten Australia to show how its done.

The first classic Mini to undergo this transformation in Australia is an eye-catching red 1995 Mini Rover.

While carefully preserving its charm and heritage pedigree, the car will receive an under-the-bonnet makeover.

The process involves replacing the original combustion engine with a bolt-in electric drive pack and a new BMH front subframe.

Despite the significant transformation, the finished result will maintain the same overall weight and weight distribution as an original Mini, safeguarding the iconic go-kart-like handling.

Consisting of a 19kWh High Voltage battery and 72kW Zonic Motor coupled with a single-speed gearbox, the converted classic Mini will showcase a WLTP range of 175km and 0-100km/h in approximately 8.0 seconds.

Additionally, the completed electric Mini will also feature regenerative braking, two driving modes – City and Sport – as well as a Type 2 charge port.

Fellten is an electric conversion company specialising in manufacturing specific systems for a variety of iconic vehicles including classic Minis.

Locally, Fellten also remanufactures and converts a limited number of vehicles under the ‘Jaunt’ brand.

General Manager of MINI Australia, Matt Schmidt is eager to see this project come to fruition.

“Our iconic heritage is intrinsic to the character of the MINI brand, and this will continue to inspire and influence our direction even as we transition to offer a fully electric line-up by the beginning of 2030,” he said.

“We are proud to work with Fellten on a project that seamlessly preserves the beloved elements of our past while pointing towards our exciting, all-electric future.”

Fellten’s Dave Budge also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.

“Never has the topic of electro-mobility been so relevant, particularly in Australia where EV adoption rates are still in its infancy and there is an opportunity to shape the mindset toward considering sustainable transport,” he said.

“We are excited to be working with MINI Australia on converting this classic collectable which takes something we all know and love and transforming it into a catalyst for conversations surrounding sustainable mobility solutions.”

The 1995 Mini Rover conversion project was completed in August 2023.

The local project draws inspiration from the MINI Recharged program, which began with a one-off classic Mini Electric for the New York Auto Show.

The overwhelmingly positive reactions to the project led a dedicated team at Plant Oxford to develop a plan for creating a service offering for customers who own a classic Mini.

The finished conversion retains the same weight, same weight distribution, same boot capacity and the same size.

But if offers more performance, guaranteed reliability and 175km of emissions free driving.

You might say it’s the motor MINI was meant to have.

The kit comes with a brand new BMH front subframe with everything fitted, ready to lift into place.

High-quality pre-built battery packs with all required safety systems and high voltage wiring are also supplied.

The kit is delivered on a custom install cradle making fitting a breeze.