Back in 2018 they turned a classic Mini into an electric car for the New York motor show.
It was such a hit they decided to do it again, and again. In fact, if you have an old Mini — they’ll do it for you too.
The Mini Recharged project, based out of the Oxford plant in England, will not only turn your Mini into an electric car, it will also change it back again if you so desire.
Drive for the car is supplied by a modern electric motor that generates a continuous output of up to 90kW and allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in about 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 from Mini Recharged receives a characteristic central instrument cluster, which now displays drive temperature, selected gear, range and speed.
The electric conversion combines traditional values with future-oriented technology.
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 original Mini, launched in 1959, was born out of an oil crisis, designed to save fuel and transport four occupants and their luggage in the smallest possible footprint.
If Alec Issigonis could design the classic Mini again today, the iconic small car would probably have an electric motor.
Mini says the project is an opportunity to continue telling the story of the classic Mini in the 21st century, in a sustainable way.
Head of the Mini brand, Bernd Körber, said the project preserves the character of the classic Mini while enabling fans to enjoy all-electric performance.
“With MINI Recharged, we are connecting the past with the future of the brand,” he said.
Today, one in five new Minis have an electrified drive.
Now, the Mini Recharged project will allow the brand’s classic vehicles to become an experience of the future, while still bringing joy from the past.
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.
For example, the electric classic Mini can drive in Oxford Street or Piccadilly Circus in London, without the driver having to pay congestion charge. In addition, the classic conversion does not need a new registration.
The bespoke upcycling of the classic Mini is carried out exclusively in the United Kingdom.
Each converted vehicle is given an individual number, making it unique.
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