Classic Mini owners will be offered the chance to convert their petrol-powered cars to electric ones.
A new dedicated team at MINI Plant Oxford is swapping out the petrol drivetrain in the vintage motors and swapping in a new, zero-emission electric motor.
The modern electric motor fitted to the classic cars generates up to 90 kW and accelerates the electrified classic Mini from zero to 100 km per hour in around nine seconds. The cars also come with a 6.6 kWh battery which Mini predicts will give the cars a 160 km range.
The interiors are also updated with a new central instrument cluster, which now displays the drive temperature, selected gear, range, and speed.
However, despite the new electric motor, Mini is promising that the “traditional go-kart handling” is going nowhere. During the conversion, MINI Recharged makes reversible changes to the substance of the vehicle. 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.
“What the project team are developing preserves the character of the classic Mini and enables its fans to enjoy all-electric performance. With MINI Recharged, we are connecting the past with the future of the brand,” says Bernd Körber, Head of the MINI Brand.
The bespoke upcycling of the classic Mini is carried out exclusively in the United Kingdom and each converted vehicle is given an individual number for future reference.
“Individuality also plays an important role with MINI Recharged. Unique classic Mini models have always been created, including true works of art on wheels. That’s why future collaborations are also planned as part of the MINI Recharged programme, allowing well-known artists to express their creativity with specially designed classic Mini models,” says Sebastian Beuchel, Head of MINI Global Brand Management.
There’s no word on how much the conversion will cost, or how many classic Mini owners will take up the offer. However, offering classic Mini owners the chance to give their cars a new lease on life is something to be applauded.
