If Alec Issigonis could design the classic Mini again today, the iconic small car would have an electric motor. The original 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.
The MINI Recharged project continues the story in a sustainable way.
A one-off, classic Mini Electric was built in 2018 and presented at the New York Auto Show. The original petrol engine of the classic Mini is replaced by a modern electric drive but the team make sure that it is possible to restore the Mini back to original at a later date by storing the engine for the owner.
The modern electric motor 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. The central instrument cluster, now displays the drive temperature, the selected gear, range and speed.
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.
Sebastian Beuchel, Head of MINI Global Brand Management said, “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.”
