Giving a motoring icon a sustainable electric future
Dedicated team upcycling classic Minis with an emission-free drivetrain
Originating from a dedicated team at MINI Plant Oxford, sustainable driving is now being created in a classic car.
An electric motor for the original Mini combines tradition with pioneering technology – all in the spirit of circular economy.
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 futureoriented 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 160 kilometers.
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.
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 UK. Each converted vehicle is given an individual number, making it unique.