Skip advert
Advertisement

Classic Mini goes electric: official conversion for iconic supermini announced

MINI is to offer its own electric conversion for the beloved classic model; 'Recharged' cars will have 100-mile range and 121bhp, but pricing has yet to be confirmed

While third-party firms like Swind and London Electric Cars have already launched electric-converted takes on the classic Mini, the modern-day brand itself is now joining the fray. A team of dedicated engineers at its Oxford factory are now offering a conversion service to owners of the original version, called MINI Recharged.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The idea came about after positive reaction to a one-off classic Mini with a zero-emissions powertrain that featured at the 2018 New York Motor Show. The conversion involves replacing the original petrol engine and gearbox with a battery pack and 121bhp electric motor, making these cars more powerful than any production version of the original Mini. All work takes place in the UK.

Claimed performance for the converted car is 0-62mph in nine seconds and driving range on a charge will be around 100 miles before needing to be topped up. The battery is capable of being recharged at speeds up to 6.6kW, which means overnight charging at home, rather than rapid top-ups at public points, will be the order of the day.

As well as the mechanical upgrade, every electrified classic Mini gets a revised version of the original instrument cluster, which now includes the selected gear, approximate range and speed. Each converted car will also be given an individual number.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In addition, the changes made are reversible; the original running gear can be stored by MINI in case owners decide to revert to petrol power in the future. MINI doesn't expect many will want to, however, highlighting benefits of the conversion including instant torque provided and the ability to enter central London's Congestion Charge Zone for free. 

Announcing the Recharged service, MINI boss Bernd Koerber said: “What the project team are developing preserves the character of the classic Mini and enables its fans to enjoy electric performance. With MINI Recharged, we are connecting the past with the future of the brand.”

Personalisation is expected to be another element of the Recharged programme going forward; MINI has teased the idea of famous artists creating their own spin on the classic supermini. The one element not yet confirmed is pricing, but given that London Electric Cars’ package for the same car starts from £25,000 before taxes and the cost of the donor vehicle, MINI's service will likely come at a similar or even higher cost.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Welcome one and all, I’m Ellis the news reporter on Auto Express, the brand’s former online reviews editor and contributor to DrivingElectric. I’m proud to say I cut my teeth reporting and reviewing all things EV as the content editor on DrivingElectric. I joined the team while completing my master’s degree in automotive journalism at Coventry University and since then I’ve driven just about every electric car and hybrid I could get my hands on.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

EV Deal of the Day: high-quality MINI Aceman for £229 per month
MINI Aceman - front tracking
News

EV Deal of the Day: high-quality MINI Aceman for £229 per month

4 Feb 2025
EV Deal of the Day: talented Cupra Tavascan for £294 a month
Cupra Tavascan on UK plates - front
News

EV Deal of the Day: talented Cupra Tavascan for £294 a month

28 Jan 2025
Top 10 best small electric cars 2025
Best small electric cars
Best cars

Top 10 best small electric cars 2025

24 Jan 2025
Ford Capri review
Ford Capri - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Ford Capri review

23 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Top 10 best plug-in hybrid cars 2025
Best plug-in hybrid
Best cars

Top 10 best plug-in hybrid cars 2025

Here are our top picks of the best plug-in hybrid motoring options you can buy in the UK right now
31 Jan 2025
Top 10 best hybrid family cars 2025
Best hybrid family cars
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid family cars 2025

If you’re not ready to go fully electric yet, you should consider one of these: the best hybrid family cars to buy in the UK right now
20 Jan 2025
EV Deal of the Day: high-quality MINI Aceman for £229 per month
MINI Aceman - front tracking
News

EV Deal of the Day: high-quality MINI Aceman for £229 per month

If you’re after MINI Cooper style with a little extra practicality, then the Aceman could be just the ticket
4 Feb 2025