Fitting electric powertrains to classic vehicles is trending as a way to keep these older models on the road. Recharged Heritage enters this space by starting to take orders for its EV conversion for the original Mini. Prices start at £42,500 ($48,092 at current exchange rates) if you have a car to convert or £62,500 ($70,710) with a donor car included.
This electric mini packs 97 horsepower (72 kilowatts) and uses an 18 kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setting gives an estimated WLTP range of 103 miles (166 kilometers). The 6.6 kW charger can recharge the battery in three hours in a 7 kW wallbox or nine hours from a standard UK outlet.
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In comparison, the original Mark 1 Mini uses an 850cc four-cylinder engine that produces just 34 hp (25 kW). At launch, the sporty Cooper had a 997cc powerplant that increased output to 55 hp (41 kW).
This EV conversion gives the Mini two driving modes. In Pure settings, the little car hits 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 11.5 seconds and has a top speed of 78 mph (126 kph). In Sport, acceleration time drops to 8.5 seconds, and top speed increases to 92 mph (148 kph).
These specs are a little different from when Recharged Heritage showcased this effort in January. Back then, the car used a 120-hp (90-kW) electric motor and hit 62 mph in about nine seconds. The predicted range is 100 miles (160 kilometers).
Recharged Heritage says that one advantage of its conversion is that the work is completely reversible. The company didn’t even drill any additional holes in the body. The finished car is also no heavier than the original.
The company has completed at least two conversions. One of them is the 1998 Paul Smith Mini Edition. Designer Paul Smith came up with interior styling with a mustard yellow dashboard and blue seats.
The other is a collaboration with British artist Lakwena Maciver. The car has a brightly colored body with the words “Big Love” in various colors.
