Installing electric powertrains in classic vehicles is becoming a trend as a way to keep these older models on the road. Recharged Heritage is entering 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 develops 97 horsepower (72 kilowatts) and uses an 18 kilowatt-hour battery. This configuration offers a range estimated by WLTP of 103 miles (166 kilometers). The 6.6kW charger can recharge the battery in three hours from a 7kW wall box or nine hours from a standard UK socket.
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For comparison, the original Mark 1 Mini used an 850 cc four-cylinder engine developing just 34 bhp (25 kW). At launch, the sporty Cooper featured a 997 cc engine which increased power to 55 bhp (41 kW).
This EV conversion gives the Mini two driving modes. In the Pure setting, 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 km/h). In Sport, the acceleration time drops to 8.5 seconds and the top speed increases to 92 mph (148 km/h).
These specs are a bit different from the ones Recharged Heritage showed off in January. At that time, the car used a 120 hp (90 kW) electric motor and reached 100 km/h in around nine seconds. The planned range was 100 miles (160 kilometers).
Recharged Heritage says one of the benefits of converting is that the artwork is fully reversible. The company does not even drill additional holes in the body. The finished car also weighs no more than the original.
The company has already completed at least two of the conversions. One was a 1998 Mini Paul Smith edition. Designer Paul Smith came up with the interior styling with a mustard yellow dashboard and blue seats.
The other was a collaboration with British artist Lakwena Maciver. The car had brightly colored bodywork with the words “Big Love” in a variety of shades.
