I have done a couple of feasibility studies for businesses wanting to get into the classic car electric conversion business. Neither proved to be viable because of the cost of the conversion which, when added to the cost of restoration, meant that the humble Mini would have to be retailed at over £100k plus.
There are a few companies selling Mini’s in the £100-£120k price range but it is a limited celebrity market. The average Mini enthusiast will probably struggle to find that kind of money for a hobby vehicle.
However it was clear that as the technology improved and became cheaper there would come a point when electric conversions would come within the reach of the average enthusiast. At £15 000 a new plug and play kit by British EV technology company Electrogenic is the most cost effective solution to electrify the classic Mini that I have seen so far..
Electrogenic’s simple to install kit converts the much-loved icon to fun, clean and reliable electric drive from just £15,000 plus VAT. The drop-in Mini Kit opens up the world of electric conversions to more people than ever before.
The Mini kit further bolsters Oxford based Electrogenic’s comprehensive range of drop-in packages, which already includes the Land Rover Defender, Jaguar E-Type, classic Porsche 911 and Triumph Stag.
The EV technology is completely pre-assembled and pre-tested on a replacement heritage front subframe that simply replaces the old subframe with its petrol engine. It features a 60bhp, 135Nm water-cooled motor, delivering 1,000 Nm of instant electric torque to the wheels through a fixed-ratio drivetrain. The ultra-responsive electric powertrain offers great flexibility and lends the diminutive Mini real punch.
Powered by 20kWh of brand-new, densely packed OEM-grade batteries, also pre-mounted on the subframe and all wired in, the electrified Mini packs 80 miles of in-town range. The Euro Type 2 charge port is also pre-mounted and can be accessed via a range of bespoke replacement front grilles.
Electrogenic will also offer an extended range option, with an additional battery pack integrated into the boot – ideal for those who want to travel a little further on their Mini adventures. Electrogenic’s R&D team has also ensured the kit is as easy to install as possible; fitting can be carried out by any qualified mechanic. The package is sold as a pre-tested, fully assembled kit – entirely incorporated into a replacement front-subframe.
The installer simply bolts in the new subframe assembly and wires up the throttle and dashboard – that’s it. The charging socket is also incorporated neatly into the new subframe assembly, so there’s no high-voltage wiring at all.
As with all Electrogenic conversions, the cleverly packaged Mini kit slots within the existing architecture of the car, and is fully reversible.
To learn more about Electrogenic, visit: https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/