British company electrifies classic Mini

Based in Wiltshire, United Kingdom, Swindon Powertrain has developed a fully electric classic Mini, which will see a bespoke production run of 100 cars priced from 79,000 pounds (NZ $150,000).

The Swind E Classic Mini combines a fully-restored body and bespoke powertrain developed in-house by Swindon Powertrain. It has been designed as an inner city runabout which avoids the congestion charge fees in London and other cities where EVs are more welcome.

It retains the same look, proportions and spirit of the original Mini, but has increased boot space as the petrol tank is no longer required.

The Swind E Classic Mini has a 24kWh lithium Ion battery and a 80kW electric motor, which is fully charged in four hours via a female Type 2 connector.

It has a range of 200km, a top speed of 130km/h, and can sprint from zero to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.

The gross vehicle weight of the Swind E Classic Mini is 720kg which is 80kg heavier than the original vehicle but the car has improved weight distribution of 57% / 43% compared to the previous nose-heavy 68% / 32%.

Standard features include USB charging ports, underfloor heating, heated leather seats and front and rear windscreen

Options include infotainment and sat-nav system, power steering, a full-length sliding fabric roof, air conditioning, performance tuning packs and bespoke paint colours. There is a choice of six standard colours with a contrasting roof

The prototype completed more than 10,000 real world miles alongside thousands of hours of virtual simulations of the bespoke powertrain.

Contemporary corrosion protection together with completely new brake and suspension parts ensure Swind’s E Classic Mini is substantially easier to live with than other classics.

It is the brainchild of Swindon Powertrain’s managing director Raphael Caillé, who saw an opportunity to produce an electric car with a soul that people from all walks of life would instantly fall in love with. “This is the first time an electrified classic Mini has entered production,” says Caillé.

“Swind is the first company to launch such a car to the public. The classic Mini has such a special place in people’s hearts, not only in the UK but around the world.

“Sir Alec Issigonis’ 1959 design was truly ground-breaking and now we are making it relevant again. Its compact size and good visibility, together with contemporary performance and handling, makes it a car you’ll want to drive in the city and put a smile on your face.”