Recharged: Mini converts original model into an electric vehicle from the factory

After Jaguar Land Rover, Mini is also trying to convert its own classics from combustion engines to electric power. As early as 2018, a classic Mini was converted into an "Electric" and presented at the New York Auto Show. The reactions were so positive at the time that a dedicated team from the Oxford factory developed a plan to create a corresponding offer for classic Mini drivers.

In the process, the original gasoline engine of the classic Mini is replaced with a modern electric drive, which in this case is not a mistake, because purely in terms of the engine, the Mini was never known for anything outstanding—rather for an outstanding maintenance requirement of the small engine, which was somewhat reduced later with the 1.3-liter injectors.

No major changes to the body substance – conversion back to gasoline possible

In the Mini Recharged conversion, no irreversible changes are made to the substance of the vehicle. Gentle handling of the historical heritage is an important part of the concept. As a result, a later conversion of the classic Mini back to its original state is even possible. For this purpose, the original engine of each vehicle is marked and stored during the conversion. This way, it can be reused in the event of a possible reconversion of the classic Mini. Bernd Körber, Head of the Mini brand, explains:

"What the project team in the UK has developed preserves the character of the classic Mini and allows its fans to enjoy all-electric driving fun. With Mini Recharged, we combine the past with the future of the brand."

Strong Statement: 90 kW and nine seconds from 0 to 100 km/h

With Mini Recharged, the life cycle of a vehicle can be sustainably extended. Because even in the event of engine damage, a classic Mini can now be saved from demise and sent on a journey through time that takes its owner both into the past and into the future. According to Mini, a modern electric motor is available as a drive, generating a continuous output of up to 90 kW and accelerating the electrified classic Mini from zero to 100 km/h in around 9 seconds.

Rather modest: 6.6 kW charging power and up to 160 km range

The high-voltage battery can be charged with up to 6.6 kW. According to Mini, it is expected to provide a "predicted range" of around 160 kilometers. Nice idea: Each electrified classic Mini receives the characteristic central instrument known since the early days of the classic as part of Mini Recharged, which now shows not only the speed but also the drive temperature, the selected driving mode, and the remaining range.

Back in London's city center

Fans of the classic Mini who fulfill their wish for locally emission-free driving fun with Mini Recharged do not need a new registration for their vehicle after the conversion. With the electric car, they can then visit places that were temporarily unreachable. Thanks to its purely electric drive, the classic Mini can, for example, drive in the environmental zones of many major cities. And on Oxford Street or at Piccadilly Circus in the British capital London, the original can once again be part of the cityscape without the driver having to pay an environmental fee.

Mini Recharged seamlessly fits into the brand’s future strategy, which also includes the aspect of the circular economy. For this project, no new vehicle is produced; instead, locally emission-free driving pleasure is created from tradition-rich stocks. For many classic Minis, this may initiate a second vehicle life. While nearly every fifth new MINI now features an electrified drive, this project also transforms the love for the brand's classic vehicles into a locally emission-free experience that bridges the past and the future.

Collaboration with artists planned: Thus, old Minis become real artworks

The unique upcycling of the classic Mini is carried out exclusively in the UK. Each retrofitted vehicle receives an individual numbering, making it a unique piece. "Individuality also plays an important role in Mini Recharged," says Sebastian Beuchel, Head of Mini Global Brand Management, adding:

"On the basis of the classic Mini, unique vehicles have always been created, even to the point of true works of art on wheels. Therefore, a collaboration with renowned artists is planned for the future, whose creativity will be expressed in particularly designed classic Minis from the Mini Recharged program."

What does this mean?

Should the Oxford plant ever be closed – BMW's commitment to maintaining the location is quite subtle here – Brits can keep themselves busy with the retrofitting of their original models. Objectively a good idea, as the conversion needs to be largely manual and significantly boosts the Mini's performance! And all of that emission-free!