‘Cheap and Easy’ EV conversion kit revealed for classic Mini

Electrogenic, a UK company specialising in converting classic cars to electric power, have announced a new EV conversion kit to suit classic Minis that can be installed in place of the internal combustion engine without the need for irreversible alterations to the vehicle.

Following similar kits to suit the Porsche 911, Triumph Stag, Jaguar E-Type and even classic Land Rovers, Electrogenic’s package for the Mini consists of a water-cooled electric motor and 20kWh battery that’s packaged in one unit and already mounted to a reproduction Mini front subframe, making installation (by a qualified mechanic and/or auto electrician) easier.

“We’re delighted to reveal our game-changing ‘drop-in’ classic Mini EV conversion kit to the world,” said Steve Drummond, co-founder of Electrogenic. “It delivers Electrogenic’s exhaustively developed, sector-leading EV conversion technology in our most accessible package yet.”

Sold as a pre-tested and fully-assembled kit, the Electrogenic package only requires throttle and instrumentation wiring, while incorporating the charging socket into the subframe means no high-voltage wiring is required.

As it’s designed to work with the existing architecture of the Mini (the assembly was tested on a replacement heritage Mini front subframe), the conversion is fully reversible.

“We’ve converted a number of beautiful Minis over the years to electric drive and have seen significant demand for a solution that’s both easy to fit and budget-friendly,” Drummond adds. “Our new drop-in kit meets those requirements perfectly; it’s cost effective and simple to install, yet still delivers superb electric performance, thanks to our latest-generation EV powertrain tech.”

The motor in the package produces a claimed 60hp and 100lb/ft (44kW and 135Nm), which is comparable to the 63hp and 70lb/ft (47kW and 95Nm) maximums of the last Rover-era Minis and far superior to the 34hp and 44lb/ft (25kW and 60Nm) of the original 1959 Mini.

According to Electrogenic, the package provides 80 miles (128km) of “in town” range, which would make it suitable for Ultra Low Emission Zones in London and other large UK and European cities. For recharging, Electrogenic offer a replacement Mini grille that allows for a Euro Type 2 charging cable.

If extended range is required, an additional battery pack, installed in the boot, will be available as an option, but obviously requires additional wiring.

To be available in the UK and Europe later this year, the Electrogenic drop-in EV conversion kit for the classic Mini is priced at £15,000 (AU$28,000 approx., direct conversion), and while a “fast growing global network of install partners” is mentioned, whether this covers Australia is unknown. For more details, go to: electrogenic.co.uk