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MINI has launched an initiative that allows the owners of its old classic models to be able to electrify them. The program, called MINI Recharged, is carried out by a dedicated team from the MINI Oxford plant. The idea was born even before the brand launched its own first series electric car. The program was conceived following the success in 2018 of the one-off prototype of the classic Electric Mini exhibited at the New York Auto Show. This team therefore went to work to develop a plan to create a corresponding option to offer to customers who already own the classic Mini.
What the project team is developing preserves the character of the classic Mini and allows its fans to enjoy all-electric performance. With MINI Recharged, we connect the past with the future of the brand.
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CONVERSION TO ELECTRIC CAR
According to what has been reported, owners of a classic MINI will therefore be able to convert it into an electric vehicle through a specially developed kit. However, only reversible changes are made. During the conversion, the original engine of each vehicle is marked and stored so that it can be reused in case of a future retrofit of the classic Mini.
More specifically, MINI replaces the original internal combustion unit with a 90 kW electric engine which allows acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in about 9 seconds. The capacity of the accumulator has not been specified but MINI estimates an autonomy of about 160 km. The battery can be recharged in alternating current at a maximum power of 6.6 kW.
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In addition, every electrified classic MINI Recharged is equipped with the distinctive central instrument cluster which now displays additional information such as remaining range. The conversion work is done exclusively in the UK. Each vehicle converted receives a serial number.
This conversion program fits perfectly into MINI’s strategy aims to become a 100% electric brand and to embrace the theme of the circular economy for greater sustainability.
For this project, no new vehicles are produced, but instead are created from existing, already well-loved cars. This allows a classic Mini to start a more sustainable second life. Today, one in five new MINI models has an electrified unit, and the MINI Recharged project will allow lovers of the brand’s classic vehicles to have an experience that combines past and future.
Prices for the conversion have not been announced for the time being.
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