First Video: Classic Mini Electric
Can we all agree on one thing? The proportions of the classic Mini electric are just right. From almost every angle the car you see above looks exactly how a Mini or MINI should look. Now lets agree on one more thing (before we all violently disagree); the idea of an all electric Classic Mini is about as cool as it gets.
There are no data points here. MINI isn’t releasing any information about what’s beneath the hood. They also aren’t talking about he exterior or interior modifications they’ve made. And they’re not telling what this means for the all electric Mini due in late 2019. But one thing this does us is that Mini designers and product planners haven’t forgotten the classic Mini. And in our minds that’s a very good thing as having such a stunning car around the design studio can only bode well for other projects.
<p>I can’t believe nobody has commented, so I will. I’ve got one of these (electric, original). It’s pretty awesome. They should make more!
I wonder how they fitted the motor or what they use.</p>
<p>The Classic Mini Electric’s powertrain is a 38bhp electric motor. One pulley is flange-mounted at the engine, with one at the gearbox, and the two are connected with a toothed belt. As a result, the electric motor has all the gears from the regular car.</p>
<p>“According to Moritz Burmester, who modified the car, “The principal was simple. We threw unnecessary stuff out and put the engine in. So there is no exhaust system, no petrol tank and no rear bench”</p>
<p>Instead, the Classic Mini Electric is fitted with 30 lithium-iron phosphate batteries, which are installed behind the front seats. They were put there “so we could match the weight of the Classic Mini, which is 770kg”, explains Burmester.</p>
<p>The Classic Mini Electric has a top speed of 75mph, with a maximum range of 65 miles. The one-off takes four hours to charge fully from a 220V household outlet.</p>
<p>Interesting specs, thanks! I’m not sure my top speed. I’ve taken it 120mph. And I have 110 miles range. I’m not sure how much torque I’ve got. Full charge is 5 hours at 220V</p>
<p>I love it. Am really hoping it leads to the creation of a future, mini-sized MINI.</p>
<p>In 1994, BMW purchased the Rover Group – comprising Rover Cars, MG Cars, Land Rover, and Mini. BMW subsequently sold off – one by one – Rover Cars, MG Cars and Land Rover, but held on to Mini in the belief that there was still commercial value in the Brand.</p>
<p>It is well documented that the Mini rarely made a profit in the years 1959 – 2000, but BMW sanctioned its continued production and further development in the years 1994 – 2000, so as to keep the Brand firmly in the forefront of minds of the motoring public. In 1999 the Mini was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century.</p>
<p>Now, BMW is resurrecting the Mini and pumping new life into it using electricity -Frankenstein fashion – to once again keep the spirit of the original Mini in the minds of the motoring public, until the MINI E goes into production. As a production car, an all-electric retro Mini would be a commercial nonsense, but as an advertising showcase it’s brilliant.</p>
<p>The Classic Mini Electric’s powertrain is a 38bhp electric motor. One pulley is flange-mounted at the engine, with one at the gearbox, and the two are connected with a toothed belt. As a result, the electric motor has all the gears from the regular car.</p>
<p>“According to Moritz Burmester, who modified the car, “The principal was simple. We threw unnecessary stuff out and put the engine in. So there is no exhaust system, no petrol tank and no rear bench”</p>
<p>Instead, the Classic Mini Electric is fitted with 30 lithium-iron phosphate batteries, which are installed behind the front seats. They were put there “so we could match the weight of the Classic Mini, which is 770kg”, explains Burmester.</p>
<p>The Classic Mini Electric has a top speed of 75mph, with a maximum range of 65 miles. The one-off takes four hours to charge fully from a 220V household outlet.</p>
<p>I honestly want one of these electrified classics. Great to see one of the 2008 MINI Es as well, I wish those were sold nationally. The hybrid countryman shouldn’t be included here.</p>