Conversion of classic cars to run on electric power has sparked plenty of debate in
the past few years.
The best solutions bolt in, with no chassis modifications required and so can so be
removed at any time returning the var to its original condition.
A UK-based outfit is offering just such a kit for the Classic Mini Minor and Mini
Australia has hooked up with their local arm Felten Australia to show how it’s done.
The first classic Mini to undergo this transformation in Australia is an eye-catching
red 1995 Mini Rover.
While carefully preserving its charm and heritage pedigree, the car will receive an
under-the-bonnet makeover.
The process involves replacing the original combustion engine with a bolt-in electric
drive pack and a new BMH front subframe.
Despite the significant transformation, the finished result will maintain the same
overall weight and weight distribution as an original Mini, safeguarding the iconic go-
kart-like handling.
Consisting of a 19kWh High Voltage battery and 72kW Zonic Motor coupled with a
single-speed gearbox, the converted classic Mini will showcase a WLTP range of
175km and 0-100km/h in approximately 8.0 seconds.
Additionally, the completed electric Mini will also feature regenerative braking, two
driving modes – City and Sport – as well as a Type 2 charge port.
Fellten is an electric conversion company specialising in manufacturing specific
systems for a variety of iconic vehicles including classic Minis. Locally, Fellten also
remanufactures and converts a limited number of vehicles under the ‘Jaunt’ brand.
General Manager of MINI Australia, Matt Schmidt is eager to see this project come
to fruition.
“Our iconic heritage is intrinsic to the character of the MINI brand, and this will
continue to inspire and influence our direction even as we transition to offer a fully
electric line-up by the beginning of 2030,” he said.
“We are proud to work with Fellten on a project that seamlessly preserves the
beloved elements of our past while pointing towards our exciting, all-electric future.”
The 1995 Mini Rover conversion project was completed in August 2023.
The local project draws inspiration from the MINI Recharged program, which began
with a one-off classic Mini Electric for the New York Auto Show.
The overwhelmingly positive reactions to the project led a dedicated team at Plant
Oxford to develop a plan for creating a service offering for customers who own a
classic Mini.
The finished conversion retains the same weight, same weight distribution, same
boot capacity and the same size. But if offers more performance, guaranteed
reliability and 175km of emissions free driving.
You might say it’s the motor MINI was meant to have.
The kit comes with a brand new BMH front subframe with everything fitted, ready to
lift into place.
High-quality pre-built battery packs with all required safety systems and high voltage
wiring are also supplied.
The kit is delivered on a custom install cradle making fitting a breeze.
You will be amazed just how different a classic MINI can be once it’s electric.
Gone is the petrol smell and that annoying manual choke.
In comes the silent, torque-filled drive (but still with a small amount of gearbox
whine) just how it always should have been.
You keep the amazing handling and exact weight distribution of the original but gain
amazing throttle response in all situations.
Australian classic Mini owners who are interested can visit www.jauntmotors.com/ to
find out more about the EV conversion.
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