Classic electric car conversions have got the car community in splits. One side states that it's blasphemous to disrupt a classic's originality whereas the other side says that it is the best way to breathe in a "cool" lease of life into classic machines. Either way, it is not easy fusing the past and future.
But Electric Classic Cars from the UK have managed to do a near-perfect example of a Classic EV conversion with an Austin Mini. Swapping the original powertrain with that of a Tesla Model S front axle unit, they were able to bump things up to 300 hp, all the while tipping the curb weight by just a margin. This is remarkable since battery packs are very heavy and the converted cars are generally way heavier than the donor.
But this Mini is a glimpse of better things to come. The people behind this Mini have also pumped out some other impressive classic conversions. Some of their examples include the classic likes of 1969 Fiat 500, the original Volkswagen Beetle, 1976 Volkswagen Camper, 1978 Land Rover Range Rover, and even a 1978 Porsche 911.
This 1967 Mini gets a new lease of life with 300 green horses.
Classic Mini Outside, Modern Tesla Underneath
Electric Classic Cars' latest EV conversion is special because they managed to stuff in a much heavier electric powertrain without tipping a lot on the scale. The puny 34.4 hp 850cc of this Austin Mini was swapped for a Tesla Model S motor packed with 33 kWh Li-Ion packs split into three bits at the front, rear, and even in the car.
The motor and one of those battery packs are cleverly stacked in the boot where the tiny engine used to be. All of these additions were enough to bump the performance of this Classic Mini to an impressive 300 hp. It even gets a limited-slip differential to bring about a heavenly handling upgrade.
This Electric Mini Adds Lesser Heft And More Fun
The most impressive bit isn't any of the conversion bit, but the fact that Electric Classic Cars managed to not tip the scale too much. With the hefty battery packs and motor installed, the electrified Austin Mini weighs just over 1,500 pounds (700 kg). The original car weighed around 1,455 pounds (660 kg).
That's impressively just 88 pounds (40 kg) more than the stock setup. The tiny form factor gets marginally heavy but adds the power of instant torque. Also, with a power-to-weight ratio of 430 hp/ton, this Mini is sure to bring a wide grin to your face. This elevates the driving experience to a whole new level. By the way, the classic Austin Mini wasn't a slouch to drive either!
Retains The Classic Interior But With Clever Twists
This MIni has stayed true to its classic appeal despite all the modern tech underneath. Even the cabin has been restored to its original glory, except for some clever mods. It gets an integrated roll cage that runs across the frame linings. The seats get refreshed in the same funky blue exterior shade with grey inserts.
To help the passengers handle its quick performance, this Mini gets three-pointer seat belts! While the gear shift looks like a dummy, it is a redesigned drive selector with "Forward", "Neutral", and "Reverse". The dashboard remains untouched and retains all the original instrument cluster dials.
This Old-World Mini Is Both Practical And Wicked
One major hiccup with people going for EVs is range anxiety. But that has also been taken care of with this Classic Mini. This EV runabout has a real-world driving range of 150 miles (240 km) which is commendable.
This makes for a daily driver that is sure to be a hoot on the racetrack. Pricing for this EV conversion is not known yet, but if you have a classic Mini lying around, get on a call with the dudes from Electric Classic Cars. You won't regret it!
Sources: Youtube.com/Petrol Ped, Insideevs.com