MINI has announced a new customer program called Recharged, which enables owners of classic Mini cars to have them converted to EVs at the factory, with an opportunity to revert the changes later if desired.
The program covers swapping the stock internal combustion engine out for a small electric powertrain rated at 122 PS (120 hp / 90 kW) and 160 km (100 miles) of driving range. Battery capacity is not revealed, but the whole system is light enough to enable a sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about nine seconds.
The interior remains stock except for a new dashboard that brings along modern EV gauges (remaining range, current gear etc.) while preserving the overall retro look.
The dismantled IC engine gets a special designation and goes to storage. Should the owner of the car decide that electric power was not the right choice for them, they can request a complete reversal of the powertrain swap, ending with a petrol car again.
The first Mini Electric Concept debuted at the 2018 NYIAS show, garnering overall praise and generating positive press responses. MINI says this is what prompted it to develop the program in the first place.
According to the MINI Recharged team, the offer should be of interest to all Mini car drivers who want to try a new driving experience and visit zero-emission zones of European cities, such as the Piccadilly Square in France.