Surging From The Past Into The Future, The Classic Mini Recharged And Electrified

Combining tradition with pioneering technology, the MINI Recharged project gives classic Minis a new sustainable lease on life, whilst maintaining its much-loved heritage.

Taking place at MINI Plant Oxford, the project continues the values of the original Mini’s designer, Alec Issigonis, with its creative use of space and driving fun but with a 21st century twist. 

Interestingly, the idea was born even before the British premium manufacturer had a fully electric car on offer with the MINI Cooper SE.

Specifically, the classic Mini Electric that was built as a one-off in 2018 and presented at the New York Auto Show, which have garnered positive reactions ever since.

As such, a dedicated team at MINI got to work and developed the plan to make a corresponding offer available to customers who own a classic Mini.

MINI’s division president, Bernd Körber, expressed, "What the project team are developing preserves the character of the classic Mini and enables its fans to enjoy all-electric performance. With MINI Recharged, we are connecting the past with the future of the brand."

To begin with, the feel of traditional go-kart handling remains, except now it has an emission-free drivetrain, as the original petrol mill is replaced by a modern electric drive.

Said e-motor generates a continuous output of up to 90 kW and accelerates the electrified classic Mini from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 9 seconds.

The energy is supplied by a high-voltage battery, which can be charged with an output of up to 6.6 kW and enables a predicted range of around 160 km. 

In addition, each electrified classic Mini gets the distinctive central instrument cluster akin to its early days, which now displays the drive temperature, selected gear, range and speed.

Careful handling of the historical heritage is an important part of the project, thus only reversible changes are made to the substance of the vehicle during the conversion. 

By doing so, it allows the possibility to restore the e-classic Mini to its original condition at a later date if ever needed.

Plus, the MINI Recharged also provides the ability to enter the electric or low-emission driving zones of many large cities, otherwise inaccessible with a combustion engine. 

For example, the electric classic Mini can drive in Oxford Street or Piccadilly Circus in London without the driver having to pay an environmental tax beforehand.

On top of that, the MINI Recharged project fits seamlessly into the brand's future strategy, particularly its aspect of circular economy. 

Meaning, for this project no new vehicles are being produced, instead they are being created from much-loved, existing cars. Thereby, all classic conversions do not need a new registration.

Making it unique, the bespoke upcycling of the classic Mini is carried out exclusively in the United Kingdom, with each converted vehicle given an individual number. 

MINI’s head of global brand management, Sebastian Beuchel, concluded, "Individuality also plays an important role with MINI Recharged. Unique classic Mini models have always been created, including true works of art on wheels. That's why future collaborations are also planned as part of the MINI Recharged programme, allowing well-known artists to express their creativity with specially designed classic Mini models."

That said, the MINI Recharged project lets the love of the brand's classic vehicles become an experience that blends the past and the future.