MINI Recharged – All the fun, none of the fumes!

There’s no getting away from it. Converting classic cars to run with volts rather than valves is an increasingly popular and expanding part of the classic car world. And why not? It might not be your cup of tea, but the cars being converted aren’t yours. They are, quite literally, not your cup of tea to drink. For many though, a zesty sip of electricity does indeed appeal. And as the technology moves on and becomes more advanced, it would seem it also gets smaller, too. As evidenced by the MINI Recharged.

This is great news, as it means no harm comes to the car in question. This, for example, is a natty little conversion to volts, but one that can be completely reversed, without leaving a trace. That’s clever. What’s even cleverer is the fact the kit doesn’t suddenly tip the scales, meaning these MINI Recharged cars are just as much fun as the original. Brilliant. This is a version of the future we can get behind. It makes a classic Mini future proof, too. Ironic, but nice to know that if sustainable combustion fuel becomes a thing, you can throw the old A Series back in.

Built entirely in the UK, from its Padiham, Burnley and Bristol facilities the team at Recharged Heritage replace the original petrol engine with a modern electric drive train. During the conversion, the team sympathetically updates the interior and the distinctive rear end gets MINI Recharged branding to tell the world that this is a different breed of Mini. There have been electric conversions of classic cars before but not like this one. The car has been engineered so that it weighs no more than the original. The fun factor in driving a classic Mini has been preserved fully intact and you don’t need to buy the whole car. Potential customers can either have their own Classic Mini converted or purchase a model from Recharged Heritage and then have it electrified.

With two modes available from the 18-kWh lithium-ion battery with a 72kW electric motor revving up 14,000 rpm, customers can opt for ‘Pure’ mode, which accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 11.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 78 mph (equivalent to the Classic Mini 1275 GT) or ‘Sport’ mode, which reaches 0 to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds and travels at a top speed of 92 mph. With a 6.6 kW on-board charger, the battery can be charged in three hours on a 7kW wall-box or nine hours on a standard three-pin plug house connection, the MINI Recharged offers a WLTP range of 103 miles.

If you’re looking at the Mini above and thinking it looks like a Paul Smith version, that’s because it is. One of two built examples, this was indeed designed by Sir Paul Smith himself, while the other has been given a somewhat more wild treatment, care of London-based artist, Lakwena. It’s a chaotic collaboration of colours and shapes, but it fits with the spirit of the Mini. Plus, if you’re going to do something, why not go big with it? There will be no mistaking either of these brilliant little cars.

“Whenever we attended events with the car, the feedback was amazing, with members of the public asking if they can order their own. In truth, we always wanted to commercialise MINI Recharged and offer customer cars, including individual collaborations, but didn’t realise we’d be offering the service so quickly.

We attach great importance in ensuring that MINI Recharged conversions retain the authenticity of the original vehicle when we marry it to the latest 21st Century EV technology. Not only does this idea underline the legacy of the traditional British brand, but also demonstrates British engineering excellence fit for the future.” says Recharged Heritage co- founders and directors Tom Festa, Chris Harper and Chris Hazel. The Recharged Heritage team suggests that costs will be starting from £42,500 for converting your own existing Mini and £62,500 including a donor classic Mini.