A British technology company has unveiled the first “production” electric classic Mini, built on a restored, rustproofed bodyshell with new suspension and brakes and a bespoke 80kW electric motor and single transmission. The power from the electric motor is roughly equivalent to just under 110bhp, which compares well with the typical power of, say, a 1275cc Cooper S models, at around 76bhp, or even the ERA Mini Turbo at 96bhp. However, at 720kg the Swind E Classic Mini is heavier by around 80kg. Top speed is 80mph, with a 0-60mph time of 9.2 seconds and, thanks to that typical EV torque, a 30-50mph acceleration time of 4.3 seconds, aided by the single-speed transmission (some aftermarket EV classic car conversions retain the original transmission). A regenerative braking system gives a claimed range of 125 miles between charges, which take four hours via a female Type 2 connector, though a fast charging option is also available.
With the 24kWh lithium ion battery towards the rear of the car, the weight distribution is much-better, at 57/43 rather than the 68/32 of the original car, and the trunk space has increased to 200 litres thanks to the removal of the fuel tank. Standard features include USB charging ports, underfloor heating, heated leather seats and heated front and rear windscreen, along with a choice of six standard colours with contrasting roof. Options include infotainment and sat-nav system, power steering, a full-length sliding fabric roof, air conditioning, performance tuning packs and bespoke paint colours.
The cars are available to order immediately in either left- or right-hand-drive, on a limited production run of 100 cars. And the price? Well EV don’t come cheap, so the Mini comes in at a distinctly un-Mini-like £79,000 starting price, including an unlimited mileage one-year warranty and MOT. It comes from technology company Swindon Powertrain, which started out in 1971 as a high-performance engine specialist, maintaining Formula 1 engines in the 1970s and early ’80s. It later moved into rallying and touring cars, and now supplies engines to the majority of the British Touring Car grid. In 2010, it diversified into supporting new road car powertrain development including alternative powertrains and electrification, and last year created the Swind division to develop consumer products, including an electric bicycle.
Images courtesy of Swind Life
