Swindon Powertrain, designer and manufacturer of road and race engines and components, is now offering a standalone electric 80kW continuous (120 kW peak) Classic Mini Kit.
The electric engine is meant for classic car enthusiasts, specialists or EV conversion businesses that want to electrify a classic Mini, and it is expected to have a starting price of £8,850 with deliveries commencing from December 2020.
The kit has been designed to ensure that no vehicle modifications are required, and it will have a weight just over 70 kg dry. The package comprises an HPD E Powertrain system mounted to an original classic Mini front subframe featuring brackets specifically designed for this installation. It also includes purpose-designed inner CV joint housings that allow the fitment of standard Mini driveshaft assemblies.
A wide range of options are available including a purpose-designed 12 kWh battery pack, which fits under the original bonnet in place of the internal combustion engine, motor controller, onboard charger and DC-DC converter, speed sensor kit and cooling system pump.
This new product is already rapidly becoming popular as owners want to switch from internal combustion engines to battery electric vehicles, according to Commercial Director Gérry Hughes.
“We’ve registered over 500 requests for more information on the HPD E system since it launched, many of which are classic Mini owners who are looking to convert their cars to run on electric power,” he said.
Multiple companies are now offering to transform classic vehicles into electric ones. Lunaz now offers the possibility to own a 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom powered by a battery pack of 120 kWh, which will ensure a range of over 300 miles.
Also, drivers now have the possibility to convert any ICE car into an EV, thanks to companies such as Electric Classic Cars (ECC) and Electrogenic. Costumers will only have to find a donor car and then the company will work to convert it into a green and sustainable vehicle.
So, if you are in love with your classic car but you also want to sustain the electric vehicle revolution, you can now do both thanks to these new companies that are creating a unique market.