Reborn Mini Mokes to be all-electric from 2022
UK order books have opened for electrified versions of the reborn Mini Moke, as the heritage brand promises to be EV-only by January 1 2022.
Driven in the 1960s by everyone from The Beatles to Brigitte Bardot, Moke International revived the iconic model in 2017 and claims to be the world’s first heritage marque to go fully electric.
Combustion-engine versions of the utilitarian funsters can be ordered until the end of 2021, before the 100% shift to electric.
The UK-built electric Mokes can be ordered now with deliveries expected by the middle of 2022.
Prices start at £29,150 ($54,000) and the cars will be available in right-hand and left-hand drive.
Moke International says orders will ship to mainland Europe in 2022 as well, but there’s no word if these 800kg style statements would meet Australia’s strict approval rules. That wouldn’t stop a private import to own the coolest EV paddock basher.
Quick off the mark
The electric Mokes use a three-phase AC synchronous motor with a maximum power of 33kW turning the rear wheels.
Thanks to its feather weight it’ll get off the mark quite quickly, hitting 55km/h in 4.5 seconds. Top speed is a buffeting 100km/h.
There’s no details on battery specification, but with a range of just 144km – and the car’s low kerb weight – they’ll be on the small side. Charge time takes four hours using a Type 2 plug.
Moke International helpfully says the range is fit for “five round trips between Cap-Ferrat to Monaco,” or in ‘Strayan, that’ll do you 12 there-and-backs from Kings Cross to Bondi.
We’re told battery cells, motors and inverters are all sourced from “Tier 1 European suppliers” and have been bespoke engineered in the United Kingdom.
Waterproof room for four
Like the original Mokes of the 1960s – which have recently surged in value on the classic car market – dimensions are tiny on these open-to-the-elements cars.
At only 3225mm long, 1660mm wide and 1546mm high, they’re more ickle than a modern Fiat 500. But the pictures suggest there’s reasonable space for four people.
Isobel Dando, CEO of MOKE International, said: “Moke going electric secures the appeal of one of Britain’s best loved marques for many generations to come. Moke’s marriage of fun, personality and open air thrills will only be enhanced through the performance and silent running of an electric powertrain.”
While the heritage of the original Moke remains, there are some modern niceties. Power steering, waterproof seats, a heated windscreen and regen braking are all included.
