Convert your old Mini into an EV

Swindon Powertrain in the UK has announced the release of its DIY Classic Mini Kit to convert old Minis into electric vehicles.

Swindon Powertrain in the UK has announced the release of its DIY Classic Mini Kit to convert old Minis into electric vehicles.

It seems that converting classic cars into EVs is all the rage. And Swindon Powertrain has just made the whole thing a heap easier with the release of its Classic Mini Kit which is designed to help the DIYer convert their classic Mini.

The kit weighs just 70kg and is priced from £8,850 + VAT (AUD$16,000 plus taxes) with deliveries expected to begin in December. The idea with the kit is that you get everything you need with no vehicle modification required…Well, apart from ripping out the old motor and dropping in and connecting up an electric motor and battery pack, etc.

So, what do you get in the kit? An “HPD E Powertrain system” (which offers 80kW continuous but will peak at 120kW) mounted to an original classic Mini front subframe featuring brackets specifically designed to help you mount the thing once the old motor is out. To make things really easy, the kit comes with a purpose designed inner CV joint housings that allow the fitment of standard Mini driveshaft assemblies and comes complete with standard differential (cost-optional limited-slip differential available). 

But, read through the fine print and you’ll need to spend a little more than the $16k, see, the kit doesn’t come with the battery pack (a 12kWh pack is a cost option) which you’ll need if you actually want to drive anywhere. The battery pack gets dropped in where the engine used to sit, and of course you’ll also need the motor controller, onboard charger and DC-DC converter, speed sensor kit and cooling system pump, with orders books for these additional items also open. 

Commercial Director at Swindon Powertrain, Gérry Hughes said, “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.

“We have tried to make our kits as easy to use as possible, re-engineering and re-designing the package so that it fits perfectly in a classic Mini, and offer our clients the ability to take just the HPD E Powertrain system or purchase extra, optional EV parts.”

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