While Mini is currently working on on the Electric
version of its modern hatch, a UK company called Swind took the classic model
and gave it a zero-emission powertrain. We’re not talking about a one-off
project or prototype, but an actual production car. It’s called the Swind E
Classic Mini and was revealed at the London Classic Car Show.
The electric hatchback will be produced in 100 units
and it’s already on sale in the UK with a whopping price tag of £ 79,000. It’s built on the restored body of an original Mini, to
which it adds a 110 PS (electric motor and a 24 kWh battery.
Swind claims that it can be driven for up to 200 km with the battery fully charged, a process that takes 4 hours using
a female Type 2 connector. With the ability of hitting 100 km/h in 9.2
seconds and a 130 km/h top speed, it definitely won’t break any speed
records though.
Getting rid of the old internal combustion engine
and replacing it with the electric motor and battery has added an extra 80 kg to the gross weight, which is still a featherweight 720 kg. The weight distribution has been improved, from 68/32 percent to 57/43
front/rear, and losing the fuel tank has increased the boot capacity to 200
liters. Other work includes the addition of a regenerative braking
system and contemporary corrosion protection, along with new brakes and
suspension parts.
For a car that costs more than the Audi E-Tron, the
E Classic Mini doesn’t get a lot of standard features. It’s supplied with USB
ports, underfloor heating, heated leather seats and heated front and rear
windscreens. Clients will have to pay extra to get an infotainment system with
satellite navigation and even air conditioning and power steering! The
full-length sliding fabric roof, bespoke paint and fast charging are also
optional.
Each of the 100 cars destined for production comes
with an unlimited mileage, one-year warranty and is supplied with an MoT.
Assembly will take place at the company’s facility in Wiltshire, where both LHD
and RHD models will be put together.
