Electric car conversion company, Electrogenic, based in Kidlington, Oxfordshire has announced what they claim is the first DIY electric conversion to suit the Classic Mini. Actually, it’ll potentially fit any car that uses a Mini subframe at the front end. That opens it up to plenty of kitcars …

Electrogenic is best known for converting all manner of cars such as Land Rover Defender, Porsche 911, Jaguar E-type, Triumph Stag and Citroën DS but now they’ve entered the DIY market.

No cutting, shutting or bashing is required, as Electrogenic say that you can put your Mini on a two-post ramp, drop the subframe out and replace it with their package. You can either do it all yourself or engage the services of a mechanic. You definitely won’t need to be poking a screwdriver at those high-voltage orange cables. All the parts from the Electrogenic kit are pre-fitted to the subframe. What’s more, should you wish to return your Mini back to A-Series power at a later date, everything is reversible.

The kit is powered by a 20kWh battery pack that delivers the equivalent of 60bhp with 100 lb-ft of torque, which compares favourably with the nineties Mini, with its A-Series giving 63bhp and 70 lb-ft of torque. The range is 80 miles, but Electrogenic don’t see people worrying about a 300-mile range with this car, built they are soon to launch a range extender option for those that require it, with a second battery pack mounted in the boot.

When it comes to price the kit costs £18,000 inc VAT and once you get a suitable non-rusty Mini donor at say £6000, a total all-up cost of £25,000 should see this one done and dusted.

We’ve been promised a drive of the company’s forthcoming Mini electric demonstrator so look out for that one. There will also be a feature on Mini Sport’s new Mini Recharged coming up in TKC MAG in the September/October issue.

For more on Electrogenic visit www.electrogenic.co.uk or call 01865 604 343 ENDS.