There is no shortage of drivers who would appreciate the possibility of commuting again on a daily basis in the same model that served them in their childhood years, such as their father’s or mother’s car. This can be expensive if the family in question owns a Rolls-Royce or Jaguar E-Type, but is substantially more affordable if the vehicle is one of the first Mini models, the 850cc ones, introduced to the market. from 1959. But these simple mechanics, with the box installed inside the engine crankcase, were not exactly an example of robustness and, after 70 years, they are still low on power (originally they delivered only 35 CV), but they began to demand great repairs and a lot of maintenance to keep working. To minimize the problem, Mini has created a simple way to electrify the popular classic.
In this case, the mechanical change work was carried out by Mini Australia, in collaboration with Fellten Australia, but there are companies in Portugal, outside the manufacturer, capable of carrying out this same service with a similar level of efficiency, since Carrying out this type adaptation in models of various brands. This conversion of classic vehicles, with a combustion engine, into electric models is already a common practice.that can be found from small Tuk-Tuk to larger cars.
The transformation “kit” developed by Fellten for the Mini
Mini began by removing the four-cylinder engine/gearbox, fuel tank, and all pipes and cables that would no longer be used. The Mini has a 72 kW electric motor, approximately 98 HP, as well as the battery that powers it, of only 19 kWh, to which must be added the energy management system (BMS), the on-board charger (capable of accepting up to 6.6 kW of power in AC), Fellten adopting a regenerative braking system to recharge the accumulator, among other details.
The end result is an electric Mini with the same weight as the original model, but now, with increased power, it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8 seconds. Substantially better than the value guaranteed by the 850cc engine, or even the 1000cc. The range is about 175 km.being reasonable for urban and semi-urban use, with the advantage of keeping the total weight close to 600 kg.
Fellten, who produced the equipment for the Mini, he explains below how everything from the steering to the brakes works, ensuring adaptation is extremely quick:
Source: Observadora
