I would rather see the mini diesel brought to the states. Weren't they saying the newest iteration got 74 mpg?

I would (from a Classic owners POV) rather see you focus on something else. BMW is already doing this. Maybe a RHD option for the BMW MINI's..

K- 2 bad u r in Hawaii, I've got many cars to sell here in NY.

YES THEY SHOULD!!!!!! I've determined i need 4 classic minis, 1 to restore, 1 for R1 engine, 1 to make a trailer out of and 1 to be electric.

Did you know that the first of our Electric MINIs were used for all the movies sequences shot underground for the latest "Italian Job"? For safety reasons, the only option to run in the subways etc. was an electric car!
http://www.italianjobmovie.com/flash/main.php?pchar=1

 

I think that if you can get at least 75 miles on a charge and offer a quick charge option, this would be a great idea for commuting where I live.

 Best,

 -Clint Cope  

Defenders of Speed, LLC  | Mountain View, CA  | www.defendersofspeed.com

This moke is just shocking !!!!!!!

Too bad, they forgot the seats-

BIG AL-

Yawn, I wouldn't bother either.  Too heavy, limited range and who knows what sort of 'behind the scenes' toxins in creating this so-called green alternative.  If I were the creative innovator, I'd be re-examining hydrogen from water and burning that.

Simply put,  nope.

No.

(Plus, lots of hassle to get a manufacturer's license in California...) 

Honestly Don, I'm not sure why you would bother to build an electric MINI.  MINI is already doing it.  What would be the value of spending the time and resources?  Are you thinking about offering a kit to allow others to retrofit their MINI's?  If yes, maybe it would be worth it.  If you just want a fun project, build an electric classic Mini.

Hell no, just drill for oil.The entire population of our country could live off this. Jut think of it: NO MORE Politicians deciding what we should do, We won't need them anymore, Free health care, no taxes, How much can this country be dumbed Down.

YES!!

If we keep our minis for another 50 years, I think we may have to go that route sooner or later!

(I just hope we can still get rubber cone replacements!)

I think this is the guy from AU http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=42150

I'm following his lead and going to look at a inexpensive metro tranny this sat for my electric mini project

Sammy 

I used to have a bookmark to an AU message board with EV folks on it.  There was a guy doing an EV conversion on a classic Mini. I can't seem to find it now.  But here are some other interesting links (not sure if they will be real links):

http://carrott.org/cgi-bin/twiki/view/ElectricMini/WebHome

http://www.aeva.asn.au/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=813&KW=mini

http://www.aeva.asn.au/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=260

http://www.greencarsite.co.uk/GREENNEWS/classic-mini-electric-conversion.htm

I don't know about fully electric, but I would love to see one of the F1-style KERS devices in a mini.  Maybe a pair of electric motors on the rear wheels, that can work as generators when the brakes are put on.  In F1, they get about 80hp for short bursts and suffer less weight penalty than a passenger.  Half that would really pep up the driving experience of a classic and not adversely affect the pre-existing powerplant as would most power-adders (turbo, Nitrous, supercharger, etc..).

 

As an experiment in the new MINI, I say "do it!", but don't expect it to be a financially viable sales item.

Please ... someone ... post links to existing electrics and/or MiniMania should build a classic.  I first started looking at Minis (again) last May/June when I was thinking about an electic car.  That led to persuading my wife that I should buy a classic because it gets great mileage and would fulfill my long-delayed need for a classic car. 

 

... of course I then turned around and bought a 1275 with lots of go-fast goodies so my mileage isn't QUITE as good as my initial lofty predictions.

 

Fortunately, she doesn't seem to mind too much.

I'm of the opinion that when you use the mini gearbox you sacrifice too power to drive the gearbox. I'd like to see an electric car with motors on the 4 wheels and a power supply where the engine used to sit. Totally electric. It could pin you into your seat upon startup, and with a rheostadt type accelerator obviously computer controlled. Pull the lever back and go, go, go. Maybe recharge the batteries upon deceleration (braking). solar panel on roof as additional backup boost. And maybe some air scoops with turbines to catch the wind to further recharge the power source.

Isn't BINI testing prototype electric drivetrains right now?  I almost applied for the program until I read that I would pay like $900 a month for a 1 year lease that cannot be extended.  I like the idea of an electric classic mini, but I am somewhat concerned about the lifespan of the batteries.  I modded out an electric scooter a few years ago with a more powerful motor and extra batteries for extended life.  Batteries were very pricy and with regular use and charging their capacity goes down pretty quickly...even with batteries that supposedly don't carry a memory.

 

Anyone tried biofuel in these motors?  Similar environmental thinking that might be more cost effective and effecient in the end.

For a classic, there is a late 70's CDN car getting an electric motor which mounts to a Hodna Civic trans/ differential in the Redmond, WA area right now.  I'm looking forward to it!  I'm not sure if it's creator is a MM board member or not.

Best regards,

MSH