Proving that electric vehicle (EV) conversions don’t have to cost the earth, London Electric Cars (LEC) has launched its own affordable electric-powered classic Mini, with prices starting from £25,000 (excluding local taxes, shipping and donor). Not only are LEC’s conversions some of the most cost-effective in the marketplace, they are also some of the most sustainable in terms of their end-to-end vehicle lifecycle impact.
Based in the heart of London, LEC is the only electric car conversion specialist within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) as well as being the only EV converter based in one of the world’s largest cities. London Electric Cars is aiming to transform the face of electric vehicle ownership and electric-powered conversions of classic cars from petrol power. Founded in 2017, the company is on a mission to create sustainably-converted classic cars using electric power, with real-life EV mileage predictions based on real-world city driving and in-car usage, such as stereo and heater.
The base 20 kWh LEC classic Mini conversion, costing from £25,000 (excluding local taxes, shipping and donor), has a projected range of 60 – 70 miles, with owners having the ability to install a higher kWh motor and upgraded batteries to provide more range at an additional cost. Drivers can use any Type 1 or Type 2 public charger available country-wide, rapid charging on demand, as well as use their private home wall-box systems and also charge from a domestic 13A socket should they wish.
Focusing on the full lifecycle impact of the conversion, and not just the powerplant itself, the team has conducted extensive research, development and independent analysis to prove that by using a pre-owned Nissan Leaf infrastructure (motor and battery cells) it is a more sustainable solution than mining and creating materials for an LEC-only powertrain. The company also has plans to reuse and renew computer hardware and batteries inside traction packs and uses additive manufacturing technologies to assist with the production and engineering of the LEC classic Mini conversions, all conducted from its London-based workshop.
Matthew Quitter, Founder and Managing Director of London Electric Cars said: “As a classic car enthusiast and advocate for affordable and sustainable electric vehicle conversions, it made sense for us [LEC] to focus on the original Mini. [Alec] Issigonis was one of the most collaborative and free-thinking designers, but also someone who knew how to stick to a budget. With this EV conversion we wanted the classic Mini to be an affordable yet useful option for city dwellers, not just in our home town of London but all over the world to tackle traffic and help put a stop to pollution.
“There’s also a bigger picture to think of here. With the UK’s announcement of the world’s most ambitious climate change target of a 78% CO2 reduction by 2035, it is clear that combustion engines will soon be a thing of the past. LEC offers an affordable conversion that keeps these British classic cars on the road. The vehicle becomes fast and clean whilst maintaining the originality and appeal that our customers love about a classic car.”
Owner of a London Electric Cars converted classic Mini said: “It’s everything I’ve ever wanted and more. Not only does my classic Mini have a new lease of life, but it’s perfect for running around London and so cheap to run! No more worrying if I’ve forgotten to pay the Congestion Charge and there are so many public charging points around. It really is a win, win.”
London Electric Cars is based in the heart of the city in Vauxhall, employing a range of skilled classic car mechanics, technology-driven engineers, electronic gurus and sales-orientated commercial minds, all with the same goal of developing and delivering affordable conversions of combustion engine vehicles to run on electric power. The team, which is growing, has driven over 2,000 miles in its production-ready EV-powered classic Mini, with the order books now open.
The team has created its first customer classic Mini, setting the new benchmark in affordable and sustainable conversions for the much-loved classic Mini. For those customers who do not have a classic Mini already, but wish to have an EV conversion, LEC is able to source a donor at an additional cost to the client. Each converted classic Mini takes around six weeks to transform to run on electric power. The current waiting time is around six months for customers with cars in the UK, and the company has a range of customers looking to convert their cars and ship them to their homes around the world, with one of the biggest markets being America, closely followed by Japan. Each conversion starts from £25,000 plus donor, local taxes, duties and shipping for the basic 20 kWh electric adaptation.
The electric classic Mini conversion is part of the UK-based company’s affordable EV conversion range, which includes the iconic British Land Rover, Morris Minor and Morris Traveller. All of LEC’s conversions are road tax, Congestion Charge and ULEZ exempt. Resident’s parking is heavily discounted in most London and city Boroughs too. Costs to run LEC-converted cars are predicted to be as little as 5p per mile.
