London Electric Cars (LEC) has launched its own affordable electric-powered classic Mini, with prices starting from £25,000. This proves that electric vehicle (EV) conversions don’t have to cost the earth. Plus, it’s a great way of keeping a classic on the road but in a modern zero-emissions package.
Not only are LEC’s conversions some of the most cost-effective in the marketplace but they’re also some of the most sustainable in terms of their end-to-end vehicle lifecycle impact. LEC are aiming to transform the face of electric vehicle ownership and electric-powered conversions of classic cars.
Founded in 2017, the company is on a mission to create sustainably converted classic cars using electric power. They offer real-life EV mileage predictions based on real-world city driving and in-car usages, such as the stereo and heater.
The base 20kWh LEC classic Mini conversion has a projected range of 60 – 70 miles (96-113km), with the option to install a higher kWh motor and upgraded batteries to provide more range at an additional cost. Even this base level battery option is ideal for around town.
The converted cars can use any Type 1 or Type 2 public chargers available country-wide. Plus, rapid charging on demand and the use their private home wall-box systems, and even charge from a domestic 13A socket if need be.
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. The research found that using a pre-owned Nissan LEAF infrastructure (motor and battery cells) is a more sustainable solution than mining and creating materials for a LEC-only powertrain.
The company also has plans to reuse and renew computer hardware and batteries inside traction packs and uses additive manufacturing technologies. This will assist with the production and engineering of the LEC classic Mini conversions, which are all built in its London-based workshop.
Matthew Quitter, LEC founder and managing director, 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 percent CO2 reduction by 2035, it is clear that combustion engines will soon be a thing of the past.”
It’s great news that LEC offers an affordable conversion that keeps classic cars on the road. The ‘new’ vehicle becomes fast and clean whilst maintaining the originality of a classic car. It also means these cars are exempt from congestion and low emission zone charges yet only costs around five pence per mile to run.
