Moke goes electric

MOKE International – the company that acquired the rights the Moke name back in 2015 – has revealed an all-electric version of its much-loved ‘classic’. 

 

The company, which currently produces internal combustion engine (ICE) versions of the Moke, says its range will go all-electric from January 2022, reflecting what is says is “consistent customer demand for clean-air powertrains”.

 

But it won’t come cheap… Moke’s new electric model will retain in the UK for £29,150 – equivalent to AUD$53,726. 

 

The 800kg Moke EV can be fully recharged in four hours and provides 33kW of power to the rear wheels, providing a top speed is just 100km/h. It’s available in right and left-hand drive formats but is unlikely to be sold in Australia due to strict ADR requirements.

 

The brand says its battery cells, motors, and inverters are sourced from Tier 1 European supplies, but does not provide a battery size for their new model, quoting only a range of 144km. 

 

The new Moke is built in the UK under the leadership of ex-Rolls-Royce product lead Isobel Dando and was completely redesigned to improve acceleration and driveability.

 

Aluminium body panels reduce weight while improved braking systems, occupant and pedestrian safety features help bring the model up to par with modern rivals. The new EV also includes luxuries such as power steering, regenerative braking, and a heated windscreen.

 

“Moke going electric secures the appeal of one of Britain’s best loved marques for many generations to come. Moke’s marriage of fun, personality, and open-air thrills will only be enhanced through the performance and silent running of an electric powertrain,” brand CEO Isobel Dando said.

 

“We are proud to write a new chapter in one of British automotive folklores best loved stories.”

 

The new Moke EV measures 3225mm long, 1660mm wide, and 1546mm high, or 14mm shorter, 212mm wider, and 146mm taller than BMC’s original. 

 

The last Mini Moke sold in Australia weighed just 620kg (kerb) and was powered by a 1.1-litre petrol engine making 37kW/81Nm. It drove the front wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox and offered an advertised top speed of 113km/h. 

 

Over 26,000 examples of the original Mini Moke were built in Australia between 1966 and 1981. The original model sold for around $2600 locally, or the equivalent of $32,100 when adjusted for 2021.