Working on a 1989 Classic Mini EV Conversion

Hello all,
may I add some remarks:
I have converted my Mini with a 27kW-powertrain (from a Th!nk as donor car). With these 27kW I can make the front wheels spin at any time I want (sometime I fail to avoid it) from zero to approx. 60km/h. Top speed is 105km/h, because I have limited the max. rpm of the motor (AC, asynchroneous) to 10.000 1/min. Some people tell the motor can do 12.000 1/min, maybe I will try this some day. The car makes a lot of fun!


To me it appears not reasonable to install a 80kW-engine into a 680kg-Mini with a front-wheel-drive. It might make sense if you build a RWD- or AWD-car, or if you want a top speed far beyond 180km/h.
You should also consider that in order to make 80kW, the battery must provide this power; doing that without damage, it must be a big (and a heavy) one. Which might not suit to a Mini.


Sorry if this does disappoint You, it is just my opinion. After all it is up to You how to convert your Mini. I whish you success!
Markus

Expanding the rear battery-box is what I did in the boot. Very easy and effective. The other pack is located under (not between) the front seats. This is somewhat tricky, but feasible.
However there is weight missing on the front axle now. In my current conversion project I am locationg one set of batteries is in the trunk.
Markus

Scanales: You can add considerable space under the rear seats by cutting out the seat's support panel and reinstall it horizontally. You will need to ad a narrow vertical strip from left to right, and to cut out a wedge from the seat's foam. This measure is invisible, and even the rear passengers won't notice it when sitting there. I can post a picture, if required.
Markus

Thank You. Oddly enough that space is currently not used, as the car has the expanded battery tray in the trunk and a largely expanded cross-tunnel under the front seats. But some day this may be an option...
Again, remember not to make the car too light on the front. Spinning wheels are useless (ok, some people like that), I assume it is real acceleration most of us are looking for.
Regards,
Markus

It is good to put some weight back into the engine bay. Keeping the rear seat keeps the orginal look, which I like. Consider that passengers there also need some space for their feet, I don't see that in your picture. If possible try to put the batteries of the side compartment down into the pockets, instead above them. And some batteries do fit under the front seats.
Of course you will need to split your current modules again...it is like in real life: you get nothing for free.
Markus

Converting the rear suspension in that way might be good if you look for ultimate performance.
Installing too much weight in the car's back, is certainly unfavourable.

Markus

My mini probably has a very similar weight distribution to Tremelune's conversion. Actually, it was my intention to equalize front/rear distribution to a certain degree. Cornering ability, especially through roundabouts, has become spectacular. However I have limited acceleration (nominal 27kW only!) because front wheels are spinning. (Tyres: 165/70R10 Yokohama A032)
Would be interesting to learn if Tremelune could confirm this impression, or not.
I consider my car's current balance as a mistake, meanwhile.
Next project will have it closer to stock. If ok., I may modify the first car accordingly.
This is my personal experience and what I have learned from. And-of course-following my personal preferences.
Markus

@ Tremelune:
It's a pity that most probably we will never have a trip along Mulholland Drive together with our Minis, or experience where each other's limits might be.

pickmeup said:

i have seen some other information about the swind e motor and they do have to cut into the rear of the subframe and there is some extra brackets required for mounting points.


the only photo ive seen on the internet with the motor in the subframe is this one below.

Click to expand...

There is more info about swindon, meanwhile:
I just had a déja-vu regarding the motor/subframe picture.
Not really cheap, however.
Markus

Must be a very (!) compact battery. On the current project, I managed to install 8kWh only on top of the motor.
The reason might be that the old-fashioned Siemens-controller requires much space there.

pickmeup said:

As soon as lockdown is over again in the UK im visiting them for a test drive....

Click to expand...

hopefully earlier than 2022!