Remember that cheeky little open-air vehicle that looked like someone forgot to put a roof on a car? The Mini Moke, that 61-year-old beach buggy legend, just got a serious upgrade. Melbourne’s Jaunt Motors has given this classic a complete electric makeover, and the results are pretty impressive.
What Makes This Electric Conversion Special
Dave Budge, CEO of Jaunt Motors, puts it perfectly: “Classic cars are charming. They’ve got stories, they’ve got soul. But they’re also unreliable and are getting harder to maintain.” That’s exactly what this conversion addresses. Instead of just swapping out the engine, Jaunt has created what they call a complete platform overhaul.
The conversion ditches that old wheezy A-series engine and replaces it with a modern electric motor that produces 72kW of power and 175Nm of torque. While those numbers might not sound huge compared to today’s performance cars, they’re perfect for what the Moke was designed to do – provide pure driving joy on short trips.
Performance That Surprises
Here’s where things get interesting. This isn’t your typical slow electric conversion. The Moke EV can sprint from 0-100km/h in just seven seconds, even uphill. That’s faster than many modern cars and gives this little classic some serious pep. The 19kWh battery pack sits neatly under the tub and can be recharged in just 2-3 hours thanks to its 400-volt electrical architecture.
Technical Specifications and Features
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | 72kW / 175Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 19kWh |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | 7 seconds |
| Charging Time | 2-3 hours |
| Electrical Architecture | 400-volt |
| Gear Ratio | 7.8:1 (single speed) |
| Wheel Size | 13-inch |
| Seating | 4 seats |
Modern Tech Meets Classic Design
The beauty of this conversion lies in how it maintains the Moke’s original character while adding modern reliability. The electric system includes regenerative braking, which means the motor helps slow the car down while putting energy back into the battery. There’s also bi-directional charging capability, letting you use the car as a power source if needed.
Safety hasn’t been overlooked either. The retail version comes with upgraded brakes, steering, and suspension systems. Plus, there are ADR-compliant seats with proper seatbelts mounted to a new roll bar system, all covered by a custom canvas top.
Pricing and Availability
For Individual Customers
If you want Jaunt Motors to handle everything, the complete conversion starts at $140,000. That’s before you factor in the cost of finding a donor Moke, which can vary significantly depending on condition and rarity. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026, so there’s a bit of a wait.
For Workshops and Professionals
Jaunt is also offering their conversion platform to qualified workshops across Australia. Trade pricing starts at $90,000, and they’ll provide installation training and support. This approach means more people might eventually have access to these conversions through their local specialists.
The Premium Option
For those wanting something extra special, Jaunt has created a polished stainless steel-bodied version built from scratch. This premium model features LED lighting, CNC-machined badges, and is claimed to be lighter than the original Moke. Even more impressive, it apparently offers a better torque-to-weight ratio than a Tesla Model 3 Performance.
Legal and Registration
One of the biggest advantages of this conversion is that it’s fully ADR-compliant. This means converted Mokes can be legally registered in every Australian state and territory. That’s a huge deal for classic car enthusiasts who want to enjoy their vehicles without registration headaches.
Why This Matters for Classic Car Lovers
This isn’t just about making an old car electric. It’s about preserving automotive heritage while making it practical for modern use. The original Moke was designed for beach towns and holiday resorts, but maintenance issues often kept them off the road. With electric power, owners get the same open-air fun without worrying about carburetor problems or finding replacement parts for decades-old engines.
The fact that Jaunt Motors already offers conversions for Land Rovers, classic Minis, and Porsche 911s shows they’re serious about this approach to preservation. They’re keeping the soul of these classics alive while fixing everything that made ownership frustrating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the conversion take?
A: The conversion requires professional installation at qualified workshops and isn’t designed for home installation.
Q: Can I use any Moke for conversion?
A: Yes, the system is designed to work with existing Moke mounting points and chassis configurations.
Q: What’s the real-world driving range?
A: While specific range figures weren’t provided, the 19kWh battery is designed for the Moke’s intended use – short, joyful drives rather than long-distance touring.
