Jaunt prices Mini Moke EV for Aus

JOINING the global conga line of electrified Mini Mokes (and other vehicles) is an Aussie version called the Jaunt Mini Moke that is priced, fully built by Jaunt, from an eye-watering $140,000 – plus the donor vehicle and presumably on-road costs.

A conversion kit is also available for outsourcing to vehicle builders/engineers at trade pricing from $90,000.

Jaunt can do the installation at its Melbourne-based workshop and can provide installation training and instruction for workshops around Australia.

The company specialises in electrifying classic cars and lists the early Land Rover Defender SWB, early Minis, and Porsche 911s in its catalogue with the early Range Rover and Veedub Kombi currently under development.

On its website, Jaunt Motors describes itself as an “Australian EV company redefining what is possible for converting classic and specialty vehicles to electric”.

With a focus on safety, compliance and craftsmanship, Jaunt offers “engineered electric platforms and conversions that preserve the charm of iconic cars while making them safer, cleaner and better to drive”.

The Mini Moke is an electric vehicle (EV) conversion platform designed specifically for the original platform that gives automotive professionals an engineered, ADR-compliant solution to bring one of the world’s most iconic classic vehicles into the electric era.

Jaunt emphasises the “platform” is developed for qualified workshops having been refined over years of producing high-end electric conversions in their Melbourne workshop and comprises “everything needed to modernise a classic Moke”.

Included is a 400-volt battery, electric motor and inverter, drive shafts, motor cooling system, bi-directional charger, VCU, and a complete new 12-volt electrical system fully integrated by Jaunt.

Other components are a new centre dash panel complete with modern gauges and controls, and an electric park brake. All necessary body block-out panels are supplied, along with templates for any required modifications.

Jaunt says braking, steering, and suspension upgrades are flexible and can be tailored by the workshop completing the conversion and depending on customer preferences. Additional custom parts and components are available through Jaunt Motors, though they are optional and not essential to the core system.

The finished product meets ADR-compliance regs which Jaunt says means the humble old Moke now has the ability to perform like a brand-new vehicle despite being originally built more than fifty years ago.

“This isn’t just a loose collection of parts,” said Jaunt Motors co-founder and CEO Dave Budge.

“It’s a complete platform we've engineered, built and tested to ADR compliance and the latest EV safety standards.

“Now we’re making it available to others who care about doing conversions correctly. It allows restorers and auto specialists to deliver fully roadworthy electric Mokes that are safe, legal and will last another fifty years.”

Jaunt stresses this is not a DIY kit or one-off custom job as the Jaunt platform has been engineered to meet modern safety standards. Mokes converted using this platform are eligible for registration in every state and territory in Australia.

On its website, Jaunt Motors says it is on a mission to preserve personality as well as compliance.

“Classic cars are charming,” added Mr Budge.

“They’ve got stories, they’ve got soul. But they’re also unreliable and are getting harder to maintain.

“What we’re doing isn’t about reinventing the car. It’s about keeping what was great and fixing everything that wasn’t.

The electric upgrade retains the original Moke’s weight and dynamics, keeping it a true four-seater without exceeding GVM.

“With instant torque, a compact build, and nimble road feel all preserved, the electrified Moke is ready for exactly what it was originally designed for: short, joyful, open-air drives.”

More information is at www.jauntmotors.com