This 2002 Mini Cooper S was powered by a 1.6-liter paired with a six-speed manual transaxle. With a mileage of 125k and a blown engine when acquired in March 2022, Matt decided to start by pulling the engine and the exhaust system out.

The general condition of the vehicle is good, no main alterations (interior and exterior) and no rust has been reported by Matt. The Mini Cooper S equipment includes an Electro-Hydraulic Steering, Discs w/ABS, EBD at the front and the rear, and AC. According to Matt “No upgrade for brakes is necessary and AC would be nice but not required after conversion”. Wheels and tires will be replaced, and suspensions may need an upgrade upon completion. 

With a curb weight of 2300-2500 lbs and a unique look, the Mini Cooper has already been EV converted many times. One of the most famous is certainly this one by Rich from Rich Rebuilds (@richiebkidd and @theElectrifiedGarage) for 3,500$, two years ago:

Although Matt has no experience in EV, he wants to physically participate in most of the conversion and use as much used EV parts as possible. He expects his Mini Cooper S to be as powerful as today: 100-150hp, 100-150Lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 70mph. With an expected range of 70 miles in the city and low speed charging at home during the night, Matt’s project is very realistic. 

Matt would prefer Lithium for batteries and is open to a Nissan Leaf System. 

No towing requirement.