BMW is carrying out a plan to electrify classic Minis. This is the process and the technology it incorporates.
Over the last few years we have been able to see how manufacturers have been increasing their commitment to the electric car. The Public Administration, in many cases, is the reason behind this decision, since the obstacles to marketing alternatives based on internal combustion have been increasing. In this new situation, everything seems to indicate that circulation in cities of classic vehicles will be much more limited.
The automobile fleet has changed drastically in just a few decades. Even so, there are still millions of closer cars from the 1950s, 1960s, or 1980s. What to do with these options? Society has a special affection for these models, which is why some manufacturers are beginning to propose solutions to the problem that is to come. Among them, the substitution of conventional mechanics for other electric ones is having a great weight.
The last great example of this proposal is shown to us by BMW, the industrial group that owns Mini. The iconic British brand, today, offers plug-in hybrid and electric versions. Now, how can the model that gave the firm its name be the object and protagonist of these lines? The practice of a conversion program seeks to convince the still many users of that historic model to replace the combustion block with an electric package.
As is logical, it is a bet that is conscientiously designed for this particular vehicle. Behind this project there is an important study that has served to determine the acceptable level of autonomy, What are the most viable elements? in a program of these characteristics and, of course, what is the necessary power level. As a consequence, there are already a number of users who have decided to anticipate their decision.
A technology designed to the millimeter to create a differential project
As can be read in the specialized portal Engine1it has been decided to go for a electric motor capable of developing up to 90 kW, or what is the same, about 120 horsepower. Taking into account the weight of the vehicle as a whole and, of course, its chassis, it can be said that it is a most interesting record. Even more so considering that it has a maximum torque applicable from the first revolution.
Now, how many kilometers can be done with a single tank? BMW, knowing the difficulties offered by having a small space, has decided to bet on a somewhat conservative block. However, it makes perfect sense, since we are dealing with a type of vehicle that is designed to the realization of a purely urban driving. Even so, this proposal will have a range close to 160 theoretical kilometers for each full charge cycle.
Without a doubt, the performance of this particular model will improve compared to the factory version. In fact, thanks to the incorporation of the battery and electric motor, you can have an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9 seconds. This exceeds by several seconds what the original internal combustion engine is capable of. Despite this, is it worth adopting electrification or are we facing another example of what a heresy can mean?
2 conflicting points of view due to the electrification of a classic car
It is not the first time that a renowned manufacturer decides to bet on this type of work. In the past, only specific companies were capable of carrying out this type of work, but the increase in demand has meant that this practice has also been developed by the companies in the sector themselves. Even so, this type of modification is still controversy when confronting 2 groups with opposing opinions.
To be able to continue using classic vehicles in the future or simply lose the essence that its mechanics give off? The case of the Mini does not involve much controversy due, above all, to the fact that its differentiation does not lie in the provision of an engine recognized by the industry. Now, what happens, for example, if a Ford Mustang with a V8 block from the sixties or seventies opts for this technology? As you can see, both vehicles are not facing the same problem.
We will have to wait and see what are the conditions of this transformation and, above all, what is the price that must be paid to be able to continue enjoying the vehicle in the cities in the future. It is expected that its price will not be tempting, as is logical considering the equipment, but it may go against the proposal itself. As you can see, this is a very difficult decision for each of the users who currently have a Mini in their vehicle fleet.
Related topics: Motor
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