If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising in a classic Mini Moke but wished it came with modern reliability and zero emissions, your prayers have been answered. Melbourne-based Jaunt Motors has just announced they’re now taking orders for fully electric Mini Moke conversions, bringing this beloved icon into the 21st century.
The classic Mini Moke, with its distinctive open-air design and beach-ready vibe, has captured hearts for decades. Now, thanks to Australian engineering expertise, you can enjoy all that charm without the maintenance headaches or environmental concerns of vintage engines.
What Makes This Electric Moke Special?
Jaunt Motors isn’t just slapping a battery into an old Moke and calling it a day. This Melbourne company has engineered a complete platform specifically designed to meet Australian standards while preserving everything people love about the original.
The electric conversion features a front-mounted motor delivering 72kW of power and 175Nm of torque. While those numbers might seem modest compared to today’s high-performance EVs, they’re perfectly suited to the Moke’s intended purpose: joyful, short-distance cruising with the wind in your hair.
Performance That Surprises
Don’t let the modest power figures fool you. This electric Moke can sprint from 0-100km/h in just seven seconds – even uphill – when you switch to sport mode. That’s genuinely impressive for a vehicle that weighs so little and wasn’t originally designed for speed.
The 19kWh battery pack sits neatly under the tub and charges completely in just two to three hours. For most Moke adventures – beach runs, resort shuttles, or weekend drives around town – that range will be more than sufficient.
Australian Engineering Meets Classic Design
What sets Jaunt Motors apart is their commitment to doing things properly. Every component they install is CAD-designed and engineered to meet Australian Design Rules. This means your electric Moke will be legal to register in every state and territory, with Jaunt handling the compliance process before delivery.
More Than Just a Motor Swap
The conversion goes far beyond simply replacing the engine. You’ll get:
- Upgraded brake, steering, and suspension systems
- ADR-compliant seats with seatbelts
- A new roll bar system with custom canvas top
- Modern digital gauges and controls
- Electric parking brake
- Pop-up charging port
- Completely new 12-volt electrical system
The company has also designed a polished stainless steel body option that’s actually lighter than the original Moke while offering a better torque-to-weight ratio than a Tesla Model 3 Performance.
The Reality Check: Pricing and Availability
Here’s where things get serious. Jaunt Motors is asking $140,000 for their electric Moke conversion – and that’s before you factor in the cost of a donor vehicle. With delivery expected in 2026, this isn’t an impulse purchase.
For comparison, the original Moke International is working on an electric version that costs around $69,500 in the UK, though it’s not yet confirmed for Australia.
Why the Premium Price?
Dave Budge, Jaunt Motors CEO and co-founder, explains the thinking: “This isn’t just a loose collection of parts. It’s a complete platform we’ve engineered, built and tested to ADR compliance and the latest EV safety standards.”
The company is also offering their conversion platform to workshops across Australia for $90,000, including training and support. This could help bring costs down if other businesses start offering similar services.
Who’s This Really For?
At $140,000 plus the donor vehicle cost, this isn’t exactly an affordable weekend project. The target market seems to be high-end resorts, collectors who want the ultimate beach cruiser, or enthusiasts with deep pockets who prioritize Australian compliance and craftsmanship.
Jaunt has already built a reputation converting Land Rover Defenders, classic Mini Coopers, and Porsche 911s to electric power. They plan to expand to other classics like the original Range Rover and Volkswagen Kombi.
The Resort Market
Many customers are expected to be luxury resorts wanting to offer guests electric Mokes for complimentary use or short-term rental. This makes perfect sense – resorts get the classic Moke appeal without the maintenance issues of vintage engines.
Looking Beyond the Moke
Jaunt Motors represents something bigger than just electric car conversions. They’re part of a growing movement to preserve automotive heritage while adapting to environmental realities.
As CEO Dave Budge puts it: “Classic cars are charming. 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 Future of Classic Car Preservation
This approach could be the future for many beloved classics. Instead of letting them become museum pieces or weekend-only toys that barely run, electric conversions offer a path to daily usability while maintaining the character that makes these cars special.
Should You Consider One?
If you’re thinking about an electric Moke conversion, consider what you’ll actually use it for. These aren’t long-distance touring cars – they’re designed for short, joyful drives where the journey matters more than the destination.
The electric drivetrain eliminates the reliability issues that plague vintage cars while adding modern conveniences. No more fouled spark plugs, carburetor adjustments, or hoping your classic will start on a cold morning.
For the right buyer – someone who values Australian engineering, wants compliance certainty, and has the budget for a premium conversion – Jaunt’s electric Moke could be exactly what they’re looking for.
The 2026 delivery timeline gives you plenty of time to find the perfect donor vehicle and save up. Just remember, by the time you add the conversion cost to a good condition Moke, you’re looking at a significant investment.
But for those who can afford it, the promise of combining classic Moke charm with modern reliability and zero emissions is undeniably appealing. Sometimes the best way forward is to take the best of the past and fix what wasn’t working.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How much does an electric Mini Moke conversion cost in Australia? A: Jaunt Motors charges $140,000 for their electric Moke conversion, excluding the cost of the donor vehicle. You’ll also need to source a suitable Mini Moke to convert, which can vary significantly in price depending on condition.
Q: How long does it take to charge the electric Mini Moke? A: The 19kWh battery pack can be fully charged in just 2-3 hours thanks to the 400-volt electrical architecture. This makes it practical for daily use around town or at resorts.
Q: Can I legally drive an electric Mini Moke conversion on Australian roads? A: Yes, Jaunt Motors designs all their conversions to meet Australian Design Rules (ADR). They handle the compliance process and ensure the vehicle can be registered in every state and territory before delivery to customers.