China is cloning the classic Mini as an EV

In the past few years, we've seen a few Chinese automakers make "interpretations" of classic vehicle designs as their own models. Case in point, the Great Wall Ora – which is a clone of the original VW Beetle.

Now, it looks like a British icon will be reborn into a Chinese EV, as a startup company called Beijing Estech Technology's patent images show.

Car News China uncovered the limited details shown about the classic Mini knock-off. Apparently, BMW has lost the patent rights for the Mini's design and is now filed by Beijing Estech Technology. In addition, the startup is backed by IAT Automotive Technology and SUV maker Karlmann King, who themselves developed an SUV based on the Ford F-450.

The Chinese Mini EV silhouette looks very similar to the original one that Sir Alec Issigonis penned 7 decades ago. Details such as the headlights, the taillights, and even its chrome bumpers show the exact same look. One little difference we've noticed though is that the Chinese Mini EV appears to have a longer wheelbase, which is perhaps the result of fitting a battery pack underneath. But aside from that, everything looks the same as Mr. Bean's iconic car.

Technical specifications about the vehicle haven't been disclosed. But according to Car News China, it could likely be front-wheel-drive like the classic Mini, albeit with an electric motor powering the front wheels instead of an ICE.

Would you like to see the return of the classic Mini into a Chinese EV? Let us know in the comments.

Source : Car News China