If you fancy cruising along Surfrider Beach in a beach vehicle that can hit straight up Route 101 back to Santa Barbara when you are done, then the new Moke Californian is for you.
After forty years since it was first sold in the U.S., the classic Moke is back, this time outfitted with an electric drivetrain for an emission-free travel experience. The new Electric Moke Californian is highway-legal. It is the only highway-legal Moke vehicle available in the U.S. and the first genuine version of the original Mini Moke to go on sale since 1982.
Under the hood, it has a modest 33 kW (44 HP) electric motor that drives the rear wheel, paired with a lithium-ion battery system, offering a top speed of 50 miles an hour (80 km/h) and a range of 80 miles (120 km) per charge (subject to WLTP testing).
While the power is anything but mind-blowing, the lightweight nature (800 kilograms or 363 pounds) lends it a 0-55 km/h (34 mph) sprint in a fairly quick 4.3 seconds. There’s no 0-100 timing since it can’t make that speed. Recharging will take just 4 hours via a Type 1 port.
Details, availability, and pricing for the U.S. will be announced in the coming weeks. It is worth mentioning that Moke International is the first 1960s automotive brand to go 100% electric.
Images: Moke International.
