China is determined to remake the original Mini as an EV, but BMW won't be happy

Brace yourself! The classic Mini is coming back! But it’s not what you think. The car will be back as an electric vehicle (EV) and it will be built by a new EV brand from China instead of MINI or BMW.

Recently, patent image applications of the Mini clone surfaced on the internet in China creating a buzz. The images were filed by a newly established EV brand known as Beijing Estech Technology Co. Ltd.

It looks like the company’s backers, design and engineering company IAT Automobile Technology (IAT) and SUV maker Karlmann King, had established the brand specifically to create the Mini clone.

This is not the first time that a retro classic has been reimagined by a Chinese company. Perhaps the most well-known retro remake is the Ballet Cat and Punk Cat by Great Wall Motors’ EV-focused company Ora. The car obviously took cues from the classic Beetle.

From what we can see in the patent images, the EV will be a very close replica of the original Mini that was built in the 1960s.

From the boxy look down to the windows and retro wipers, even the rims are a close replica of the classic Mini. It even looks like the car will come with those retro number plate lights much like in the ‘60s.

Other than that, the Mini clone’s ‘engine bay’ will be located at the front just like in the classic Mini. While we don’t see a charging port inlet in the patent images, but we do sport a chunky ‘60s fuel cap, we suspect that the port will be located there to keep with the looks.

At least Ora made an effort to distinguish the Punk Cat and the Ballet Cat from the retro Beetle by adding two extra doors for more passengers. This Mini clone will be largely similar to the original, even in size!

Also read: VW Beetle-lookalike Ora Ballet Cat ready for March 2022 launch; Get ready to swoon in cuteness

At the time of writing, the company has yet to reveal what the EV Mini will be named. It would be interesting to see how the company will be able to modernise the car.

Also read: Ora’s new VW Beetle lookalike goes by the name Ora Punk Cat