Moke Californian returns to the US – and Australia

MOKE International is returning the Moke California to the United States after 40 years – this time as an all-electric open-air runabout – and also has its sights set on Australia.

The faithfully reproduced zero-emissions Moke is already available in England and France, and with the original BMC trademark now owned by Moke International, is recognised in over 100 jurisdictions worldwide, including Australia.

But that doesn’t mean the Moke is a shoo-in Down Under… strict Australian Design Rules may yet stand in the way of the model making it into local dealerships, despite keen interest from Moke International.

Speaking to GoAutoNews this week, a spokesperson for the brand said: “The short answer is yes, the new electric Moke will be coming to Australia”.

“In terms of specifics – such as timing, price, etcetera – that is yet to be confirmed. But Australia is a very important market for Moke International.”

The electric Moke Californian is hand-crafted in the UK and will be sold in the United States in an uprated form designed to meet the country’s standards. It’s understood a similar reworking will be required before the model is offered in Australia.

Moke International says it is the first time a genuine version of the original Mini Moke has gone on sale in the US in more than four decades having ceased production in 1982.

The new Moke tips the scale at less than 800kg and is powered by a single 33kW electric motor driving the rear wheels. It can accelerate to 55km/h in 4.3 seconds and offers a top speed of 80km/h. The driving range is quoted at 120km, and the battery pack takes four hours to charge on a Type 1 (US) charger.

“This is a momentous time for Moke Intertnational,” said Moke International CEO Isobel Dando.

“It’s great to be able to offer the US market a genuine Moke car for the first time in 40 years.

“The original Moke Californian represented an incredibly important chapter in the company’s rich history; we are proud that the Moke lives on and can be enjoyed in the electric era.”

Ms Dando said further details on when the Moke Californian will go on sale in the United States, as well as pricing and full specifications, will be available in the coming weeks.

Sixty-five per cent of Moke International was recently sold to EV Technology Group – which specialises in electrifying iconic automotive brands – for a cash and stock transaction of $US51.6 million ($A76.1m). EVTG has the option to acquire up to 100 per cent of the remaining shares.

EVTG said the deal represents its first full purchase of a major automotive brand and fits its strategy of reinventing brands through electrification with a mission to create and redefine the joy of motoring in the electric age.

Moke International’s management team will be retained as part of the deal and will continue to lead the brand’s expansion.