Remember the Mini Moke? It’s back in the USA, and it’s electric

While it may not be as attractive as some of the other iconic car brands in history, the re-invented electric Mini Moke will certainly make a segment of society happy with a return to the classic ‘60s open-air cruiser.

Moke America brought back the Moke in 2016 as an open-air electric vehicle – a bigger, studier, and more modern version of its predecessor. At 2,300 pounds, it’s the heaviest Moke ever built – which for anyone who has ever ridden in one of the original Mini Moke’s, as I have, is probably something of a balm to soothe past horrors.

Originally marketed by British company BMC, the Moke was also made in Australia between 1966 and 1981 by Leyland.

Fun fact: the first electric Moke was built in 1981 as part of a Victorian government trial by Melbourne engineering firm Johns Perry.

It was tested by Australia Post and the Victorian and NSW energy commissions but ultimately was ditched due to cost, poor battery performance and the demise of the Leyland factory. There is one left that we know of on display at the Shepparton Museum of Vehicle Evolution.

But now, thanks to Moke America CEO and founder Todd Rome, the electric Moke is back.

Already boasting over 4,000 electric Mokes on the road and over $100 million in sales since its 2016 inception, Moke America is highlighting itself as an EV leader with its 100% electric line-up beating out the likes of other iconic brands such as Jaguar, Bentley, Cadillac, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Rolls-Royce – all of whom are planning to produce 100% electric line-ups by 2030.

Capable of reaching a blistering top speed of 40km/h and with an electric range of 65 kilometres, each electric Moke made by Moke America is handmade in Sarasota, Florida, and is available in a range of 12 rainbow-bright colours with multiple seating configurations and other stylish options.

Available from $US21,975 – or around $A32,000, though whether anyone is going to want to import a Moke to Australia is an entirely different question – electric Mokes have surprisingly received some superstar attention of late, thanks at least to Kris Jenner, who bought Mokes for her children last Christmas.

Other big-name stars to own a new electric Moke include celebrity couple Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas.

Moke America has also tried to cash in on the recent 60^th anniversary of the Bond film franchise with two special edition 007 Mokes available.

So while the Moke may not be the replacement for your family-sized SUV or on the cards for a trip up the east coast of Australia, for those wanting a bit of fun in the sun on Australia’s beaches, the Moke may be just what you’re looking for.

Then again, if you’ve ever ridden in one before, it might not be.