- The Electric MOKE Californian is now available to order from MOKE International’s new US. website with prices starting at $41,900
- A refundable reservation fee of $990 secures customers a build slot
- Sales of the U.S. market–exclusive Electric MOKE Californian are limited to 325 cars per year which means customers will have to move quickly to avoid disappointment
- The new Electric MOKE Californian is a faster, more powerful and emissions-free reinvigoration of the original 1977 MOKE Californian
- Bespoke design cues include an exclusive reimagination of the old ‘Californian’ badge
- MOKE International owns the original 1964 MOKE trademark – the Electric MOKE Californian is the first official MOKE vehicle to go on sale in the U.S. since 1982
- The Electric MOKE Californian is the only highway-legal MOKE vehicle on sale in America with a top speed of 50mph (80kph)
London, 8 November, 2022
The Electric MOKE Californian is now available to order via MOKE International’s new U.S. website with prices starting at $41,900.
Customers can reserve a build slot for a refundable fee of $990, but with sales limited to 325 cars per year they will need to act swiftly to avoid disappointment. Having announced it was returning to America after 40 years of being away, MOKE International has already received strong interest in the new Electric MOKE Californian.
U.S. Sales will be limited to 325 cars a year in accordance with the 2015 Low Volume Motor Vehicles Manufacturers Act. After seven years of lobbying from SEMA (the Specialty Equipment Market Association), the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) implemented legislation that allows heritage brands to produce derivatives of any of their models that are over 25 years old, but comply with current Federal safety standards for motor vehicle equipment.
The new Electric MOKE Californian is a faster, more powerful and, crucially, emissions-free reinvigoration of the original car that sold in the U.S between 1977-1982. The Electric MOKE Californian accelerates from 0-34mph (55kph) in 4.3 seconds, while its petrol-powered ancestor achieved the same sprint in 6.3 seconds. Power is up from 39hp to 44hp.
This limited-run version – only available to buy in the U.S. – also features bespoke styling cues such as the ‘Californian’ name badge and specially designed MOKE logos.
Isobel Dando, CEO MOKE International, said:
“The interest in the Electric MOKE Californian since we announced its return has been huge, although perhaps not surprising considering how popular the original car was. We are thrilled to be able to offer American customers a genuine MOKE vehicle once again.”
Hand-built in the UK
The Electric MOKE Californian has a range of up to 80 miles (120km) – enough to cruise Route 101 down to Malibu Beach from Santa Barbara – and a top speed of 50mph (80kph), which makes it legal to drive on the highway – this is the first time a highway legal version of the Mini Moke has ever gone on sale in the U.S. A full charge takes four hours on a US Type 1 charger.
Just like the Electric MOKE that is on sale in Europe, the Electric MOKE Californian is a reimagination of the 1964 Mini Moke – MOKE International owns the original 1964 British Motor Corporation MOKE trademarks and is recognized in over 100 jurisdictions as the owner of the MOKE brand.
Since its birth the Mini Moke stood as an emblem of fun and freedom, beloved for decades in coastal locations such as the French Riviera thanks to its open-top design and go-anywhere attitude. Using an electric powertrain, the Electric MOKE and Electric MOKE Californian now play a part in keeping these beautiful locations clean. MOKE International is the first 1960s automotive brand to go 100% electric.
* Subject to Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure testing
About MOKE International
MOKE and the MOKE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of MOKE International Limited in the European Union and other territories. MOKE International, a company registered in England, is the only manufacturer of genuine MOKE vehicles worldwide.
The mark was acquired from Casti S.p.A. and derives from the original 1964 British Motor Corporation registration. The MOKE is a revitalized, re-engineered version of the iconic Mini Moke that was originally designed by the legendary Sir Alec Issigonis, the designer of the 1959 Mini, and launched in 1964.
The Mini Moke was created as a low-cost and easy to maintain recreational and utility vehicle, but it quickly gained cult status in fashionable resorts such as the FrenchRiviera and the Caribbean. It has been driven by Beatles, Bridget Bardot and James Bond alike. MOKE International has brought the Mini Moke into the modern age by integrating up-to-date driving technologies, including full electric power, while remaining faithful to the iconic design which made it a global hit in the 1960s.
True to its heritage, MOKEs today are engineered and built in Northamptonshire, England. Production takes place at a 500,000sq ft state-of-the-art facility owned and operated by British automotive manufacturing services company, Fablink Group.
