The electric Moke is back at the World Motor Show: twice the range... and at a Tesla price

At the Auto World exhibition, Moke International unveiled the second generation of its electric beach car. With a doubled battery capacity, 170 km WLTP range, an aluminum body, and a front trunk, the Moke Mk2 offers greater versatility without losing any of its vintage charm. We met its French distributor at the show.

It transported Brigitte Bardot along the Côte d’Azur and James Bond on screen. Designed in the early 1960s by Sir Alec Issigonis, the father of the Mini, the Moke was originally a military vehicle. It eventually became an icon of seaside resorts, from Saint-Tropez to Saint-Barthélemy. Revived as a 100% electric model in 2022 by Moke International, it makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show in a second generation: the Moke MK2.

Almost double the range

This was the weakness of the first electric Moke: with its 10.5 kWh battery, it could barely cover more than 80 to 100 kilometers in real-world use. The Mk2 changes this with a 23.5 kWh LFP battery pack. The range now reaches 170 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle, and up to 185 kilometers in urban areas and on coastal roads, according to the manufacturer.

"We’ve doubled the range," summarizes Yann Ayache, the official distributor of the Moke electric vehicle in France, Monaco, and Switzerland, whom we met at the booth. The battery cells are now located on the sides and rear of the vehicle. This new layout improves weight distribution. However, it eliminates the small trunk from the first generation, which is now reserved for electronics and the onboard charger. A small frunk area allows carrying a few items, but travelers will need to travel (very) light.

The second-generation Moke electric vehicle also sees improvements in charging capabilities. Its built-in charger now reaches 6.6 kW. It takes about 2 hours to charge from 20% to 80% using a suitable wallbox, or roughly 7 hours for a full charge on a standard household outlet. The charging port has been moved to the rear of the vehicle.

The 33 kW (45 hp) motor still drives the rear wheels. The torque reaches 100 Nm, and the top speed remains fixed at 80 km/h. A new rotary gear selector allows drivers to choose between an Eco mode to extend range and a Sport mode for more aggressive performance.

A “real” M1-certified car

The body is now made of aluminum, which is lighter and especially more resistant to corrosion. This is a significant advantage given that its use is primarily in areas near coastal resorts with highly saline environments. The safety arch features additional bars and stronger mounting points. The curb weight is 860 kg.

Unlike many electric beach vehicles, the Moke is not a quadricycle but a true car, approved in the M1 category. This was a deliberate choice by the Brits, who wanted to replicate exactly the car sold in the 1960s without compromising due to the numerous regulatory constraints of quadricycles. This approval requires crash tests, and our contact assured us that around forty cars were sacrificed for this purpose. The rear seat features Isofix compatibility, and all four seats come equipped with three-point belts.

As for the rest, the Moke Mk2 embraces its retro style. It lacks a touchscreen or GPS but includes a DAB radio with Bluetooth and waterproof speakers. The interior adds a USB-C port, a 12 V socket, cup holders in the back, and footwells that are 90 mm wider.

In terms of colors, European buyers now have access to nine shades distributed across three collections. The California collection, which was previously available only in the United States, is included among them.

An electric Moke at a Tesla price

Handcrafted in Warwickshire, England, the Moke Mk2 is priced at 35,000 euros before tax, or 42,000 euros including French VAT. This price places it at the same level as an entry-level Tesla Model Y. Such a high price tag limits it to wealthy customers, as Yann Ayache acknowledges. He claims that about 180 units were delivered over two and a half years, the vast majority in France. The brand itself reports that more than 500 electric Mokes have been sold worldwide.

The distributor aims to expand its customer base. The Moke is available for long-term rental starting at 419 € per month. Starting next year, used models with less than 10,000 km on them will be offered for between 20,000 and 25,000 €...

Note: The Moke Mk2 is on display in hall 7.1 of the Mondial de l’Auto (stand B01) until October 18.

Moke Electric Mk2: Key Features

Engine

33 kW (45 hp), 100 Nm, rear-wheel drive

Top Speed

80 km/h

Driving Modes

Eco and Sport

Battery

LFP, 23.5 kWh

Range

170 km WLTP, up to 185 km in real-world conditions

Charging

AC 6.6 kW, 20% to 80% in 2 hours, about 7 hours on a household outlet

Dimensions (L x W x H)

3,325 x 1,660 x 1,550 mm

Wheelbase

2,255 mm

Empty weight

860 kg

Body material

Aluminum

Seats

4, rear seat with Isofix

Front trunk

86 liters, lockable

Approval

M1 (car)

Price

35,000 € VAT excluded