New Chinese EV Maker Wants To Build A Classic Mini Clone

There is a new electric car company on the map in China and patent images show it is planning to build an electric knock-off of the classic Mini.

Images uncovered by Car News China reveal that this compact EV has been dreamed up by a company dubbed Beijing Estech Technology. Limited details about the brand are known but it is thought to have financial backing from IAT Automobile Technology and Karlmann King.

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Limited details are known about this classic Mini rip-off other than what is visible in the images. The overall shape of the car is very similar to the Mini and just like it, the car has classic round headlights, fog lights, and a bumper that will likely be finished in chrome.

These photos also show that Beijing Estech Technology’s first EV is a two-door but it appears to have a longer wheelbase and should offer enough interior space for four occupants. A retro-inspired antenna is also visible, as is a classic fuel cap on the rear tailgate. Other Mini-“inspired” design details include the round wing mirrors, chrome windshield wipers, and the small trunk.

While key technical specifications about the vehicle remain under wraps, Car News China notes that it likely has a battery pack within the floor and an electric motor powering the front wheels.

This classic Mini rip-off is far from the only clone to have come out of China in the past 12 months. One brand that appears particularly eager to take ‘inspiration’ from iconic cars of the past is Great Wall’s ORA, the company behind the Punk Cat and Ballet Cat, two vehicles mimicking the look of the iconic VW Beetle.