The Moke is returning to the United States after an absence of 40 years, but with one with a key difference: this time, it’ll be a highway-legal EV with a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) and a range of 75 miles (120 km).

The US-bound zero-emission re-imagining of the classic Mini Moke has aptly been named the Moke Californian, presumably tying in nicely with surfing culture and the state’s push for electric vehicles. The “Californian” tag also featured on a version of the original Moke, which was sold in the US from 1977–1982.

The EV rendition of the Moke will be built in the UK and features a 33 kW (44 hp) motor that sends power to the rear wheels. With a top speed of just 50 mph (80 km/h) the usual 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) metric is a little redundant. Instead, it’ll get to 34 mph (50 km/h) in 4.3 seconds, which we suppose isn’t too shabby.

Read: Revived Moke Goes All-Electric In 2022, Priced From £29,150 In The UK

The lithium-ion battery provides enough juice for 75 miles (120 km) of running — although this is based on the somewhat optimistic WLTP cycle, meaning that EPA figures may be less. Still, according to the folks at Moke International, that’s good enough to cruise Route 101 down to Malibu Beach from Santa Barbara. Meanwhile, the battery can be fully recharged in four hours from a standard US Type 1 charger.

If you’re wondering whether this Moke has anything to do with BMW or MINI, it doesn’t. Moke International, the name behind the Moke Californian, owns the original 1964 Moke trademark, as well as 100 other Moke trademarks.

Nor is Moke International related to Moke America, which offers a similar styled EV that tops out at 25 mph (40 km/h). According to the former, the two are currently engaged in a legal battle over the use of the trademark. Moke International alleges that Moke America copied their designs and that the latter’s cars do not comply with U.S. automotive legislation. The court case will be heard in January 2023.

Pricing of the Moke Californian hasn’t yet been announced for America, but in the UK is offered at a starting price of £29,150, which equates to approximately $33,000.

The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV
The Moke Californian Returns To The U.S. As A Highway-Legal EV