Moke International sells to EV Tech Group
Moke International, manufacturers of the reborn Moke roadster in EV form, has agreed to sell up to 100 per cent of its shareholdings to EV Technology Group, a company that specialises in the acquisition and electrification of automotive brands.
Announced on 20 July, the new deal will see UK-based Moke International benefit from EV Technology Group’s engineering and design expertise in the field of electric vehicles, while also allowing the new ‘Electric Moke’ to be offered in more markets around the world, with an initial focus on the USA.
“I am proud and excited that Moke International is becoming part of the EV Technology Group. It is the perfect company to take our rapidly growing business to the next level, with the right balance of expertise, investment, and ambition,” said Isobel Dando, CEO of Moke International.
Founded in 2021, EV Technology Group was created with the “vision to electrify iconic brands” and “redefine the joy of motoring for the electric age”.
Wouter Witvoet, CEO of EV Technology Group, was introduced to the Moke when he rented one while on holiday in the south of France.
The nuts and bolts of the deal include a cash and stock transaction valued at US$55.1 million (AU$78.8M approx.), which will see EV Technology Group acquire approximately 65 per cent of Moke International, with the option to acquire the remaining shares. Should the deal be completed as anticipated, it will represent EV Technology Group’s first full acquisition of a recognised automotive brand.
“EV Technology Group’s in-house expertise, and customer-centric technologies will be invaluable to us as we continue to develop the Electric Moke and more pioneering products,” Dando added.
“I am also looking forward to working closely with Wouter and the entire EV Technology Group leadership team to further develop Moke International and other exciting brands to come.”
Manufactured in the UK and replacing the petrol-engined modern Moke previously offered by Moke International, the new Electric Moke is powered by a three-phase AC synchronous motor producing 33kW /130Nm. Driving the rear wheels, this motor enables the Moke to reach 55km/h from standstill in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 80km/h. A lithium-ion battery provides range of up to 120km, with recharge time of four hours from a conventional household outlet.
Standard features include LED headlights, power steering, three driving modes, seating for four (bucket front, bench rear), a digital radio with Bluetooth, 12V outlet, analogue gauges and a heated windscreen.
Measuring 3,225mm long, 1,660mm wide and 1,550mm high, the new Electric Moke is larger than the original Moke that debuted in 1964 and was manufactured in Australia from 1966 to 1981. It has some differences in its styling, too, but remains true to the original in terms of its overall look and spirit.
It’s worth noting that the Moke International EV is isn’t the first application of electric power to a Moke. Back in 1982, an Australian elevator company, Johns Perry Lifts, developed the ‘Electromoke’ for a Victorian government project. Four prototypes were built before the project was abandoned, with one surviving today in the hands of the Moke Owners’ Association.
Moke International’s production of the Electric Moke got underway in May, with both left- and right-hand drive versions being built to suit UK and European markets.
According to Moke International, a significant number of customers in the UK and France have placed orders ahead of the new model’s release, which is due in the coming weeks.
