Moke Californian
The Moke is returning to the United States after a 40-year absence, this time as an all-electric vehicle designed to be highway-legal. Called the Moke Californian, the revived runabout has a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) and a claimed driving range of 75 miles (120 km).
The name reflects the car’s laid-back, beach-oriented character and California’s enthusiasm for electric vehicles. It also revives a familiar badge: the original Moke Californian was sold in the United States between 1977 and 1982.
The new model is built in the UK and powered by a 33-kW (44-hp) electric motor driving the rear wheels. With a top speed of just 50 mph (80 km/h), the usual 0–60 mph acceleration figure is hardly relevant. Instead, Moke International quotes a 0–31 mph (0–50 km/h) time of 4.3 seconds, which seems reasonable for such a lightweight, low-speed vehicle.
A lithium-ion battery provides a claimed range of 75 miles (120 km) under the WLTP testing cycle. Real-world range in the United States could be lower under EPA testing standards, but Moke International says the battery should be sufficient for a coastal drive from Santa Barbara to Malibu along Highway 101. Recharging the battery takes around four hours using a standard US Type 1 charger.
Despite its MINI-like appearance, the Moke Californian has no connection to BMW or MINI. Moke International owns the original 1964 Moke trademark, along with more than 100 other trademarks associated with the name.
It is also a separate company from Moke America, which sells a similarly styled electric vehicle limited to 25 mph (40 km/h). At the time, the two businesses were involved in a legal dispute over the Moke trademark. Moke International accused its rival of copying its designs and alleged that Moke America’s vehicles did not comply with US automotive regulations. The case was scheduled to be heard in January 2023.
When the Moke Californian was announced, US pricing had yet to be confirmed. In the UK, the electric runabout started at £29,150, equivalent to approximately $33,000 at the time.
2026 Moke Californian Mk2
The Moke Californian has returned in an updated all-electric form called the Mk2. Rather than chasing outright performance or a long driving range, this classically styled runabout focuses on carefree outdoor adventures, thanks to its open-top body and complete lack of doors.
Unveiled at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, the Moke Mk2 builds on the electric model introduced in 2022, bringing a larger 23.5-kWh battery pack. The upgrade delivers a claimed WLTP range of up to 105 miles (169 km), while Moke’s real-world testing suggests that figure can reach 115 miles (185 km) in urban and coastal environments. That’s hardly impressive by modern EV standards, but it should be sufficient for a day of exploring nearby roads and seaside towns. The Mk2 has a top speed of 53 mph (85 km/h).
Power comes from an electric motor producing 44 hp and 74 lb-ft (100 Nm) of torque. However, charging is one area where the little EV remains decidedly old-school. There is no DC fast-charging capability, and AC charging is limited to 6.6 kW. Charging from 20% to 80% takes around two hours using an AC charger, while a standard household outlet requires approximately seven hours for a full charge.
Despite its modern powertrain, the Moke Mk2 retains the distinctive styling that made the original famous. Simple headlights, a prominent grille, chunky bumpers, small wheels, and an upright windshield preserve its unmistakable character. Buyers can choose from nine exterior colors: Sonoma Red, Laguna Blue, Venice White, Wave Blue, Sunlight Yellow, Sunset Orange, Shell White, Eucalyptus Green, and Palm Green.
With no combustion engine occupying the front compartment, the electric Moke also gains a small 3-cubic-foot (85-liter) storage area. Other features include USB-C connectivity, cup holders, and a minimalist instrument panel that looks very different from the elaborate digital dashboards found in most modern electric vehicles.
The original Mini Moke debuted in 1964 and was initially built in the UK. Production expanded to Australia in 1966 and later to Portugal in 1980. Today, Moke International owns the original European trademark for the name and manufactures the revived electric model at its facility in England.
The Moke Mk2 is planned for sale in both Europe and the United States, with prices starting at £36,000 (approximately $47,000). That makes it a rather expensive way to enjoy a simple, open-air motoring experience, but the Moke has never really been about practicality or value for money. Its appeal lies in its distinctive design and the promise of leisurely adventures without the need for a conventional car.
