In January, we decided to take part in IMM23 with our electric Minis, i.e. Open Electric, LEV30 and GOSH. The problem was that at the time, just six months before the event, we didn’t have a working electric Mini. But our team took up the challenge and got to work! In short, to the delight of Mini fans, we arrived with two working cars to the event and we converted the third one on site during the three days of the International Mini Meeting. That’s quite an achievement!
Of course, we had the perfect schedule and everyone knew their job. We were just optimistic about the result, as the calculations worked perfectly on paper. Even though we had a tight schedule, we were confident in our abilities and the cars. What could possibly go wrong? In a development process? Well, actually everything, at any time, even AT THE SAME TIME!
And of course that’s what happened, we started to lose valuable time. Originally, we had planned to finish the first car in a fortnight and then work on the other two Minis until the meeting. And then life got in the way: The first car was finished about 10 weeks late.
We experienced an incredible rush, with lots of ups and downs. There was no weekend, no end to the working day, no difference between day and night. We encountered almost EVERY possible problem and error code! We even wanted to introduce a new error code, which we called “garage door opening error”, because every time we opened the damn garage door to do a test drive, we encountered a new problem.
Finally, a week before the IMM23, GOSH made the first few metres. But it barely moved. Two days later, however, it had reached the maximum value of 500A and simply began to fly! This was a great success and an even greater relief, but we knew we were running out of time. That’s when plan B came into play: we would finish the second car, but the LEV30 would be rebuilt on stage at the meeting. In front of the entire Mini community. No room for mistakes, no room for failure. What could possibly go wrong?
Three days of hard work
We loaded almost the entire workshop with all the necessary tools and materials onto a lorry and onto a 65 Land Rover Series II to rebuild the ‘89 30th Anniversary Special Edition Limited Edition “Electric Vehicle” 30 (also known as LEV30) at our stand. We scheduled all the days and all the work so that the team could work like clockwork. Some worked on the drivetrain, others on the upholstery, others on the battery cables. One of our colleagues programmed the controls, others soldered, others worked with the angle grinder. In the meantime, our other two cars were constantly being test-driven, and the Mini fans loved them!
We were under pressure, interest was high, but time was running out. Luckily we had taken our coffee machine with us, which gave the team a lot of energy. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, there were a few broken parts and broken wires, but luckily we were able to sort out everything. We had a good schedule and the team was disciplined in sticking to it. On the last night, the hardware was ready for use and we were able to make the basic parameter settings. That was a great relief!
We wanted the car to roll to the final event on its own wheels. Shortly beforehand, the upholstery was put back in place, a final cleaning was carried out and we were ready to go. We followed the car for the first few metres with excitement. Not so long ago, the LEV30 had a clattering engine with cylinder head problems, and now was gliding between the other cars on display in complete silence. A great feeling and a great success for the whole team!
Carborg has won!
With a bit of luck, 150% effort, confidence and determination, we finally achieved all our goals. We presented all three electric Minis at IMM23, set up our temporary workshop in a pavilion, invited visitors to test drive our two working cars and converted a petrol Mini to electric in just 3 days.
As a start-up, we wanted above all to show how exciting and entertaining the coming era of electric driving could be. However, we achieved much more with the on-site conversion: Mini enthusiasts were able to experience live what normally goes on behind the scenes.
Many thanks to the organisers of IMM for making it possible for us to make this extraordinary appearance! Their support was crucial to our success. Many thanks to the spectators and visitors for their positive attitude towards our project. Our cars are powered by electricity, but we, the builders, are fuelled by the satisfied smiles and the appreciative handshakes. The final thank you goes to my family and my team. Ladies and gentlemen, you have been marvellous!