Street-Legal Electric Moke Launched: Retro Charm Redefined for the EV Age
A new era has dawned in Australia’s motoring history as Melbourne-based Jaunt Motors introduced the street-legal electric Moke launched, infusing retro charm into the electric age. A cultural phenomenon of the 1960s, the Moke has now been re-engineered from scratch as a road-going, all-electric vehicle. Purpose-built to Australian Design Rules (ADRs), this contemporary Moke is not just a conversion but an all-new EV platform that perfectly balances classic appeal with advanced performance.
Jaunt Motors: Reviving a Legend
Jaunt Motors, which specializes in high-end EV conversions of vehicles such as the Land Rover Defender and Mini Cooper, has developed a version of the Moke that retains its open-air fun and fulfills modern environmental and safety requirements. Production deliveries are set to begin in 2026, and pre-orders have already been launched.
The Sydney-produced electric Moke is the first of its type that is entirely street-legal in every state and territory in Australia. This puts Jaunt firmly ahead of foreign manufacturers such as Moke International, whose cars remain unapproved for local registration.
Powertrain and Performance
Beneath its retro casing, the Moke electric conceals some very serious engineering. The source of power is a front-mounted electric motor producing 72 kW and 175 Nm of torque, which is powered by a 19 kWh lithium-ion battery. The configuration allows the Moke to shoot from 0–100 km/h in a mere seven seconds when set to Sport Mode.
Although light, the EV is still a genuine four-seater, keeping the Moke’s playfulness and small size without overstepping gross vehicle mass regulations. With regenerative braking, an electric park brake, and a 400-volt system that only takes 2–3 hours to charge, the vehicle combines convenience with modern driving efficiency.
Engineering Excellence and Modern Safety
In contrast to conventional simple EV conversions, Jaunt’s Moke has been designed from the ground up with CAD-engineered parts. It features a new subframe, improved suspension, and a completely integrated 12V electrical system.
Other features are:
* ADR-approved seats and seatbelts
* New roll bar with canvas top
* Pop-up charging port and digital instrument cluster
* Electric parking brake and regenerative braking system
* Adjustable suspension and steering configuration
Each component of the build conforms to Australia’s rigorous automotive safety standards, so it is one of the very few classic EVs that can be legally registered and driven on public roads.
Premium Pricing and Conversion Platform
The Jaunt Electric Moke begins at $140,000 AUD, not including the donor car. That might sound expensive, but it indicates the careful craftsmanship, local compliance, and engineering that each build receives.
For commercial use, Jaunt also provides an EV conversion platform from $90,000 AUD. This enables independent workshops to undertake approved, road-going Moke conversions with the aid of training and installation manuals.
Such a strategy would assist in developing a new market of restoration experts who can provide safe, high-quality EV conversions right around Australia.
Comparison with Moke International
Although UK-founded Moke International also produces electric models of the original Moke, those cars are still not approved for Australian roads. Their prices, at about $69,500 AUD plus UK tax and shipping, are cheaper—but not the complete ADR approval and safety ratings of the Jaunt Motors model.
| Manufacturer | Country | Street Legal in Australia | Starting Price (AUD) |
| —————— | ——— | ————————- | ——————————- |
| Jaunt Motors | Australia | Yes | From $140,000 (plus donor car) |
| Moke International | UK | No | Approx. $69,500 (inc. UK taxes) |
There is no other suitable option for Australian buyers looking for a vehicle that may be registered and used anywhere in Australia.
A Mix of Performance and Personality
One of the most attractive features of the street-legal electric Moke launched to the market by Jaunt Motors is that it captures the light-hearted, carefree spirit of the original but with added modern reliability and safety. The low curb weight provides agility, while the immediate torque delivery provides it with a punchy, lively personality.
Drivers will be treated to a blend of up-to-date design elements and nostalgic touches, such as LED lighting, CNC-machined badging, and optional stainless steel bodywork for a high-end finish. Jaunt even says the stainless version boasts a superior torque-to-weight ratio than a Tesla Model 3 Performance, yet it is lighter than the original petrol Moke.
The American Connection: Moke America’s Road-Legal Evolution
In the US, Moke America has been doing things differently. Its new model has obtained full street-legal certification under NHTSA and EPA rules, with a top speed of 45 mph and a range of up to 80 miles on a single battery charge.
Priced at $25,475, Moke America’s model is a more affordable incarnation for beach and resort communities. But it is still classified under the Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) category in most states, which restricts its use to streets with speed limits at or below 35 mph.
The Revival of an Icon
The renaissance of the road-going electric Moke rolled out by Jaunt Motors is more than nostalgia—it is a bridge between old and new mobility. What started out as a war-vehicle inspired utilitarian vehicle in the 1960s is now a green, high-end collectible for the contemporary enthusiast.
Aside from the Moke, Jaunt has big plans to electrify other car legends like the original Range Rover, Volkswagen Kombi, and Porsche 911. They hope to make the iconic cars safer, cleaner, and sustainable without sacrificing their soul and history.
As CEO Dave Budge explains, “Classic cars have charm and character, but they’re unreliable and difficult to maintain. Our goal is to keep what was great and fix what wasn’t—so these vehicles can be enjoyed for another 50 years.”
Final Thoughts
With the street-legal electric Moke launched in Australia, Jaunt Motors has now established a new standard for classic car electrification. It’s not only a nod to a time-honored icon—it’s a declaration of how heritage and sustainability can come together so well on contemporary roads.
From its ADR-approved engineering to its effortless fusion of vintage thrill and cutting-edge technology, the electric Moke is a vision for the future of classic car driving. For those who need their nostalgia fix without sacrificing too much, this could well be the ideal combination of retro whimsy and contemporary ingenuity.
FAQs – street-legal electric Moke launched by Jaunt Motors
1. What is the Street-Legal Electric Moke by Jaunt Motors?
The Street-Legal Electric Moke is a completely road-legal, all-electric variant of the original 1960s Moke, re-engineered by Melbourne-based company Jaunt Motors to Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
2. Who makes the Street-Legal Electric Moke?
It is designed and manufactured by Jaunt Motors, an Australian electric vehicle company that specializes in electrifying iconic cars like the Mini Cooper and Land Rover Defender.
3. Is the Jaunt Motors Electric Moke street-legal in Australia?
Yes, it is the first ADR-compliant and street-legal electric Moke available for registration and use across all states and territories in Australia.
4. What drives the Electric Moke?
The Moke has a front-mounted electric motor with a power output of 72 kW and 175 Nm torque, complemented by a 19 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
5. How quick is the Electric Moke?
The Moke accelerates from 0–100 km/h in a mere seven seconds when in Sport Mode.
6. What is the driving range and charging time of the Electric Moke?
The Electric Moke has a 400-volt powertrain that is fully charged in 2–3 hours, providing pragmatic city range for city and leisure driving.
7. What are the most important features of the Electric Moke?
It is equipped with ADR-approved seats and seatbelts, roll bar and canvas top, pop-up charging socket, digital instrument display, regenerative braking, adjustable suspension, and LED lighting.
8. How much does the Street-Legal Electric Moke cost?
Jaunt Motors Electric Moke begins at $140,000 AUD (add the donor car). A workshop conversion platform begins from $90,000 AUD.
9. How does the Jaunt Motors Electric Moke differ from Moke International’s model?
In contrast to the UK-based Moke International version, Jaunt’s Moke is completely approved to drive on Australian roads. Although Moke International’s model is less expensive (approximately $69,500 AUD), it is not street-approved in Australia.
10. What are Jaunt Motors’ future plans after the Electric Moke?
Jaunt Motors plans to electrify other vintage legends like the original Range Rover, Volkswagen Kombi, and Porsche 911—maintaining their heritage while making them safer and greener.
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