MOKE International To Be Bought by EV Technology Group

MOKE International, manufacturer of quirky electric UTV/golf-cart mashups, is being acquired by EV Technology Group (EVTG), Powersports Business reports. The purchase comes as the UK brand is on the cusp of expanding to a global scale.

EVTG is purchasing MOKE as a tactical move, working the company into its portfolio of electrified “iconic automotive brands.” The Electric MOKE is being built in the UK as a continuation of the original 1964 Mini Moke. EVTG says it plans to use its product development, engineering, and manufacturing expertise to help MOKE expand. The $51.6 million transaction will mean EVTG gets 65 percent of MOKE’s shares, with the option to grab the remaining shares. As part of the package, MOKE is keeping its management team in place to lead the brand’s global expansion.

The Electric MOKE is a fresh take on the Morris Mini–based original that first landed in 1964. Now available solely with an electric drivetrain, it can do up to a claimed 80 miles of range on a single charge. Charging takes just four hours with a Type 2 port. It looks like a fun local runabout, and we don’t doubt it’ll be the hot item of the summer in wealthy beach towns. Now, if only they could build an off-road version…