The Rise of the Electric Classic Car Company
A growing number of classic car enthusiasts want to keep their vehicles running for years to come. This need has given rise to a number of companies specializing in electric car conversions.
The work these companies do is akin to conducting a symphony of engineering and artistry. They carefully remove the internal combustion engine and replace it with a smaller, lighter electric motor and state of the art battery pack.
Power
As the world shifts towards electric vehicles to reduce emissions and promote sustainability, some car enthusiasts are choosing to convert their classic cars to electricity. Thankfully, there are now several companies dedicated to helping these enthusiasts preserve their old favourites with an eco friendly twist.
One such company is Staffordshire-based RBW Electric Classic Cars, who bring together classic car craftsmanship with cutting edge electric-driven 21st century technologies. This includes high-quality patented components, race-winning EV engineering and proven reliability.
Their founders’ combined expertise in both electrical and mechanical engineering allowed them to create 3D models and build a supply chain, so they could start Electric Classic Car company converting the most popular models for customers, and offer them on their website.
According to Klinger, the top reasons people choose to have their classic cars converted to EVs are for better performance, for a fun and challenging project, and because they’re concerned about environmental issues. He says new, less costly components are coming into the market that will drive prices down and help to make this conversion more accessible for more owners.
Another US-based firm is Shift, which made headlines in 2022 when it powered a 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow with a Tesla Model S motor. The owner, Jeff Kotulak, decided to go the EV route after discovering that an engine rebuild would be super-costly and have a long wait time.
Style
One of the most popular mods for classic cars is swapping out the original internal-combustion engine for a modern electric drivetrain. This gives owners the best of both worlds – classic looks with zero emissions.
A number of companies specialize in creating bespoke conversions for owners looking to upgrade their classic car to an electric powertrain. These specialist firms take the restomod concept to new, eco-friendly heights.
Hemmels, for example, takes a Mercedes-Benz 280SL and brings it bang up to date with a fully restored exterior and a custom-built electric powertrain. The company’s creations cost around PS30,000 including all the parts and labour.
Oxford-based Electrogenic takes a similar approach, but focuses on mid-range classics like the Triumph Stag and Morgan 4/4. Its most recent project was a 1971 Citroen DS, which received a modern update in the form of an electric DS EV electronique.
Another company making headlines is US-based Shift EVs. This firm is converting vintage Porsche 911s to electric power, but it also offers more modern electric car models such as the BMW 2002 and the Tesla Model S. Shift uses smaller motors from companies that originally made these for industrial use, such as HPEVS and NetGain.
A slightly different approach comes from UK-based Lunaz, which specializes in high-end classics. This firm has converted such iconic cars as a 1953 Jaguar XK120 and a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, the last of which was owned by Johnny Cash. Its goal is to allow owners to “enjoy their classic cars guiltlessly.”
Performance
As the world shifts to electric vehicles, classic car enthusiasts want their beloved rides to be able to live on as part of a sustainable future. Converting classic cars to electric power can improve performance and make it easier to enjoy them. However, it comes with its own challenges. For example, it takes time to offset the carbon footprint of batteries and it can be expensive to replace them when they degrade. Additionally, a new battery can significantly alter the handling and weight of a vehicle, making it less suitable for some driving conditions.
A handful of companies are tackling the challenge of converting classic cars to electric power. BB Classic Cars in North Macedonia, for example, has dipped its toes into the world of EV restomods with a series of Zastava 750 conversions powered by 630-plus-hp Tesla-sourced motors. Unlike traditional hot-rod builders who seek out the cheapest parts possible and slap them together, BB’s builds are fully-restored from the ground up with media-blasting and sheetmetal repair before a custom battery pack is engineered to suit the vehicle’s needs.
California-based Zelectric Motors offers a similar service to the discerning collector. Its EV conversions of midcentury Volkswagen Beetles, Karmann Ghias, Electric Classic Car company and the 1973-74 VW Thing and Porsche 356 and 911 models are designed for 21st century driving and are meant to get purists yelling heresy.
Sustainability
In the same way that the classic car restoration industry has flourished, a new wave of companies is electrifying classic cars to offer an eco-friendly and nostalgic driving experience. While some enthusiasts complain about losing their car’s iconic engine, many are thrilled with the quieter and more refined experience of electric classic cars.
Many of these companies are based in the UK and work with iconic marques like Jaguars, Bentleys and Rolls Royce. These cars were built for a different world that had cheap gasoline and no concerns about climate change. They are perfect candidates for a modern transformation into the future of motoring.
These companies replace the traditional internal combustion engine with a high-performance electric powertrain, offering instant torque and efficiency while keeping the iconic styling intact. The reversible conversion allows the next owner to remove the electric drive system and return the classic car back to its original condition. The wires and components are carefully concealed to maintain the classic dashboard and interior while delivering the necessary modern amenities.
The reversible electric conversions also save on fuel costs and reduce the carbon footprint by a significant amount. While it’s important to remember that EVs are not a complete solution to global emissions, they can play an essential role in reducing the need for fossil fuels. Furthermore, a recent study found that it takes over 46 years to produce the same amount of CO2 as driving your classic car just 1,200 miles per year!