An excellent way to breathe new life into a vintage vehicle is to convert it to EVs. Here are the steps to take and the best vehicles for a zero-emission conversion. As an environmentally conscious way to enjoy classic cars, classic car conversions are rising in popularity. An excellent way to revitalise an outdated model is to remove the combustion engine and replace it with a zero-emission powertrain.
Although any vehicle could be converted into an EV for the right price, electric powertrains are more suitable for older, less dependable classic cars due to their simplicity, while vehicles that place a premium on a tranquil, luxurious driving experience benefit from their nearly silent operation.
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1. Volkswagen Camper – classic cars to EV
An early Volkswagen Camper is one of the few vintage vehicles that best embodies the electric car philosophy. It is ideal for converting to an environmentally friendly zero-emission powertrain and is often associated with hippy culture. The typical petrol engine lacked power, both by today’s standards and when loaded down with gear for a weekend getaway—both problems that an electric motor resolves.
2. Mini Cooper – classic cars to EV
Due to its diminutive dimensions, the classic Mini makes the ideal city car, while EVs are best used in urban areas where you’ll get the most range between charges. There are already established procedures for updating Minis, as numerous businesses provide conversions for these models. One example claims a range of up to 250 miles despite not having much room for a large battery pack.
3. Mazda MX-5 – classic cars to EV
On the surface, it doesn’t make much sense to add a large battery pack to a sports car renowned for its pure, light handling. A powerful electric motor, however, would breathe new life into the tiny Mazda, whose engine has never been known for being particularly exciting. An MX-5 has been converted to electric power by UK-based Zero EV, which installed the batteries under the bonnet and crammed everything else into spaces previously occupied by components related to combustion engines. The 50/50 weight distribution front to rear is maintained as a result, which is good news for handling.
4. Porsche 911 – classic cars to EV
The Porsche 911 is a tale of unwavering dedication. The rear-engined design isn’t ideal for a sports car because it makes the front wheels less likely to grip the road when cornering. However, the German company managed to make it work and produce one of the most adored cars in history. While the design of older models has held up incredibly well over time, the performance hasn’t. A company by the name of Everatti has retrofitted a vintage ‘964’ 911 with an electric drivetrain in a way that is purportedly completely reversible if the owner changes their mind.
5. Rolls-Royce Phantom V – classic cars to EV
Luxury automobiles and electric motoring go together like peaches and cream. For decades, businesses like Rolls-Royce have worked to make combustion engines as quiet and imperceptibly smooth as possible, two characteristics that are essential to EVs. The British company Lunaz produces limited quantities of converted classics, but its renovations are meticulous. Along with replacing the petrol engine with an 80kWh battery pack and motor that has a claimed range of 300 miles, the rest of the car is disassembled and traditionally rebuilt. These classics are updated with contemporary features like climate control and an infotainment system. As you might have guessed, however, such a conversion is not inexpensive; it is said that Lunaz’s Roller conversions can cost up to £500,000.
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