10 Amazing EV Conversions

EV CONVERSIONS 8

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10 AMAZING EV CONVERSIONS

As the world of EV conversions continues to gather pace, we pick out ten amazing examples of classic cars making the switch over to electric.

EVERATTI’S PORSCHE 911 (964) COUPE

Last year, we got behind the wheel of Everrati’s EV masterpiece, the Porsche 911 (964) Coupe, and it did not disappoint. Sculpted into a ‘Signature’ wider body fit, with larger wheel arches giving this car a great deal of presence, Everatti’s 911 hits 0-60mph in less than four seconds, with 500Nm of torque catapulting you into your seat as soon as your foot hits the throttle. Keen to produce an EV conversion that is more than just a party-piece and fit for the real world, the fully-electric Porsche 911 has a range of around 180 miles and is fitted with CCS fast-charging to allow it to charge from 20% to 80% in under 45 minutes.

Use this QR code to watch our full review of Everatti’s Porsche 911 (964) Coupe.

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EVERATTI’S ELECTRIFIED LAND ROVER SERIES IIA

Elsewhere in Everatti’s catalogue of conversions is the reimagined Land Rover Series IIA, a zero-emission utilitarian vehicle for the 21st century. Fitted with a state-of-the-art 60kWh battery pack, this fully-electric British icon packs a punch with 150bhp and 300Nm of torque, whilst retaining a true zero-emission range of up to 125 miles. Justin Lunny, founder & CEO of Everrati Automotive Limited, comments: “With the unveiling of an electric version of the legendary Land Rover Series IIA, we are continuing to deliver on Everrati’s mission, which is to craft cutting-edge, capable, highly desirable and sustainable cars, each with the soul of an icon. To do so requires unparalleled attention to detail and technical proficiency, with one eye on ensuring our iconic cars meet 21st century demands, and the other on safeguarding a vehicle’s original character and DNA – both dynamically and aesthetically.”

INTRODUCING THE 2CEV

For one of the quirkier conversions on this list, the electric Citroën 2CV by 2CEV is sure to turn a few heads with its bright yellow exterior, but it’s what is underneath that deserves the most attention. With only a 10kWh battery pack delivering just 120NM of torque, it might not be the most exuberant, but testing from 2CEV has provided a fascinating insight into the longevity of EV conversions. According to the company, the 2CEV incorporates Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo) batteries in order to optimize the charge speed, efficiency & reliability. Thanks to this standardized technology, batteries are guaranteed to be at least 80% of their original capacity after 2,500 charge cycles. This means if you fully charge your 2CEV twice a week every week, it will take 24 years to reach the 2500 charge cycles or approximately 175000 miles. It adds that 90% of the initial charge is still available after 6 months without recharging, and whilst most modern EVs will lose some power overnight if not plugged in, the 2CEV will not.

NISSAN’S ‘HISTORIC’ BLUEBIRD CONVERSION

Whilst the majority of classic car conversions are produced by small, independent companies, the popularity of these projects have forced some of the biggest car manufacturers in the world to reimagine some of their most loved models. And that is exactly what Nissan has done with its fully electric ‘Newbird’; the oneoff project car commissioned to celebrate 35 years of production at its Sunderland plant. The ‘Newbird’ has had its original petrol combustion engine and gearbox removed and replaced by a Leaf motor, inverter and 40kWh battery pack, with the battery modules split between the engine bay and boot for optimised weight distribution. Updates and modifications were made to the power steering, braking and heating systems to enable them to be electrically powered. A custom suspension was also installed to support the additional weight from the battery packs. The battery can be recharged at up to 6.6kW and the original driver instrument panel has been connected to the EV system to enable the fuel gauge to show the battery state of charge. For the exterior of the vehicle, Nissan Design Europe, based in London, created a new graphic motif inspired by design cues of 1980s consumer technology, combined with a 21st century aesthetic.

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THE TIMELESS ELECTRIC PAGODA

For the definition of an electric classic car, restoration firm Hemmels, along with Swindon Powertrain, joined forces to create a 100% electric Mercedes-Benz Pagoda. The Hemmels 280SL Electric might not be cheap, with prices starting from around £220,000, but this premium EV conversion is completely bespoke, with each customer having the final say on colour, steering wheel colour, carpet weave, wood type, leather texture and accent colours. Hemmels’ Pagoda comes with ‘flexi-charge’ capabilities, as well as modern features such as heating, window defrosting, A/C and in-car entertainment, to make this EV conversion one of the most desirable around.

ELECTROGENIC’S JAGUAR E-TYPE MASTERPIECE

Ahead of the London Classic Car Show last year, Oxford-based classic car electrification company Electrogenic revealed its fully-electric Jaguar E-type showpiece. Described by Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful car ever made,” the project was undertaken in order to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the E-type. Available in a range of specifications, Electrogenics’ premium ‘Grand Tourer’ fit features an electric powertrain that delivers 300kW and 600Nm of torque for high performance. With an approximate all-electric range of 150 miles, the Grand Tourer option offers a single range extension that increases the range on a single charge to 250 miles. Prices for the conversion, which require a donor car to be provided, start from £54,000 for the ‘Tourer’ model, £62,000 for a ‘Sprint’ version and £80,000 for the luxury Grand Tourer. Ian Newstead, director and co-founder of Electrogenic “As with every classic that we convert to run on electric power, the E-type presented its own unique challenges - the main one being the weight of expectation. The E-type’s reputation is well-known in the industry, and living up to that is never going to be easy – but this is a wonderfully engaging car to drive.”

EDUBS SERVICES’ VOLKSWAGEN MK2 GOLF

York-based eDubs Services has an impressive portfolio when it comes to electric conversions, with projects ranging from VW Campers to classic BMW’s, but it was their take on the Volkswagen Golf MK2 that caught our eye. Fitted with a Tesla drive unit, the Golf’s character and personality are completely reinvigorated to ensure these classic models don’t “fade into the past.” The MK2 Golf has a power output of up to 600bhp and 70kW charging capabilities to enable this classic car to thrive once again in the 21st century.

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LUNAZ DESIGN’S ASTON MARTIN DB6

Silverstone-based EV conversion specialists Lunaz Design recently announced the re-engineering of a fully electric Aston Martin DB6. Joining Lunaz Design’s prestigious lineup of electric conversion projects, including the world’s first production Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Range Rover and Jaguar sportscars, the iconic DB6 is available in a variety of battery packs, ranging from 80 to 120kWh, with a maximum range of 255 miles. Available to customers all other the world in either left-hand or right-hand drive configuration, the DB6 is unsurprisingly the most expensive model on this list, with prices exceeding $1 million. David Lorenz, founder and CEO of Lunaz Group, said: “The introduction of electric Aston Martin DB6 cars has been driven by sustained demand from our existing clients. It also reflects the desires of an entirely new classic car buyer. These women and men have been drawn to Lunaz because for the first time they are presented with the powertrain and modern conveniences of today, clothed in a design that speaks of an era when aesthetic purity was the only requirement.”

ELECTRIC-POWERED CLASSIC MINI CONVERSION

Proving that electric vehicle conversions don’t have to cost the earth, London Electric Cars (LEC) has launched its own affordable electric-powered classic Mini, with prices starting from £25,000. The base 20 kWh LEC classic Mini conversion has a projected range of 60 - 70 miles, with owners having the ability to install a higher kWh motor and upgraded batteries to provide more range at an additional cost. Using a pre-owned Nissan Leaf motor and battery cells, the company also has plans to reuse and renew computer hardware and batteries inside traction packs and uses additive manufacturing technologies to assist with the production and engineering of the LEC classic Mini conversions, all conducted from its London-based workshop. Matthew Quitter, Founder and Managing Director of London Electric Cars said: “As a classic car enthusiast and advocate for affordable and sustainable electric vehicle conversions, it made sense for us to focus on the original Mini. With this EV conversion we wanted the classic Mini to be an affordable yet useful option for city dwellers, not just in our home town of London but all over the world to tackle traffic and help put a stop to pollution.”

EVERATTI TEAMS UP WITH SUPERFORMANCE FOR ‘LEGENDARY’ GT40 CONVERSION

Everatti, along with Superformance, the leading manufacturer of 1960s-era continuation component sports cars, have combined forces to electrify the GT40. The Everrati and Superformance partnership will allow enthusiasts to drive an electric-powered GT40, with development of this first model already underway. A prototype chassis has been built and is being comprehensively adapted from ICE power to advanced electric propulsion at Everrati’s UK development centre.