Electric Classic Car Vendors
Companies are converting classic cars into electric vehicles. Proponents say it helps the environment and extends their lifespans. But detractors claim it strips away the soul of a car.
The Staffordshire-based RBW team uses passion and 21st century technologies to bring old motoring back to life. They believe that emotion and style are as important as reliability.
Zelectric
A convergence of old-school style and new-fangled technology has spawned shops like Zelectric Motors, Icon Electric, and EV West that refurbish classic cars and retrofit them with state-of-the-art electric powertrains. Each company has a waitlist measured in years of people who want to plunk down $100,000 or more to convert their beloved classics.
The shop in San Diego has a particular affinity for 1950s and ’60s Beetles and Porsches, which, thanks to their rear-engine layout, are among the easiest models to convert to electric power. It also works on Chevy S-10 pickups, which are perfect for conversion because of their light weight and lots of cargo room.
Those interested in an upgrade can choose to have the shop do a complete retrofit or just replace the engine with a new one that produces electric power. The result is a car that’s as quiet as a library but has Electric Classic Car vendors the torque of a modern sports car, making it ideal for zipping around town or flying through traffic.
The current model can go about 100 miles on a full charge, though Benardo says the company will eventually offer a version that’s capable of up to 180 miles. As with any EV, driving at higher freeway speeds for extended periods of time will deplete your range faster. However, all Zelectric vehicles have a fuel gauge, so drivers can monitor energy consumption and see at a glance how much distance remains on their recharge.
Zero Labs
Zero Labs has recently made a name for itself in the world of Electric Classic Cars by transforming a rusted Ford Bronco into a fully functional EV. Its new e-Bronsco is called the Carbon Edition, and it features a 100 kWh battery that claims 235 miles of range. In addition, the company has added dual motors that provide all-wheel drive and a whopping 600 horsepower. The vehicle also features Level 3 charging and a carbon fiber body, making it an excellent choice for off-road driving.
Adam Roe, the founder of Zero Labs, founded the company to bridge the gap between our love for classic cars and our need for a clean energy future. He knew that EV startups and traditional OEMs could not remake the past, while boutique restoration shops were struggling to fit their products with a new powertrain.
The Californian company’s solution is to offer a standardised electric vehicle platform that can be fitted with different powertrains. It is designed to accommodate a wide range of classic car models, including two-door coupes, muscle cars and two-door sedans. It is also compatible with existing AC and DC chargers.
Zero Labs has already received tens of thousands of qualified full-vehicle purchase requests and platform purchases. However, the company hasn’t revealed any pricing details yet. In the meantime, it has been busy testing its first vehicles.
Voitures Extravert
Dutch firm Voitures Extravert is taking old Porsche 911s and transforming them into electric vehicles. The company is converting 1970s and 1980s models to create an electric powertrain called the quintessenza. It won’t touch porsches from the 1960s, as they are worth a lot in their original condition. The company is currently accepting reservations for its new car, which is priced at 300,000 euros or $370,000.
The company claims that the quintessenza will provide a smooth, comfortable ride and modern driving technology. For example, it will have regenerative breaking and a range of around 250 miles. It will also have digital retro-styled gauges that will add to the car’s authenticity.
The car will also have a 60-kilowatt-hour battery pack that will allow it to reach 0-62 mph in 6.0 seconds. It will also have enough power to reach a top speed of 200 km/h.
The company will build 12 cars this year and five next. The price includes the cost of the donor car, parts and production. It does not include tax, however. The company says it expects demand to grow as emissions regulations tighten around Europe. This could create a market for electric vehicle conversions and restorations. However, the company has yet to prove that it can make a profit. It will need to find a way to differentiate itself from other vendors.
Charge Automotive
As EV sales surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, an unlikely new breed of car shop cropped up in places like Austin, Texas. These shops specialize in converting classic cars to run on electricity. They have found a growing market among consumers who want to drive vintage vehicles that are quiet, quick, and environmentally friendly.
Although converting a classic car to electric power will cost you, the initial investment is offset by long-term savings and the joy of driving a retro masterpiece. It is Electric Classic Car vendors also an excellent way to preserve a classic vehicle.
When Emr Schofield and his partner, David Keith, opened their electric conversion business in 2022, they thought it would be a fun way to transform some of their own collector cars. Now they are on the verge of launching a second location in Brunswick Landing, an old Navy base, to take advantage of the growing demand for their services.
They have already sold a handful of conversion kits for popular models, including the BMW 3 Series and Land Rover Defender. They are aiming to produce at least one more model by the end of this year, a Chevy Camaro, to meet demand. They are confident that the demand will continue to grow, as new, cheaper components and refined designs allow them to bring these cars within reach of more consumers.
