Electric classic cars: costs, companies and conversions

The popularity and demand for electric classic cars have grown rapidly in recent years as enthusiasts look for a way to continue enjoying their beloved older vehicles without having to deal with the maintenance and emissions that comes with classic car ownership.

There are now a multitude of different companies that specialise in electric car conversions on many different classic cars. Owners can now select the different battery and powertrain configurations to suit their needs, with many of these conversions being reversible, too. So if later down the road you or the future owner decide to reinstall the original powertrain, it is entirely possible.

Even some major car manufacturers are getting involved, too, commissioning their own EV conversions of iconic models using drivetrains and components already in use in their latest electric cars.

How much does it cost to convert my classic car to electric?

There are basic conversion kits available for just over £6,000, but you would need to be a trained technician or an experienced mechanic with access to a suitable workspace to be able to carry out the conversion yourself, plus you have to consider the mountain of paperwork required by the DVLA to be able to drive it on the road. So for the majority of people, you're better off buying a ready-made conversion or going directly to a conversion specialist.

When going to a conversion specialist you need to consider both the type of car you're converting and what you are wanting the car to achieve. According to Electric Classic Cars, a specialist conversion company, If you want a small car with around 100 miles of range it might cost as much as £30,000 to convert including parts and labour, whereas a big SUV with a 200-plus mile range could cost in excess of £100,000, that's not even factoring-in the cost of buying the vehicle in the first place. 

At the end of the day it all depends on what you're looking to do, the sky's the limit. There are companies who can charge millions of pounds for their work. Whether you desire a simple converted classic MINI for the weekends, or go all out and convert a Ferrari into something crazy, the choice is yours.

What do I need in order to convert my car to electric?

You need more than a battery pack and electric motor to create a fully functional electric car. Thankfully conversion kits will provide you with all the other vital components you'll require, including grommets, crimps, an adaptor plate, motor mount, coupler and battery boxes, plus the battery and motor itself. 

As mentioned above, If you're converting a car to electric yourself the price for these kits vary from around six thousand pounds for a basic one and increase depending on how elaborate the setup, however, with a growing number of companies offering these kits, the choice available is expanding. 

But if you're after a turnkey conversion built by the pros, here we take a look at some of the outfits building and converting electric classic cars, which range from the original manufacturers themselves to smaller specialist firms.

Aston Workshop

Aston Workshop (aston.co.uk/ev-conversion) is an established heritage Aston Martin restorations and sales business. In 2022, it introduced an in-house EV conversion programme, offering full electric conversions for Aston Martin DB4, DB5, and DB6 models. Prices for a standard conversion start from £144,950 plus VAT, excluding the original car.

These cars aren't just for show either. The conversion offers a range of up to 200 miles, and thanks to careful engineering, the combined weight of the battery and motor components ensures there’s no increase in weight compared to the original engine and gearbox. Performance is equally impressive, with a quoted 0-60mph time of just 5.4 seconds and an output of 324bhp - outperforming some brand new electric cars.

Charge Cars 

Charge Cars' (www.charge.cars) pure-electric reimagining of the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback is far from your typical conversion. The London-based company creates a brand new car using a steel body shell and lightweight composite panels, while equipping it with hardware from technology partner, Arrival. The battery fitted is a 64kWh unit that is capable of 200 miles of range and in partnership with the four electric motors, produces 536bhp and 1,500Nm of torque. The end result is an all-wheel-drive muscle car travelling from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds.

The Electric Mustang by Charge Cars also supports rapid charging of up to 50kW and features a redesigned interior, including a digital driver’s display and a large central infotainment touchscreen. Only 499 examples will be produced, each offering a range of options and accessories for buyers to make every example completely bespoke. Prices start from £350,000 and you can reserve one now, if there are any left.

David Brown Automotive

David Brown Automotive (www.davidbrownautomotive.com) was founded by David Brown in Coventry in 2013 with the aim of creating a range of models that reflect the founder's ideals of style, quality, and driving experience. Shortly after, they announced their first model, the Speedback GT, a highly luxurious coachbuilt grand-tourer priced at over half a million pounds. It was based on the aluminium chassis and drivetrain of the Jaguar XK.

In 2017, they introduced the MINI Remastered, which uses an original 'donor' MINI, completely refurbished to the customer’s specifications with a high level of luxury.

Building on the success of these models, in 2023 they launched the MINI eMastered. This model applies the same refurbishing expertise used for the MINI Remastered but with full electrification. The original engine and gearbox are replaced with an 18.8kWh battery and electric motor, giving the car a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds, 175Nm of torque, and 97bhp. The eMastered has an estimated range of 110 miles and can charge from 0-100% in just 3 hours at a peak charging speed of 6.6kW.

Due to the extensive work involved and the high level of craftsmanship, lead times are around 10 months from deposit to completion. With a focus on luxury and quality, the MINI eMastered is far from cheap, starting from £125,000 (excluding VAT) - certainly not pocket change.

Electrogenic

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In recent years, Electrogenic (www.electrogenic.co.uk) has been converting numerous classic cars to electric power from its Oxford base. That includes zero-emissions versions of the classic MINI hatchback, 10 of which joined London driving tour operator smallcarBIGCITY’s fleet. 

The MINIs are powered by one of the company's ‘Hyper9’ electric motors, but performance is restricted to provide driving experiences similar to the original 51bhp petrol engine and the range is between 80 and 100 miles thanks to a 21kWh battery. Regular customers ordering a MINI conversion from Electrogenic can choose larger battery options that can provide up to twice as much range.

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Electrogenic also offers three Jaguar E-Type conversion packages - Tourer, Sprint, and Grand Tourer - while ensuring the preservation of the original bodywork and interior. The Tourer and Sprint use the original gearbox, while the Grand Tourer includes a single-speed unit to handle its 369bhp and 600Nm of torque. The Tourer and Sprint versions have a 150-mile range, extendable by 50 miles each with optional range extenders, while the Grand Tourer can reach up to 250 miles with the range extenders.

Electrogenic has also created a drop in conversion kit for old Land Rover Defenders, aimed at working vehicles and the agricultural sector. The kit includes a single electric motor that produces 120bhp and 235Nm of torque, which is powered by a 52kWh battery pack that gets mounted under the bonnet. According to Electrogenic, converted Defenders offer roughly 100 miles' range, while the original all-wheel-drive is preserved, so there's no loss in off-road capability.

The company is known for its one-off classic-car conversions, too, like a 1971 Citroen DS, 1976 Triumph Stag and a 1957 Morgan 4/4, as well as zero-emissions of a Porsche 356, Series 2 Land Rover, Rolls Royce Silver Shadow and Volkswagen Beetle.

Electric Classic Cars

Electric Classic Cars (www.electricclassiccars.co.uk) is one of the more established UK companies carrying out electric classic car conversions. It's run by Richard Morgan and previously featured on a Quest channel TV series called 'Vintage Voltage' that ran from 2020 to 2022, that showcased some of the conversions carried out. Past projects have included electric conversions of a Porsche 911, a Karmann Ghia, a Fiat 500, a Land Rover Defender 110, a Chesil Speedster, a BMW 2002, a Ferrari 308 GTS and a Lancia Fulvia.

Everrati

Set up by entrepreneur Justin Lunny, Everrati (www.everrati.com) focuses on "upgrading glamorous vehicles from the past with electric powertrains and a compassionate makeover". Everrati's flagship model is a 500bhp Porsche 964 that features the Oxfordshire-based company's 'Signature' widebody kit. It's capable of 0-62mph in less than four seconds, starts at £270,000 and there's even a convertible version now.

In December 2022, the company announced its programme for fully restoring and enhancing classic Range Rovers and Land Rover Defenders with EV powertrains (pictured above). Each car can be completely tailored to a customer’s desires, and the conversion to electric power is reversible should any owner want to return it to stock form. Prices for Everrati's Range Rover Classic start at £230,000 plus VAT and the donor vehicle, while a Land Rover Defender will be £185,000, plus VAT and donor vehicle

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Everrati has also created an EV version of the iconic Ford GT40, developed with continuation specialist Superformance. It produces 789bhp and 800Nm of torque from a pair of electric motors mounted to the rear wheels. The GT40 EV is capable of 0-62mph in under four seconds, while an 700-volt electrical architecture allows for 80kW rapid charging and the electric GT40 can cover up to 125 miles thanks to a 60kWh battery. 

They haven’t held back in trying to create a driving experience close to the original Le Mans-winning GT40, Everrati has fitted its zero-emissions replica with two speakers that can deliver up to 110 decibels of simulated V8 exhaust sound in 'Race Mode'. You can also use the gear shifter to switch 'virtual gears', which delivers a brief pause in the V8 soundtrack and torque delivery.

Ford

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At the 2021 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Ford showed off its 'F-100 Eluminator' concept (above). The one-off build showcases the fact that Ford now sells the electric motor from its Mustang Mach-E electric SUV in 'crate' form to enthusiasts and companies, for fitting to classic or custom vehicles. In the future, Ford plans to offer a complete ‘turnkey’ package for customers to carry out full conversions into full-electric classic cars, this will include motors, batteries, inverters, control systems and anything else needed to carry out the conversion.

London Electric Cars

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London Electric Cars (www.londonelectriccars.com) says it wants to prove that "conversions don’t have to cost the earth". For £35,000 before taxes and the cost of the donor car, the 20kWh-battery LEC-converted classic MINI is capable of 60-70 miles on a charge. However, don't worry if that is too low for you, customers can request more power, upgraded batteries for increased range and rapid-charging capability.

LEC doesn’t just offer conversion kits just for all classic MINIs, they also offer packages for a selection of Land Rovers and VWs. Under the retro bodywork, instead of using a brand-new powertrain, the company fitted the electric motor and battery cells from a pre-owned Nissan Leaf. LEC says that this way is a more sustainable approach, reducing the need for additional mining of raw materials to build a fresh powertrain.

Founded in 2017 and based in Vauxhall, London Electric Cars has also developed zero-emissions versions of other iconic models, including the Morris Minor, Bentley T2, Lincoln Continental Convertible, Ford Anglia and an Austin Healey 3000.

Lunaz

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Founded in 2018 by David Lorenz and based close to the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire, Lunaz Design (www.lunaz.design) employs over 100 engineers, restoration specialists and craftspeople, some of whom cut their teeth at impressive companies such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Jaguar, Land Rover, McLaren, Rolls-Royce and in Formula 1.

Lunaz has created high-end conversions of exclusive classic cars such as the Jaguar XK120, Rolls-Royce Phantom V, Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley Continental. All the classic electric cars are engineered with fast-charging capability, regenerative braking systems and integrated modern technology such as traction control and cruise control. Customers can also specify bespoke, handcrafted interior finishes and upholstery.

Among the company’s creations are a limited initial run of 50 electric Range Rovers, each of which receives a ground-up restoration and comes with four-wheel drive, uprated suspension and improved brakes. Two specifications are offered – Town and Country – along with a choice of two wheelbase lengths and a host of bespoke options; prices starting at £245,000 before taxes. Lunaz has recently weathered through some financial issues, during which they had to temporarily stop operating in March 2024, before restarting again in May 2024 under a new structure.

Recharged Heritage

Back in 2018, a one-off zero-emissions classic MINI conversion carried out by the brand itself appeared at the New York Motor Show. Encouraged by the positive response to that car, MINI has now developed a 'Recharged' conversion package for its iconic supermini that is now on offer to owners under the Recharged Heritage company name.

The process of the conversion involves replacing the four-cylinder petrol engine and gearbox with a battery pack and 121bhp electric motor, which makes these cars more powerful than any original production version of the MINI. The result is 0-62mph in roughly nine seconds and a 100-mile range. 

The changes made are reversible, with the original running gear being stored by MINI in case owners decide to revert to petrol power in the future. Prices for a MINI Recharged conversion start from £42,500 if you already have the donor vehicle, or from £ 62,500 if Recharged Heritage provides the car for you.

RBW

British company RBW (www.rbwevcars.com) got off the ground in 2020, and now builds brand-new electric sports cars using new MGB body shells made by British Motor Heritage LTD and manufacturer-standard electric drivetrains. It was founded by David Swain and draws on the engineering expertise of automotive component manufacturer Continental.

The RBW Roadster's battery pack is a lithium-ion unit developed by a company called Turntide. The battery sits under the bonnet in the space usually occupied by the engine in a regular MGB. The electric drivetrain is mounted in a frame that fits within the rear bodywork without the need to cut any metal. The RBW Roadster has a range of 160 miles and can increase to 200 miles if you choose to install the optional seventh battery. The Roadster has 94bhp and a 0-60mph time of 8.9 seconds.

As well as the Roadster, RBW also builds hard-top GT on the same architecture.

Renault

Back in 2019, Renault experimented with an open-top electric concept car based on its classic Renault 4 family hatchback. Called the 'e-Plein Air' (above), it's a nod to the Renault 4 Plein Air beach car of the 1960s. The powertrain and battery are from a Renault Twizy, giving the car 17bhp and a range of about 60 miles. Inside, the seats have been reupholstered in eye-catching blue, while a picnic hamper features in the rear.

Fast forward a few years, and now Renault has teamed up with a French company called R-Fit for a range of electric conversion kits for classic Renaults. The current packages on offer are for the Renault 4, Renault 5 and surprisingly a Citroen 2CV. Unfortunately, however, these kits can only be done over in France, so if you want your Renault 4 converted to an EV, then you will need to plan a trip across the Channel.

Swindon Powertrain

In 2019 Swindon Powertrain (www.swindonpowertrain.com) unveiled a limited run electrically converted MINI known as the Swind E Classic. The E Classic was priced from £79,000 and comes with a 24kWh battery, a driving range of around 120 miles and a charge time of four hours from a 7kW home wallbox charger. Unfortunately, they only produced 100 examples so you can no longer order one.

The company has since developed its own classic MINI conversion kit that is priced from £15,300 on its own with a couple of optional extras. So for now, customers will have to settle for just the conversion kit, but the company has been involved in other electric classic car programmes. For example, it supplies the electric motor tech used in Hemmels’ Mercedes SL Pagoda conversion, and it developed the powertrain for Aston Workshop’s electric Aston Martin DB4, DB5 and DB6 projects.

Twisted

Yorkshire Land Rover Defender tuning company Twisted (twisted.co/automotive) now offers pure-electric conversion packages for the beloved British off-roader. It's available for all Defender body styles, including the four-door 110 and even larger 130. As demonstrated in the video above, underneath the square-jawed bodywork of the two-door Defender 90 is a bespoke electric drivetrain, made up of a 61kWh battery pack feeding a single electric motor. The converted Defender produces 268bhp and a staggering 1200Nm of torque. 

You get 140 miles range for the electrified Defender 90, but Defender 110s will get an estimated 180 miles of range thanks to a larger 81kWh battery. Both figures are more likely in the car’s Eco mode rather than Sport, which you can switch between while on the move.

Off-road enthusiasts will be glad to hear that the Twisted Defender hasn’t lost any off-road capability during the conversion: power goes to all four wheels through a traditional transfer case and the car has retained the choice of high and low ranges. Plus, the Twisted EV Defender gets a 900mm wading depth.

Prices for the Twisted EV Defender start from £225,000 plus VAT. The conversion takes around two weeks to complete, and is carried out at either Twisted’s three facilities in the UK, or the Tokyo site in Japan. If a ready-made EV Defender is beyond the reach of your budget, Twisted also offers conversions for existing Defenders, with prices starting from £89,000 before tax.

Volkswagen with eClassics

eClassics (www.e-classics.eu) is a company that was formed in partnership with Volkswagen with the plan to create electric versions of some of its most popular models by adapting the drivetrains of modern electric VW models. The first model they made, the e-Bulli (above), is a classic VW camper van with the internals of the Volkswagen e-Golf electric hatchback. The division has also produced a convertible e-Beetle with the drivetrain of an e-up! to further demonstrate what it can do. Currently the company offers a choice of 3 conversion kits, the e-Beetle, e-Bus T1 and e-Bus T2, with the e-Bus kits being designed for classic VW camper vans.​