Classic car owners are converting their vehicles into EVs to boost performance and prepare for a green future. This process requires specialists who can retain the vintage value of the cars while adding a modern electric engine. Critics argue that this transition takes away the emotional and engineering legacy of the vehicles. The podcast explores the challenges and future of this niche business. It also discusses the process of converting vintage cars to electric, the experience of driving electric classic cars, the investment decision and environmental impact, and the scalability of the business in selling conversion kits globally.
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Quick takeaways
Converting classic cars to electric vehicles enhances their performance and reduces carbon emissions, providing a greener future for these beloved vehicles.
The market for electric vintage cars is expanding, with a growing demand for conversion kits to modernize classic cars and meet the environmental challenges.
Deep dives
Electrifying Vintage Cars
Richard Morgan of Electric Classic Cars is popular in the car rally circuit for converting classic cars into electric vehicles (EVs). Morgan started this work six years ago out of his love for classic cars and modernizing them with EV technology. Popular models for conversion include Land Rover Defender, Fiat 500, and VW vehicles. Converting classic cars to EVs presents challenges in terms of weight and limited engine space, but Morgan's team tackles them through innovative packaging and mounting solutions. Although the conversion process takes time and money, it allows classic car enthusiasts to enjoy their beloved cars with enhanced performance and reduced carbon emissions.
The Emotional Investment of Electric Vintage Cars
Switching from combustion engines to electric motors in vintage cars represents an emotional investment for many owners. Alex Hughes, together with her family, spent over £60,000 to convert their red BMW Isetta into an electric vehicle. This decision was driven by the desire to simplify the driving experience and preserve the nostalgia and history of the car. Beyond the personal satisfaction and joy of driving the converted car, this shift also has a significant environmental impact, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. While some classic car enthusiasts are reluctant to switch, many see the value in embracing electric technology to modernize their cherished vehicles.
The Growing Market for Electric Vintage Cars
The market for electric vintage cars is expanding, with the UK being one of the global hubs for this industry. Over 1.6 million classic cars are registered in the UK, and their value is estimated at £12.6 billion. Richard Morgan's Electric Classic Cars is capitalizing on this market by doubling in size and offering conversion kits that can be shipped globally. These kits, ranging from £20,000 to £55,000, cater to different classic car models, including minis, Land Rovers, Porsche 911s, and even Ferrari Testarossas. While some classic car enthusiasts prefer to keep their cars in their original state, there is a growing demand for electric conversion kits, especially in the American market, which is the largest classic car market worldwide.
Some owners are converting their vehicles into EVs.
The idea is to boost the performance of these cars and make them ready for a green future.
The process is not cheap - it requires specialists who can retain the vintage value of these cars while fitting them with a modern electric engine.
Critics feel that such a transition takes away the emotional and engineering legacy of these vehicles. So we travel across the UK to find out about the challenges and the future of this niche business that is helping classic cars go electric.
Produced and presented by Devina Gupta.
(Image: 'Isetta', owned by Aleks Hughes which has been converted to electric. Credit: Richard Heeley, Bite the Hand)
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