Classic EV conversions
Discussion
I've had a few "EV converted classics" pop up on my YouTube feed recently. An MX5 near Bristol, where they're developing a retro fit kit as well as converting some quite special things, like a backdated Porsche 911 / 964. A car where I'd have thought it's glorious flat 6 engine was an important part of what made the 964 so special?
I admit I'm not exactly sold on the whole EV thing anyway but isn't converting a classic car ignoring what most folk by them for in the first place? Or are they just expensive play things for folk wanting to be seen in their "classic" in the modern city centres where the internal combustion engine isn't welcome?
ETA - I loved this Alfa till I saw what powered it.
https://www.totemautomobili.com/
I admit I'm not exactly sold on the whole EV thing anyway but isn't converting a classic car ignoring what most folk by them for in the first place? Or are they just expensive play things for folk wanting to be seen in their "classic" in the modern city centres where the internal combustion engine isn't welcome?
ETA - I loved this Alfa till I saw what powered it.
https://www.totemautomobili.com/
There was a long thread on this recently.
The summary was that IT nerds think it's great, people who think of classic cars as projects are quite interested and people who actually like classic cars think it's nuts. They're also generally worse for the environment due to the CO2 generated in manufacturing the massive batteries, unless they're used instead of an ICE to commute for tens of thousands of miles, which is unlikely.
The summary was that IT nerds think it's great, people who think of classic cars as projects are quite interested and people who actually like classic cars think it's nuts. They're also generally worse for the environment due to the CO2 generated in manufacturing the massive batteries, unless they're used instead of an ICE to commute for tens of thousands of miles, which is unlikely.
Can't classic cars be different things to different people?
Some want projects to potter away on for years until they rust away in the back garden.
Some want "restomods" and value a better driving experience over originality.
Some want an investment and won't ever drive it.
Some like the design and features of older cars but aren't fussed about the mechanicals.
I love a flat 6 but cars are for using, and I'd rather see EV conversions on the roads over garage queens that do 100 miles a year to a show and back. Lots of converters like Zero EV don't chop up the car, they pick up on original engine mounts, fuel tank brackets, etc so it can all be put back if someone wanted to.
Some want projects to potter away on for years until they rust away in the back garden.
Some want "restomods" and value a better driving experience over originality.
Some want an investment and won't ever drive it.
Some like the design and features of older cars but aren't fussed about the mechanicals.
I love a flat 6 but cars are for using, and I'd rather see EV conversions on the roads over garage queens that do 100 miles a year to a show and back. Lots of converters like Zero EV don't chop up the car, they pick up on original engine mounts, fuel tank brackets, etc so it can all be put back if someone wanted to.
It depends on the classic.
Take the Citroen DS.
Futuristic design, but they just stuck their utterly boring, already dated 4 cylinder engine in it. To me it's begging for an electric conversion.
But an SM - never.
There are plenty of classics which had boring engines - why not convert them?
Take the Citroen DS.
Futuristic design, but they just stuck their utterly boring, already dated 4 cylinder engine in it. To me it's begging for an electric conversion.
But an SM - never.
There are plenty of classics which had boring engines - why not convert them?
AW111 said:
It depends on the classic.
Take the Citroen DS.
Futuristic design, but they just stuck their utterly boring, already dated 4 cylinder engine in it. To me it's begging for an electric conversion.
But an SM - never.
There are plenty of classics which had boring engines - why not convert them?
Upgrading the engine would be more environmentally friendly, and potentially create a more interesting car.Take the Citroen DS.
Futuristic design, but they just stuck their utterly boring, already dated 4 cylinder engine in it. To me it's begging for an electric conversion.
But an SM - never.
There are plenty of classics which had boring engines - why not convert them?
That said, there is something appealing about an electric Citroen DS...
Most of the above, honestly.
I think most won't be swapping out a thumping V8, or maybe if it's beyond saving.
Some people maybe have a relatively short commute and like something they think looks nice, but don't want to be worried whether it'll start.
Plenty of good looking cars that came with pretty average engines at the time, which are in all aspects just terrible now.
This is one that might be hard to swallow, but the guy makes some good points as to why he EV'd his Ferrari 308:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zGGypnauxE&ab...
Basically the car was a brick most of it's life. Now he has the opportunity to actually use it.
I think most won't be swapping out a thumping V8, or maybe if it's beyond saving.
Some people maybe have a relatively short commute and like something they think looks nice, but don't want to be worried whether it'll start.
Plenty of good looking cars that came with pretty average engines at the time, which are in all aspects just terrible now.
This is one that might be hard to swallow, but the guy makes some good points as to why he EV'd his Ferrari 308:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zGGypnauxE&ab...
Basically the car was a brick most of it's life. Now he has the opportunity to actually use it.
NDNDNDND said:
They're also generally worse for the environment due to the CO2 generated in manufacturing the massive batteries, unless they're used instead of an ICE to commute for tens of thousands of miles
Hmm.. interested in this.Could you show me some recent, relevant data to show this please?
Specifically, what the actual amount of miles you need to do in an EV to offset the co2 used during production of the battery packs please?
ZesPak said:
This is one that might be hard to swallow, but the guy makes some good points as to why he EV'd his Ferrari 308:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zGGypnauxE&ab...
Basically the car was a brick most of it's life. Now he has the opportunity to actually use it.
This video is interesting too - about the same car, from another (ICE) Ferrari 308 owner comparing it to that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gad0z2NuSCAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zGGypnauxE&ab...
Basically the car was a brick most of it's life. Now he has the opportunity to actually use it.
PixelpeepZ4 said:
NDNDNDND said:
They're also generally worse for the environment due to the CO2 generated in manufacturing the massive batteries, unless they're used instead of an ICE to commute for tens of thousands of miles
Hmm.. interested in this.Could you show me some recent, relevant data to show this please?
Specifically, what the actual amount of miles you need to do in an EV to offset the co2 used during production of the battery packs please?
Classic conversion to EV is a brilliant idea, and I'd like a VW Beetle 1303S doing please.
barryrs said:
A terminal engine failure could be a reason to convert. I have a 996 and an engine rebuild is say £10k; I wonder how far that would get you to an EV conversion?
Check out Zero EV.They are building up and trying to make EV kits for the more popular cars, like older 911's.
Could never hurt to ask:
https://electricporsche911.com/
ElectricSoup said:
PixelpeepZ4 said:
NDNDNDND said:
They're also generally worse for the environment due to the CO2 generated in manufacturing the massive batteries, unless they're used instead of an ICE to commute for tens of thousands of miles
Hmm.. interested in this.Could you show me some recent, relevant data to show this please?
Specifically, what the actual amount of miles you need to do in an EV to offset the co2 used during production of the battery packs please?
Classic conversion to EV is a brilliant idea, and I'd like a VW Beetle 1303S doing please.
Also every classic->EV conversion I've ever followed has used recycled batteries... so surely they should support that?
I'm a big fan of these types of conversions. How nice would it be to have a big variety of classic cars on the road to make life interesting? Beats having increasingly large hatchbacks and SUV's with paltry shoehorned batteries in them. It would be lovely seeing more stuff on the road. I reckon in the next 10 years that it'll be a popular conversion to keep classics on the road. If the price comes down to a few thousand for a decent kit then I'd have no qualms in having a conversion done.
How would electric conversions bear with Historic Status? Gov UK says a change of engine can be considered a substantial change unless "changes are made to preserve a vehicle because the original type parts are no longer reasonably available" or "axles and running gear have been changed to improve efficiency, safety or environmental performance". Would electric classic cars then be eligible for Historic Status?
How would electric conversions bear with Historic Status? Gov UK says a change of engine can be considered a substantial change unless "changes are made to preserve a vehicle because the original type parts are no longer reasonably available" or "axles and running gear have been changed to improve efficiency, safety or environmental performance". Would electric classic cars then be eligible for Historic Status?
I'm going to do a 1986 Opel manta coupe one day. The powerplant originally in it was neither legendary or even still in it now so I have zero problem with making this car faster and fun in a different way.
It will be interesting to see which one I use more once it's done, the ev or the v8 version I have here.
It will be interesting to see which one I use more once it's done, the ev or the v8 version I have here.
RazerSauber said:
How would electric conversions bear with Historic Status? Gov UK says a change of engine can be considered a substantial change unless "changes are made to preserve a vehicle because the original type parts are no longer reasonably available" or "axles and running gear have been changed to improve efficiency, safety or environmental performance". Would electric classic cars then be eligible for Historic Status?
Part Points
Chassis, monocoque bodyshell (body and chassis as one unit) or frame - original or new and unmodified (direct from manufacturer) 5
Suspension (front and back) - original 2
Axles (both) - original 2
Transmission - original 2
Steering assembly - original 2
Engine - original 1
The engine and transmission are only 3 points out of a possible 14.
ElectricSoup said:
PixelpeepZ4 said:
NDNDNDND said:
They're also generally worse for the environment due to the CO2 generated in manufacturing the massive batteries, unless they're used instead of an ICE to commute for tens of thousands of miles
Hmm.. interested in this.Could you show me some recent, relevant data to show this please?
Specifically, what the actual amount of miles you need to do in an EV to offset the co2 used during production of the battery packs please?
Classic conversion to EV is a brilliant idea, and I'd like a VW Beetle 1303S doing please.
An all-electric DS. Oh, yes.
As a side benefit it will reduce the 'Summer Classic Disease' - the disgusting smell of an original-ICE classic stinking up the countryside as it pootles along, failing to properly burn all of its petrol.
Escapegoat said:
ElectricSoup said:
PixelpeepZ4 said:
NDNDNDND said:
They're also generally worse for the environment due to the CO2 generated in manufacturing the massive batteries, unless they're used instead of an ICE to commute for tens of thousands of miles
Hmm.. interested in this.Could you show me some recent, relevant data to show this please?
Specifically, what the actual amount of miles you need to do in an EV to offset the co2 used during production of the battery packs please?
Classic conversion to EV is a brilliant idea, and I'd like a VW Beetle 1303S doing please.
An all-electric DS. Oh, yes.
As a side benefit it will reduce the 'Summer Classic Disease' - the disgusting smell of an original-ICE classic stinking up the countryside as it pootles along, failing to properly burn all of its petrol.
Is it ''greener'' to convert to EV or use a recycled ICE with modern fuel injection and ECU?
I recycled a more modern BMW engine and fitted a standalone ECU. The engine itself is pretty much stock, although thoroughly refreshed. Thanks to the lightness of the car itself and the increased power and efficiency of the engine, I would think an MPG in the high 40's should be achievable. An added bonus to recycling is that the continued use of an ICE means the ongoing support of the associated infrastructure, the people employed therein etc etc.
If people want an EV that resembled a proper car though, I imagine there will be a market. Something 911 shaped as opposed to robbing a real 911 of one of the main parts that contributed to making it special.
Recycled M44 with 21st century injection and ECU.
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