Electrifying Classic Cars
Discussion
I love the idea of an electric classic.
First I thought of doing a 2CV, just so I could call it a 2EV. But then I Googled and discovered that wasn't a new idea. So thankfully I don't need to do that.
When I read on PH that Westfield had bought Chesil and were planning to do an electric Speedster, that idea pretty much stuck in my head and won't go away. I think that would be fantastic.
But back on planet earth where there are budgets and things, I've been thinking more and more about doing a Smart Roadster (or RC). I've had two Roadster Coupes in the past, and while it's not (yet) a classic, I think it would really suit it.
First I thought of doing a 2CV, just so I could call it a 2EV. But then I Googled and discovered that wasn't a new idea. So thankfully I don't need to do that.
When I read on PH that Westfield had bought Chesil and were planning to do an electric Speedster, that idea pretty much stuck in my head and won't go away. I think that would be fantastic.
But back on planet earth where there are budgets and things, I've been thinking more and more about doing a Smart Roadster (or RC). I've had two Roadster Coupes in the past, and while it's not (yet) a classic, I think it would really suit it.
TartanPaint said:
I love the idea of an electric classic.
First I thought of doing a 2CV, just so I could call it a 2EV. But then I Googled and discovered that wasn't a new idea. So thankfully I don't need to do that.
When I read on PH that Westfield had bought Chesil and were planning to do an electric Speedster, that idea pretty much stuck in my head and won't go away. I think that would be fantastic.
But back on planet earth where there are budgets and things, I've been thinking more and more about doing a Smart Roadster (or RC). I've had two Roadster Coupes in the past, and while it's not (yet) a classic, I think it would really suit it.
There is already a conversion for the Smart Roadster available - which I have been considering for mine (bit of a pipe dream really!) I think it would really suit the car too and the 'characterful' gear change would be gone First I thought of doing a 2CV, just so I could call it a 2EV. But then I Googled and discovered that wasn't a new idea. So thankfully I don't need to do that.
When I read on PH that Westfield had bought Chesil and were planning to do an electric Speedster, that idea pretty much stuck in my head and won't go away. I think that would be fantastic.
But back on planet earth where there are budgets and things, I've been thinking more and more about doing a Smart Roadster (or RC). I've had two Roadster Coupes in the past, and while it's not (yet) a classic, I think it would really suit it.
https://eveurope.eu/en/projects/smart-e-roadster/
Mike
simonrockman said:
I'd worry that the electronics will have a very short shelf-life. The 80 year old car being made immobile by the inability to replace a 20 year old power controller.
To be fair it's probably not that different to finding spares for your pre war car, or any classic that is less than popular. Edited by simonrockman on Friday 9th August 11:24
Finding spares for my old 70's Peugeot 304 is very time consuming and some are almost impossible to find, heck, even my 80's Mercedes has really rare parts, but both of them are helped massively by companies that see the need for spares and make modern repro parts. Ok, they're not cheap, but it keeps the car on the road. Things like '20 year old power controllers' will have some bloke in a shed somewhere who's learnt how to fix his own and ended up being the bloke to go to.
Aren’t classic cars all about nostalgia and character?
If the Morris Minor in the article isn’t accompanied by the familiar ‘put put’ of the A-series then most of that original character is lost.
The Morris Minor must be only of the easiest classics from its period to run.
I don’t see the point in electrifying it. It makes little sense as a practical decision as the rest of the car is still Morris Minor. A ropey example isn’t suddenly going to become a practical daily once electrified. A good example in good order isn’t going to be enhanced by it in my opinion.
If the Morris Minor in the article isn’t accompanied by the familiar ‘put put’ of the A-series then most of that original character is lost.
The Morris Minor must be only of the easiest classics from its period to run.
I don’t see the point in electrifying it. It makes little sense as a practical decision as the rest of the car is still Morris Minor. A ropey example isn’t suddenly going to become a practical daily once electrified. A good example in good order isn’t going to be enhanced by it in my opinion.
HustleRussell said:
If the Morris Minor in the article isn’t accompanied by the familiar ‘put put’ of the A-series then most of that original character is lost.
Fine. Convert it to electric and fit an external audio system to output a speed/gear-related 'put put' noise.Or, like the diesel Ford Transet on Bleu Sud at Le Mans this year, one that output a really very belivable big V8 noise (was more than good-enough to make people stop, look, and wonder WTF engine the owner had fitted in it).
//j17 said:
HustleRussell said:
If the Morris Minor in the article isn’t accompanied by the familiar ‘put put’ of the A-series then most of that original character is lost.
Fine. Convert it to electric and fit an external audio system to output a speed/gear-related 'put put' noise.Or, like the diesel Ford Transet on Bleu Sud at Le Mans this year, one that output a really very belivable big V8 noise (was more than good-enough to make people stop, look, and wonder WTF engine the owner had fitted in it).
Edited by HustleRussell on Monday 12th August 10:15
Sardonicus said:
as far as EV classics go ? Just NO
There may come a point in time where classic owners have no choice depending the political leadership of the countryComrade Corbyn's group of alt left nut jobs have recently proposed banning private car ownership by 2030...
No doubt so we can all have a state owned standardised bicycle, whilst wearing our standardised uniform whilst holding a little red book
HustleRussell said:
Dave Hedgehog said:
companies will develop lower cost kits
Oh yeah, that'll be good! I'm wary of buying an off-brand or counterfeit battery or charger for my vape- due to the risk of, you know, inextinguishable Lithium fires and such.
That's only 2,500mAh
Quote
"You must apply for vehicle approval if you’ve:
built a vehicle
rebuilt a vehicle
radically altered a vehicle
reconstructed a classic vehicle
imported a vehicle"
The checks are to ensure that your vehicle meets C21 standards. Replacing the entire drive train (effectively engine/gearbox / axles suspension etc) would make your classic liable to IVA. And that opens a whole world of problems.
If an individual were to convert a car to EV you might 'slip it under the radar' so to speak. But once the first home converted EV is involved in an accident..........
For example a T35 Bugatti wouldn't meet any of todays standards. Nor would a Morris Minor.
Have a read through of the Kit Car section here on PH
alfaspecial said:
Agree. Another point to consider is IVA https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/individ...
Quote
"You must apply for vehicle approval if you’ve:
built a vehicle
rebuilt a vehicle
radically altered a vehicle
reconstructed a classic vehicle
imported a vehicle"
The checks are to ensure that your vehicle meets C21 standards. Replacing the entire drive train (effectively engine/gearbox / axles suspension etc) would make your classic liable to IVA. And that opens a whole world of problems.
If an individual were to convert a car to EV you might 'slip it under the radar' so to speak. But once the first home converted EV is involved in an accident..........
For example a T35 Bugatti wouldn't meet any of todays standards. Nor would a Morris Minor.
Have a read through of the Kit Car section here on PH
I don’t revel in the fact that legislative barriers restrict car modifications, but it’s worth pointing out that other Western European countries have far more restrictive regulations which could rule these modifications out from the get go. Quote
"You must apply for vehicle approval if you’ve:
built a vehicle
rebuilt a vehicle
radically altered a vehicle
reconstructed a classic vehicle
imported a vehicle"
The checks are to ensure that your vehicle meets C21 standards. Replacing the entire drive train (effectively engine/gearbox / axles suspension etc) would make your classic liable to IVA. And that opens a whole world of problems.
If an individual were to convert a car to EV you might 'slip it under the radar' so to speak. But once the first home converted EV is involved in an accident..........
For example a T35 Bugatti wouldn't meet any of todays standards. Nor would a Morris Minor.
Have a read through of the Kit Car section here on PH
Dave Hedgehog said:
There may come a point in time where classic owners have no choice depending the political leadership of the country
Comrade Corbyn's group of alt left nut jobs have recently proposed banning private car ownership by 2030...
No doubt so we can all have a state owned standardised bicycle, whilst wearing our standardised uniform whilst holding a little red book
Comrade Corbyn's Alt left nutjobs.Comrade Corbyn's group of alt left nut jobs have recently proposed banning private car ownership by 2030...
No doubt so we can all have a state owned standardised bicycle, whilst wearing our standardised uniform whilst holding a little red book
Really Dave?
Is that you Donald Trump?
Dave Hedgehog earlier.
Edited by T-195 on Monday 12th August 11:13
T-195 said:
Dave Hedgehog said:
There may come a point in time where classic owners have no choice depending the political leadership of the country
Comrade Corbyn's group of alt left nut jobs have recently proposed banning private car ownership by 2030...
No doubt so we can all have a state owned standardised bicycle, whilst wearing our standardised uniform whilst holding a little red book
Comrade Corbyn's Alt left nutjobs.Comrade Corbyn's group of alt left nut jobs have recently proposed banning private car ownership by 2030...
No doubt so we can all have a state owned standardised bicycle, whilst wearing our standardised uniform whilst holding a little red book
Really Dave?
More pertinent to the thread, I'd actually question the green credentials of stuffing an electric motor and battery into an old car. I'm fairly confident that the environmental impact of continuing to burn a a few gallons of petrol a year will be significantly lower than the manufacture and shipping of the battery and electrical gear.
I think if petrol and oil become unobtainable or, under a Labour government, proscribed substances, I'd rather buy a horse.
Yertis said:
T-195 said:
Dave Hedgehog said:
There may come a point in time where classic owners have no choice depending the political leadership of the country
Comrade Corbyn's group of alt left nut jobs have recently proposed banning private car ownership by 2030...
No doubt so we can all have a state owned standardised bicycle, whilst wearing our standardised uniform whilst holding a little red book
Comrade Corbyn's Alt left nutjobs.Comrade Corbyn's group of alt left nut jobs have recently proposed banning private car ownership by 2030...
No doubt so we can all have a state owned standardised bicycle, whilst wearing our standardised uniform whilst holding a little red book
Really Dave?
More pertinent to the thread, I'd actually question the green credentials of stuffing an electric motor and battery into an old car. I'm fairly confident that the environmental impact of continuing to burn a a few gallons of petrol a year will be significantly lower than the manufacture and shipping of the battery and electrical gear.
I think if petrol and oil become unobtainable or, under a Labour government, proscribed substances, I'd rather buy a horse.
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