Everything Electric: EV Conversions Ensure History Repeats Itself in Electrified Future
As Ford readies to debut a new e-crate motor, we look at the growing impact that EV conversions are making to the look and feel of the next era of autos.
There was a time when the mere mention of an electric vehicle would send auto enthusiasts into a cold sweat or a lather. A fair response, given the many bumps electric vehicles have experienced. Many of the early EV concept cars and prototypes seemed intriguing. But the final results just didn’t excite. Decidedly modern and high-tech, the vehicles left many feeling cold. With the industry on the cusp of massive change; drivers and automakers alike wanted and needed EV and hybrids to be compelling as well as capable. And EV conversions emerged as an opportunity to bridge the gap.
EV conversions offer drivers a unique point of entry to the changing landscape of mobility. More importantly, conversions let all makes, models, and classics–both old and new–to join the electric party.
There are many excellent benefits to an electric vehicle conversion. Building a new, zero-carbon vehicle from the (often literal) wreckage of a former great is satisfying on many levels. Beyond the flex of “built, not bought,” they are engrained with a legacy and heritage. The most inspired and beautiful builds carry that core identity into the next chapter.
As conversions continue to evolve, the best work does so organically. The EVs emerging from the expanding conversion market are being watched by auto manufacturers; allowing them to take some risks in design to gauge the public’s interest. Vintage and modern classics definitely inform how future electric and hybrid nameplates will be designed.
Conversions retrofit gas-powered rides with electric motors, platform, and other components. Opening up the scope of green rides to include former gas guzzlers is something we really think more automakers should consider.
“We’re the ultimate recycling,” says Matthew Quitter.
He started London Electric Cars in 2017 to save older rides, including the bespoke 1993 Rover Mini pictured above. Pristine custom interior, 70 miles of range, and it costs about $65 to $70 total a year in fueling/charging costs.
Turning some of these beaters around requires replacing the combustion engines with electric motors and batteries that would otherwise be scrapped. Among the wrecked rides he found sound and undamaged powerplants from Teslas, Nissan Leafs, and the like.
Rebuilding through conversion can bring out epic levels of innovation in design, tuning, fabrication. It is a chance to build that dream car the way you always wanted. Zelectric Motors 1969 Porsche 912 is a stunning example.
Performance can also be improved with EV conversion. Most electric platforms tend to give many rides more equal weight distribution. So many e-mobility companies have found the formula to building the perfect beast–much of the tech and knowledge can be applied to a vintage roadster and a C8 Corvette.
We’ve seen electric supercars and drift monsters that break out serious horsepower. Ford Performance‘s all-electric Mach-E 1400 prototype has shown it is a capable and sinister 1,400 hp presence on the track.
Ford announced plans to debut a new electric crate motor at the upcoming SEMA Show which kicks off next week. As a nod to the past, the electric engine is named the Eluminator. While it doesn’t roll off the tongue, it is a clever callback to Ford’s Aluminator V8 beefy crate engines. Following suit, the Eluminator lays down 281 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Not only is the company getting striking the conversion iron while hot, they are coming in strong. Also, it happens to be just in time to give GM’s Electric Connect and Cruse eCrate Kit a little competition.
A tease for you: An electric crate motor for your restomod or project.
We call it the Eluminator. Available this fall – watch out for more at @SEMASHOW pic.twitter.com/tl4FfskM6X
— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) August 19, 2021
From major automakers to start-ups, the market now has more options for conversions, more kits, and e-crates. Which should mean that prices should drop. Hopefully. But there are great deals to be found from electric conversion companies, and even a decent crop of used custom built EVs as well.
Of course, super sexy rides, desirable collectors cars, classics, sports cars, and rarities will always be an investment. Lunaz’s custom all-electric 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom is in the $450K neighborhood. And definitely isn’t our hood. But we can’t argue cost when faced with its powerful visual impact, precision and swoon-inducing…everything.
Around the world, different countries offer different benefits to electric buyers. But if there were more tax credit and incentives, it would even out the sticker shock plus encourage electric and hybrid sales.
“The government needs to offer affordable conversions on cheap old cars, to make use of the scrapped EV batteries – which have raw materials that are still sky-rocketing in price,” adds Quitter, another excellent point.
And we have to mention Quitter’s 1953 Morris Minor. Rebuilt as an electric it is fantastic, sportier, and a looker that and definitely makes an impression.
David Lorenz, a founder of Lunaz, points out how going electric also serves the classic and collectible car industry; making older rides “a viable, sustainable prospect.”
Above all else, we just love the variety of cars and trucks.
“They’re beautiful objects which are very much under threat,” Lorenz adds. “There’s a feeling that younger drivers want to preserve, and further the legacy of these cars [by making them electric].”
We love it, and can’t wait to see more.
Photos: EV West; Lunaz; London Electric Cars; Zelectric; Ford Performance; BMW CSE