Jay Leno Drive Zelectric’s Electric Porsche 912
All modifications done to Zelectric’s all-electric Porsche 912 are reversible, and the attention to detail throughout the ensemble is impressive.
Jay Leno is one of the most popular gearheads in Hollywood. In a recent episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, the former Tonight Show host discusses an all-electric Porsche 912, built by a California-based company Zelectric. The company’s CEO and Director of R/D, David Benardo joins Leno and shares some interesting facts about the future-proof Porsche 912.
Unlike other electric conversions, Zelectric’s battery-electric 912 employs a Tesla drivetrain which means the performance of this Porsche is truly remarkable. The company also retains the original bodywork of the classic Porsche and does not modify it. As a result of this, customers can switch back to the combustion engine whenever they want. Leno also interacts with engineer Trent Wonsley, who explains how nicely the Tesla drivetrain fits inside the classic Porsche.
“Yeah, it may have been a different motor if the packaging didn’t lend itself so well to using the same engine and transaxle location, as well as more batteries in the back,” Wonsley told Jay. He further added, “The other thing that is really important is to keep the car driving like a Porsche. You don’t want to add a bunch of weight because it then really ruins the handling that these cars are known for.”
1977 RS-spec Suspension and solar panels make Zelectric 912 a user-friendly restomod.
Zelectric’s all-electric Porsche 912 weighs only 2505 lbs and has better weight distribution than the original sports car. In addition to the Tesla drive unit, this all-electric Porsche also gets the suspension equivalent of a 1977 RS. The car’s 32 kWh battery pack can deliver a maximum all-electric driving range of 140 miles. We also find a solar panel at the rear of the car, which recharges Zelectric 912’s 12V battery.
So far, we do not have any information regarding the performance of Zelectric 912. However, Wonsley implies that it might take Zelectric 912 around 2.6 seconds to hit the 60 MPH mark. Overall, the Zelectric 912 is an interesting electric restomod and the attention to detail throughout the ensemble is exquisite. Like the Everrati 911, this electric Porsche 912 is also a future-proof classic and Jay agrees. “You know I gotta say, this is one of the best electric cars I’ve ever driven,” said Jay.
Image Source: Jay Leno’s Garage