Electric Vehicle Conversions for Classic Cars Are Gaining Momentum

Just like restomods and modified cars have a place in the market, electric vehicle conversions are becoming more commonplace. At SEMA 2021, the Ford F-100 Eluminator truck with a Mach-E electric motor made a big splash. But there is a large and growing market for classic car to EV conversions that is clearly heating up.

What Is an EV Conversion?

An EV powertrain conversion is the process of taking a vehicle from conventional gasoline power to an electric motor. Ford displayed the F-100 Eluminator at the most recent SEMA show, featuring a Mustang Mach-E electric crate motor. Mark Wilson, Ford's vehicle personalization manager, acknowledged that ICE products will eventually be phased out — and conversion kits like the M-9000-MACHE motor (available for $4,095 from Ford Performance) are a way to breathe new life into beloved classics.

The EV Restomod Market Is Growing

Michael Bream of EV West, a California-based EV conversion company, notes that purpose-built EV platforms from the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt EV have helped refine the conversion experience significantly. Higher-quality parts at lower costs have made the EV restomod market more accessible. Parts alone for converting a classic car can range from $20,000 to $25,000 — before labor — though smaller, lighter cars like air-cooled Volkswagens or a Porsche 911 tend to work especially well, often reusing the original manual transmission and drivetrain components.

High-End Conversions: Lunaz and Beyond

At the luxury end, companies like Lunaz are converting iconic British vehicles into zero-emissions electrics. David Beckham made headlines when he invested in the firm, which has converted vehicles including a 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, Bentley Continentals, and classic Jaguar XK models. These conversions are exquisite — and priced accordingly, ranging from $300,000 to $700,000 depending on the vehicle.

What's Next

There are more options for electric vehicle conversions than ever before, and many companies are quietly working on breakthroughs behind the scenes. The EV restomod space is still young, but access to better batteries and OEM-level parts is accelerating the trend. Classic car enthusiasts may not need gasoline engines in the near future.

Originally published by MotorBiscuit. Author: Amanda Cline.