Meet the EV conversion specialists future-proofing classic cars

Converting a classic car into an EV is becoming an increasingly popular option for owners who want to give their vehicles a modern and more eco-friendly twist. Not only does the conversion give a car a new lease of life, it also future-proofs it for decades to come. 

There is real sense to such a conversion, too, because the process often involves a full restoration. And once complete you're left with an emission-free classic car that is both reliable and silent. The unpleasant smells and noises that come with an older combustion engine are no longer.

 Plus the torque of an electric motor can provide plenty of whimsical thrills when driving.

Of course, a conversion isn’t for the die-hand fans who enjoy maintaining, cleaning, and of course driving their pride and joy to various concourse shows. And let's not forget that most EV conversions come with a hefty price tag.

But in the climate-conscious world we live in today, adding an electric motor and battery – typically from an existing manufacturer – is no bad thing. With that in mind, we went in search of the best EV conversion specialists turning classic cars into electromod masterpieces. 

Lunaz

If an ultra-premium conversion is what you’re after, then you don’t need to look any further than UK-based specialist, Lunaz. Founded in 2018, the conversion specialist takes luxury classic cars – such as Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin and Bentley – restores them to their original condition and adds its own modular electric platform, 

The electric platform is made using battery cells and motors from established OEMs. Lunaz also overhauls the brakes, suspension and steering to give its conversions a more modern set-up. 

Some of the firm’s most notable creations include a £350,000 Jaguar XK140, commissioned by Lunaz investor and football legend, David Beckham.

Electrogenic

Established in 2018, Electrogenic produces a range of conversion kits for classic cars, while also offering bespoke restorations for all kinds of vehicles. Electrogenic is best known for its ‘drop-in’ EV conversion kits, which maintain the existing structure and architecture of the car, and are designed to ‘future-proof automotive icons’. 

The kit is compatible for all kinds of vehicles, such as the Land Rover Defender, Jaguar E-Type, Porsche 911 and Mini. The drop-in kits are also offered with various power outputs and battery sizes, with customers able to opt for greater performance or range.

And the kit itself is incorporated into the transmission meaning the conversion retains the gearbox for a more engaging driving experience. 

Charge Cars

The Ford Mustang is one of the most storied cars of the 20th century, and now you can get one with a 21st Century twist thanks to British firm, Charge Cars. While the Charge Cars Mustang is more of a brand new electromod than a full conversion, we thought the firm was worthy of a place on this list simply for the sheer existence of the brand. 

Featuring a 64kWh battery and a whopping 400kW electric motor, the ‘67 Fastback can travel up to 200 miles on a single charge and sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.9sec.

You’ll have to dig deep into your pockets for the Mustang recreation, however, with the Charge Cars version costing £350,000. It’ll be a rare beast, too, because production is limited to just 499 units. 

Mini Recharged

Mini launched its official conversion division last year, with the brand offering to turn the iconic classic Mini into a zero-emission runaround. The Mini Recharged project was developed by a team at Mini’s Oxford plant and is now operated by Recharged Heritage. 

The team swaps the Mini’s classic four-cylinder A–series engine for an electric motor and battery that offers up to 110 miles of range. Buyers can opt to convert their own mini or buy a certified model from Mini Recharged themselves. 

Recharged Heritage offers either a Pure or Sport model, with the latter based on the later Rover Mini Sport; although this version comes at a pricey £46,950. 

Electric Classic Cars 

Electric Classic Cars convert all kinds of classic vehicles to run on electric power. Recently the firm transformed a Ferrari Testarossa from a combustion-engined sports car to a superfast EV. 

Most of its commissions are bespoke, ranging from Land Rover Defenders to Jensen Interceptors. The firm also produces a drop-in kit for Volkswagen Beetles.

All cars are restored to a greater standard than the original to withstand the greater power and torque of the electric motor. Modern features can be added to classic models, too, including sat-nav, LED headlights and even regenerative braking. 

Inverted

Range Rover fans rejoice, for Inverted is here to take your classic 4x4 and transform it into a lean, mean, off-roading machine. British firm Inverted was founded in 2021 by Range Rover enthusiast Henry Millington, and offers the classic luxury 4x4 in two-door, four-door and LSE forms.

The original engine is replaced with a reconditioned 80kWh battery module and drive unit from a Tesla, with the motor delivering 335kW of power, allowing for a 0-60mph sprint in around five seconds.

Every machine converted to electric power gets a full restoration inside and out. And you would hope so, too, conceding the Inverted Range Rover costs from £225,000.

RBW Electric Classic Cars

Based on the original MGB, the RBW roadster is a drop-top electromod that has a range of up to 160 miles, and can do 0-60 mph in nice seconds. Rather than restoring an old car, RBW uses a body shell from British Motor Heritage and bespoke parts to effectively create a brand new retro EV. 

There are a number of designs to choose from, including a GT variant based on the 60s classic. MD Peter Swain chose the MGB design for his new electromod as it was the first car he owned at 17-years-old.

As a handbuilt car that is built from the ground up, it comes with a big premium on the classic version. Prices for the RBW Roadster start from a hefty £90,000. 

London Electric Cars

It might be one of the smaller firms in the EV conversion industry, but London Electric Cars are on to a winner with its bespoke conversion kits. While they offer custom conversions, the firm has created a specific kit for classic Land Rover, Mini and Volkswagen models. 

While the firm's core conversions focus on its kits, London Electric Cars also carries out bespoke commissions, transforming any classic into an EV.

Prices for the conversions start from £35,000, with the firm’s kit swapping the classic car’s combustion engine for a battery and electric motor that offers a range of up to 100 miles for the Mini and 200 miles for the Land Rover.