Electric car conversions (2024 update)

Would you convert your classic car into an electric? Many motorists are considering the move as the incentives for making the switch the electric (including tax breaks and free access to Clean Air Zones) pile up, and the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars looms ever closer.
To convert a car to electric, you essentially remove the internal combustion engine and install an electric motor in its place, then add the batteries. That’s probably an oversimplification, so we’ll hand over to the experts at Electric Classic Car to show us how it’s done.

This 1975 BMW 1602 used to have 1.6-litre engine, but the classic electric car conversion saw the addition of a front battery pack under the hood and a motor underneath that.
The BMW’s motor is still attached to the gearbox, which is unusual for an electric car (see: how electric cars work). In another nod to the car’s heritage, the original fuel filler cap still fits over the charging port. Outside of the conversion to electric, the BMW 1602 also had a full restoration with an oak green paintjob, a new chin spoiler and other aesthetic work, plus a new infotainment system.

In another classic car conversion, Electric Classic Cars added a Tesla powertrain to a 1996 Land Rover Defender. The result? 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and 450 horsepower – making it a contender for the title of quickest Defender in the world.
Now an electric car, this Defender has 100 kWh of battery capacity and can fully charge in half an hour. To maintain the car’s stand-out aesthetic, the old dials show new info. Though one major change, the removal of the transmission tunnel in the middle, means this Defender is one of the most spacious on the market.

Electrogenic are another of the many companies now offering electric car conversion in the UK. Rory Reid recently met with them and took the converted Porsche 356 – one of only a handful of electric cars to use a manual gearbox – for a spin.

In theory, there’s potential to convert any ICE car into an electric.
Electric car conversion is becoming increasingly popular, with drivers looking to end their reliance on fossil fuels and adopter greener methods of travel – without saying goodbye to beloved and reliable models. If you do opt to convert your car, you’ll need to re-register it as a “radically altered” vehicle, using these online forms on the Gov.uk website. You’ll also need to keep the original registration documents and relevant receipts. Photos and evidence of the conversion process can also help with the final approval.

Electric car conversions are something you can do at home (with enough technical skill and money). Keep in mind you’ll be playing with electronics and, eventually, driving it round so it’ll have to be roadworthy, reliable and safe.
If you do it yourself, the most expensive (and hardest part) will be sourcing the batteries and charging hardware. Alternatively, you can talk to a professional. A number of companies offer bespoke conversions of petrol and diesel cars. The cost will vary and converting a common family hatchback will cost a lot less than a rare classic. The price could be anything from a couple of grand to well over £10k for a top-level conversion on a rare car.

Electric conversion kits are designed to retrofit an electric drivetrain into traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. These kits typically include the key components like electric motors, battery packs, controllers, and chargers.
Conversion kits range from DIY options, where you can install the components yourself, to more comprehensive kits that require professional installation. When selecting an electric conversion kit, consider the following: • Ensure the kit is compatible with your car's make and model. • Choose a battery capacity that meets your driving needs for daily commuting and long trips. • Make sure the motor's power output meets your performance expectations. • Check whether it's a DIY-friendly kit or requires professional installation. • Factor in the total cost, including parts, labour, and any upgrades. • Look for kits that offer good after-sales support and warranties. • Ensure the kit complies with legal requirements for electric conversions in your area. You’ll need to re-register your converted vehicle with the DVLA. They’ll need the receipts for the conversion kit and installation. The vehicle will also need to pass a safety inspection to ensure it’s road-worthy. Once approved, the DVLA will update your vehicle's registration to reflect its electric status. You’ll then need update your insurance policy to cover the newly converted vehicle.

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