Converting Classic Car to Electric.
Villainous or Virtuous?
Converting classic cars to electric power is becoming an increasingly popular option for car enthusiasts who want to reduce their carbon footprint while preserving the classic look and feel of their beloved vehicles. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of converting classic cars to electric power, as well as some of the companies and components involved in EV conversions.
Advantages of converting classic cars to electric power:
Environmental benefits: Converting a classic car to electric power can reduce its carbon footprint, as electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions. This can help to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system.
Improved performance: Electric motors can provide instant torque, which can give an electric classic car better acceleration and overall performance than a gas-powered vehicle of the same vintage.
Reduced maintenance costs: Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than gas-powered vehicles, which can result in lower maintenance costs over time. There are no oil changes, spark plugs, or other components that require regular maintenance in an electric vehicle.
Increased reliability: Electric vehicles are generally more reliable than gas-powered vehicles, as they have fewer mechanical components that can break down. Additionally, electric motors have fewer moving parts and can last longer than gas-powered engines.
Preservation of classic car: Converting a classic car to electric power can help to preserve the vehicle for future generations, as it can reduce wear and tear on the original gas-powered engine and other mechanical components.
Potential for customization: Electric vehicle conversions offer opportunities for customization, such as choosing the battery pack size and placement, motor power, and regenerative braking system, which can give classic cars a unique and personalized driving experience.
Disadvantages of converting classic cars to electric power:
Cost: Converting a gas-powered car to electric power can be expensive, and the cost can vary widely depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the quality of the components used in the conversion. The cost of the conversion may be higher than the value of the vehicle, especially for older or less valuable cars.
Limited driving range: While the driving range of electric vehicles is improving, most converted vehicles will have a limited driving range due to the size of the battery pack. This can limit the practicality of the vehicle for long trips or daily commutes.
Charging infrastructure: The availability of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles may be limited in some areas, which can make it difficult to use a converted electric vehicle for long trips or daily commutes.
Weight: The weight of the battery pack and electric motor can be significantly greater than the original gas-powered engine, which can affect the handling and overall performance of the vehicle.
Limited selection of conversion kits: While the selection of conversion kits is growing, there may be limited options available for certain makes and models of vehicles. This can make it difficult to find the right kit for a specific vehicle.
Reduced authenticity: Converting a classic car to electric power can alter the original character of the vehicle, which may be undesirable for enthusiasts who place a high value on authenticity and originality.
Companies and components involved in EV conversions:
There are several companies that specialize in electric vehicle conversions and components, including:
EV West: EV West is a California-based company that specializes in converting classic cars to electric power. They offer a wide range of conversion kits and components for popular makes and models of vehicles, as well as custom conversion services.
HSR Motors: HSR Motors is a UK-based company that specializes in electric vehicle conversions and components. They offer a range of conversion kits and components for classic cars, as well as custom conversion services.
Electric GT: Electric GT is a company based in the United States that specializes in electric vehicle conversions and components. They offer a range of conversion kits and components for classic cars, as well as custom conversion services.
NetGain Motors: NetGain Motors is a company based in the United States that specializes in electric vehicle motors and controllers. They offer a range of high-performance motors and controllers that can be used in electric vehicle conversions.
Tesla: While Tesla is primarily known for producing electric cars, they also offer a range of components that can be used in electric vehicle conversions. This includes batteries, motors, and other components that can be used in custom conversion projects.
The market for electric vehicle (EV) conversions is still relatively small, but it has been growing rapidly in recent years as more people seek to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace cleaner, more sustainable transportation options. The value of the EV conversion market is difficult to estimate precisely, but it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years as more people become interested in electric vehicles.
According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global market for EV conversions was valued at approximately $91.0 million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 23.5% from 2021 to 2028. This growth is being driven by factors such as government incentives and regulations promoting the adoption of EVs, as well as increased consumer awareness and demand for sustainable transportation options.
While the overall market for EV conversions is still relatively small compared to the broader automotive industry, it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years as more people seek to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace cleaner, more sustainable transportation options.
In conclusion, converting classic cars to electric power can offer a range of benefits, including reduced emissions, improved performance, and reduced maintenance costs. However, there are also several drawbacks to consider, such as the cost of the conversion, limited driving range, and the weight of the battery pack and electric motor. There are several companies that specialize in electric vehicle conversions and components, which can make it easier for enthusiasts to undertake a conversion project.