Should you convert your classic car into an electric one?
In recent years, more and more classic car owners around the world are converting their old cars into electric ones, which may seem unthinkable to many of us. But could such a radical change be beneficial?
Are there any advantages to converting a classic car into an electric car?
Many of us are big fans of classic cars, so it is difficult to be impartial in this matter. Removing the original engine from a classic car sounds like sacrilege, but could it be beneficial?
Let’s take a look at some of the purported benefits of converting a car to an electric one.
Improved performance
If your classic car has lost some of its power and performance over the decades, converting it to an electric car can spice up your vacation travel.
It must be said that the electric motors deliver outstanding power, so you can enjoy improved acceleration and speed over the original. Most electric motors will also be slightly lighter than the original motor, which can help when cornering too.
It is worth remembering, however, that regular use of the electric motor will mean that your batteries will run out very quickly.
Reliability and service
Classic car owners enjoy working on their cars, but when things go wrong, it’s not very enjoyable, especially if constant malfunctions lead to breakdowns on the road. The nature of old engines is such that regular maintenance and care is required, and even then there is a chance that you will find yourself on the side of the road and steam escaping from under the hood.
All that said, switching to an electric car might be a good option for those looking to spend more time driving and less time repairing their car. The new electric motor can provide a greater sense of reliability and confidence while driving, so you can drive without fear that something is about to go wrong.
What’s more, fewer faults can mean more money in your pocket. Maintaining a classic car is a significant part of the cost, so it’s important to consider these savings as a potential benefit.
Savings on fuel costs
A key benefit of converting to an electric vehicle, which few classic car owners can argue with, concerns fuel costs. Most classic car owners recognize that older cars are not the most fuel efficient.
By converting a classic car to an electric one, you can charge it at home and avoid frequent trips to the gas station. Depending on the electric motor you choose, you’ll have a decent range for leisurely rides.
Of course, you need to consider the cost of the conversion and the estimated fuel economy, which we’ll talk about later in this guide.
Why think twice before converting a classic car to an electric one?
You’ve learned about the benefits of converting your classic car to an electric one, so now it’s time to take a look at the downsides. Converting electricity is risky and costly, and you should consider the following before making a decision.
The cost
Converting an old car to an electric one is a costly project. So, even with the potential cost savings we mentioned earlier, it will take a long time to recoup your investment and experience the financial benefits.
While it is impossible to give an exact figure, research has yielded a few rough figures that may give you an idea of the cost of converting your classic model to an electric one – we have listed them below:
Buy an electrical conversion kit – some companies offer ready-made conversion kits that cost between 4500 and 7500 Euros. This is only for the kit and does not include any additional costs such as tools or professional help.
Ask a professional to do the refurbishment – there are many firms offering a full range of services in this direction, according to which they perform every element of the work. The costs vary greatly, but you should expect between € 12,000 and € 50,000 depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Buy individual parts and do it yourself – this is the cheapest, but also the most difficult way.
