I've seen a few episodes and it's interesting to see the conversion info some classic cars to electric with reasonable range and good performance.
I get MT channel as part of YouTube TV, so it may not be readily available to everyone.
They've done a 308, 914, Karmann Ghia, 500 and others.
I'll have to look at that one. I get it through Prime.
It's interesting. But it's interesting that they are using phrases like "ground hugging weight". And the cost... OMG, the cost. $15-25k to replace the powertrain in a small car.
Some of the projects are neat- the 500 would be useful. And the replica Speedster conversion is cool.
The Ferrari will be interesting to watch- it will be one of the only cars where the powertrain swap would be close to the cost of a rebuild.
$15k-$20k seems to be the going rate for electrical conversions that are done professionally and not cobbled together in someone's shed. And even those aren't cheap.
In reply to alfadriver (Forum Supporter) :
I agree and I find that most of the car oriented shows on TV have some irritating phrases and terminology.
The cost is definitely eye opening, but probably a better comparison would be a FM V8 type of conversion. So it's not as shocking when comparing it to having a shop replace the drivetrain with modern higher performance gas engine and all the associated work to create an integrated solution.
I think the bigger takeaway is that the hardware is becoming more readily available and will make its way to the home installer trying to make a conversion that is practical.
I've watched 3 or 4 episodes and find it interesting. I'm impressed with the cleanliness of the installation which seems to be well thought out although I have zero experience. I wonder how reliable these installations are if they were used often versus taken to car shows and used only occasionally. I know electric is probably the wave of the future however I'm not quite ready to give up the internal combustion engine yet.
The cost range they’re quoting are pretty spot on; EV conversions are not cheap, but they’re definitely compelling. Similar companies in the US like EV West and Zelectric price their stuff in about the same range it seems.
What I like about the Vintage Voltage show is that it shows how close this is to being easy for average guys to do. Honestly I think we’re already there now, but component costs (especially for batteries) and weight (also batteries) is still holding it back.
But personally, I am on board! I’ve been dying to do an performance oriented EV conversion, but I’m just waiting for the right conditions to take it on as a project, and maybe for prices to come down a bit.
When the components get cheaper — like LS-swap territory — this is going to be the new hot rodding, I’m sure of it. I’m glad it’s already starting to show up on TV to whet my appetite. A+++
I like the concept, being able to drive an EV that still looks and feels like a classic car, and without all the gee-whiz features of a new car.
They talk about using Tesla components - are they able to buy them from the factory, or do they have to source them from wrecked cars?
In reply to stuart in mn :
Probably both- but more likley they are used units- as you see them using different manufacturers battery sets- just like you can find on battery sites. Given the costs, I'm betting most are used batteries- the cost of new batteries are offset a lot by tax breaks, which one doesn't get for conversions.
And in terms of safety- I would not really lean to just anyone being able to do a conversion- noting the safety range they have around the car when the batteries are installed. Given the voltages and currents with the live batteries, it's not very shade tree mechanic work. And I, too, have thought it woul dbe cool to have a small sports car converted to EV. But very much not for speed performance- I think that is way over done, and way over stated.
the ev west conversions are $7k for the bolt in kit without the batteries or $16k with the batteries. if that tells you anything about battery cost.
In reply to stuart in mn :
My understanding is that the parts are very likely used, Tesla tends to have enough problems to keep enough spares around for their own customers although that's getting better.
Tesla parts are pretty much considered the gold standard for EV stuff right now, plus they're fairly readily available. Not to mention that there is less and less of an incentive to rebuild wrecked Teslas thanks to some shenangans that they're playing recently (like no supercharging/fastcharging even if the car originally had lifetime supercharging).
There is a company here in Austin, Moment Motors (https://www.momentmotors.com/) that is doing EV conversions on classic cars, but keeping the manual transmission.
They have a bunch of neat cars done already, Datsun Z, Porsche 356, 911, Alfa Guilia, Delorean
You'll need to log in to post.
