The Future of Classic Cars: How Electric Conversions Are Breathing New Life into Old Classics

Nothing beats the feeling of cruising down the street in a classic car. While the iconic looks that classic rides bring to the table can't be beaten, sometimes they just lack that little extra kick that modern technology has to offer. That's where the concept of resto-mods comes into play.

The term "restomod" stems from two words: restored and modified. Restomods bring together the best of both worlds: iconic designs of the past and the engine technology of today. Along with equipping classic cars with powerful engine technology, restomods outfit classic rides with necessary safety upgrades and the desired comfort features that will satisfy even the pickiest of drivers.

While some choose a powerful GM LT1 V8 engine that sports 455 horsepower or an even more impressive GM LT4 V8 engine that produces a whopping 640 horsepower, others want to go green with their custom restomods. That's where electric classic cars come into play. Modern technology now allows gearheads to equip their favorite classic vehicles with a fully electric drivetrain. While some challenges come with transforming a classic ride into a fully functioning EV, it can certainly be done. Take a look at some of the key benefits of owning a classic electric car.

Merging Iconic Classics With Cutting-Edge Performance

One of the key benefits that electric classic cars offer drivers is the ability to merge iconic looks with cutting-edge technology. Just take a look at one ECD custom-built Defender 90 known as Project Midnight. This iconic Defender 90 embodies the classic look that is expected from a vintage Defender. However, it also allows the driver to enjoy all the modern conveniences that technology has to offer, such as ECD electric set gauges, gel audio sound, Apple CarPlay, rear AC, and access to USB charging ports. In addition, Project Midnight sports the cutting-edge ECD EV Direct Drive. This EV Direct Drive features an 84 kWh setup that offers an impressive 200-mile range.

Looking closer at Project Midnight's drivetrain, the second-generation ECD EV setup shows just how powerful and convenient an electric classic car can be. For example, the second-generation ECD EV setup offers Fast Charge, which allows the vintage Defender to be charged from 10% to 80% in less than an hour. This EV drivetrain also equips the classic Defender with Creep Mode, which simulates a regular automatic transmission. Once again, this feature helps to balance the best of both worlds by providing a more classic driving feel and experience while still allowing the driver to enjoy the benefits of cutting-edge technology. In addition, ECD's second-generation EV setup equips electric classic cars with selectable two-wheel or four-wheel drive to match the occasion, as well as changeable drive modes that alter the throttle responses. It's truly an impressive balancing act.

Sustainable Energy Can Be Achieved With Electric Classic Cars

Another core benefit of driving an electric classic car is its environmental impact. Balancing being a gearhead and an environmentalist may seem counterintuitive, but it doesn't have to be that way with electric classic cars. By equipping a restomod with an all-electric drivetrain, gearheads can enjoy the vintage vehicles they love while minimizing their carbon footprint. In the same vein, electric classic cars help to improve air quality, create zero emissions, and help to leave a cleaner environment for future generations. Owning an electric classic car seems to be the way to go for gearheads looking to honor both the past and the future.

Electric Conversions Help to Reduce Maintenance and Associated Costs

If elevated performance rates and a cleaner environment weren't enough, another surefire reason to sit behind the wheel of an all-electric restomod is the reduced maintenance the vintage vehicle will require. Not only does an all-electric classic car have reduced maintenance needs, but it also has lower running costs. Now, that's a win-win. Just think of all that saved gas money! Keeping the wallet padded and the vintage ride out of the shop is truly the way to go when it comes to owning a classic car.

Electric Classic Cars Aid in Preservation Efforts

Lastly, the movement toward electric classic cars helps to aid in vintage vehicle preservation efforts. As a true gearhead, it can be disheartening to see gorgeous vintage vehicles being pushed to the wayside or even villainized for being environmentally unfriendly. However, something magical happens when classic cars are rebuilt with an all-electric drivetrain:

• Gorgeous vintage rides are saved.
• History is preserved.
• A push toward more eco-friendly automobiles is achieved.

Connect With the Team at ECD Today

While there are some drawbacks to electric classic cars, like the hefty costs associated with converting vintage drivetrains to all-electric, the positives seem to outweigh the negatives. Interested in learning more about the exciting possibilities surrounding electric classic cars? If so, connect with the ECD team to learn more about all-electric restomod opportunities and how you can add a custom EV build to your garage today!