The 13 Best Electric Classic Car Conversions You Can Buy

Well, it may have been a long time coming, but the age of the electric vehicle is finally upon us. Be it out of foresight or forced action, automakers everywhere are rolling out ambitious electrification strategies targeting a completely battery-powered lineup by the end of the decade. In spite of some initial resistance, the car community has started to come around to the inevitable march of the industry’s progress. After all, such vehicles are constantly redefining the standards of automotive performance, offering instantaneous torque delivery, lightning-quick acceleration, and better long-term reliability amongst a long list of other improvements. If you’re buying a new car, then, an electrified future could very well be brighter.

But what if you’re a classic car enthusiast? What if you’re hell-bent on tuning carburetors and the sound of a V8 is the only thing that gets you going? For the time being, emissions regulations only apply to more modern vehicles; however, there’s no telling what the situation could look like 10, 20, or even 30 years down the line. Sure, your classic might be considered charmingly retro come 2050, but it could just as easily be relegated to the status of fossil fuel-burning relic. As such, many restoration outfits have switched gears in recent years, adapting their process to accommodate the possibility of a reality in which EVs are the only cars allowed on the road. For some, an electrified engine swap may be considered heresy, though that’s ignoring the fact that it’s given many older vehicles a new lease on life. And besides, there’s no denying the potential that such electromods have to offer. What follows are what we believe to be the best electric car conversions money can buy.

Though a classic car EV conversion sounds like little more than vintage rides that have their petrol-fed engines swapped out in favor of an all-electric powertrain, the reality is that most of these conversions are markedly more involved — probably being better described as EV restomods or electromods rather than simple conversions. So, on top of being bestowed with an off-the-shelf motor, controller, and battery or an electric powertrain plucked from a production EV model, these electrified classics typically also benefit from everything from modernized suspension and braking hardware to revised frames. In a bid to further modernize these classic vehicles, quite a few of today’s EV conversions are also treated to completely revised and often fully-bespoke interiors that gain a slew of modern tech and creature comforts. And, while the majority of classic car EV conversions maintain the original donor’s bodywork and appearance, some conversions and kits include lightly-restyled, updated integrations of the original design. 

Being vintage classic models that are bestowed with contemporary electric powertrains and modern running gear, it can admittedly be a little tricky knowing exactly what to look for when shopping for a classic car EV conversion. Recognizing this reality, we’ve broken down the most pivotal areas to take into account when looking at electrified classic car conversions. 

Donor Type: Just like with regular gas-engined restomods, electromods are offered in all manner of shapes, sizes, and vehicle types, ranging from tiny roadsters to full-size pickups and SUVs. As a result, the jumping off point for your search should pretty much always begin with first deciding what type or genre of vehicle you want to convert to electric. 

Donor Model: One of the biggest areas to consider when shopping is undoubtedly the vehicle’s donor model, as this will play a monumental role in the overall user experience — as well as the conversion’s overall price. Additionally, conversions using older, more antiquated donors will often require more updates and upgrades in order to modernize, compared to later-model classics. It’s also crucial to note that some EV conversion shops supply the buyer with a donor vehicle, while others require you acquire one first — and there are also shops that give the option for either. 

Powertrain: Not unlike regular gas-powered engines, electric vehicle powertrains can massively vary in terms of power and performance — making this a crucial area to review when shopping. When checking out this aspect, you’ll want to pay attention to the number of motors being used, the type of motors being used, and the location of said motor or motors. You’ll also want to review an EV powertrains power output – which is typically measured in pound-feet of torque, and in horsepower or kilowatts. 

Battery: It’s not just an EV powertrain’s motor(s) that you want to pay attention to when shopping, but also the battery pack that those motors are drawing from. More specifically, you’ll want to focus on battery type and battery size, as well as the range that the battery delivers, and how long it takes to recharge. 

Performance Capabilities: No matter what type of car, gas or electric, one should always take a vehicle’s performance capabilities into account when shopping. This includes acceleration and braking times, as well as top speed figures. How the vehicle handles is also of monumental importance, though we’ll touch more on that directly below. 

Running Gear: It’s no secret that most classic cars feature fairly antiquated suspensions and running gear, which is why a great many modern EV conversion shops opt to also bestow electromod builds with modernized suspension setups, and other contemporary, hardware, and upgrades in order to bolster and modernize the donor’s handling and performance. 

Tech: As vehicles with cutting-edge fully-electric powertrains, it probably won’t come as a surprise to hear that a great many EV conversion shops also treat their builds a generous slew of state-of-the-art tech and other bells and whistles such as backup cameras, wireless chargers, and digital displays, just to name a few. 

Cabin: The interior of EV-converted classic cars can hugely differ from shop to shop, as some builders opt to maintain or restore the donor’s original cabin, while others take a more contemporary and bespoke approach that sees the interior completely gutted and modernized, built back up using modern-day materials and designs. As the part of the vehicle the driver interacts with most, an electromod’s cabin plays a pivotal role in the overall day-to-day user experience — as well as the conversion’s price — making this another crucial area to take into account when shopping. 

Moment Motors Datsun

Another shop that’s set up as a bespoke build service, Austin-based Moment Motors exclusively works with classics deemed to be of iconic status. Because every creation is unique in its requirements, Moment uses a modular power system based around single, in-line, and stacked dual-motor configurations, with interchangeable transmission adapters for easy mounting. Moreover, they’ve developed an accompanying battery enclosure setup using reclaimed Tesla modules and buildable bricks that can be placed around the classic Japanese-made donor car. Though Moment has completed any number of eye-catching customs, our pick would have to be one of their old-school Z cars like the one pictured above.

Zelectric Microbus

A specialist in all things Porsche and VW, Zelectric offers electric conversions for a variety of different German classics, be it a 356, a Beetle, or even a Thing. The Microbus shown here was actually built for an Omaze giveaway in early 2021, so needless to say, it’s dressed to the nines with 21st-century components. Powered by a liquid-cooled 32kWh Tesla Model S battery pack, it features a 115hp electric motor, regenerative braking, upgraded suspension, and a drive-by-wire throttle system. Inside, it only gets better, as the Microbus comes with electric cabin heating, an onboard 12V trickle charger, a custom Alpine sound system, as well as a backup camera, and even a pedestrian alert bell.

NAEV “Cyber-Hummer” H1 EV

North American Electric Vehicles’ “Cyber-Hummer” H1 EV is a rugged electromod conversion that maintains the Hummer’s immense durability and off-roading capabilities while gaining an ultra-potent state-of-the-art powertrain plucked from a late-model Tesla. Even with a curb weighing of between 2.25 to 3 tons, the Cyber-Hummer is capable of putting down up to 1,000hp, allowing for sportscar-esque 0-60mph runs in just 3.5 seconds — all while delivering a range of around 300 miles per charge, thanks to a 75-kWh to 150-kWh battery pack. Inside, the “Cyber Hummer” has been treated to several digital touchscreen displays, along with custom sports seats and a MOMO steering wheel. Equipped with a generous 13” of ground clearance, this electrified Hummer is also offered with a host of optional add-ons including electronic-locking differentials, and an off-road-calibrated traction control system. 

Kindred Chevy 3100

The Kindred Motorworks Chevy 3100 is a pickup electromod that combines the donor’s decidedly vintage appearance with a cutting-edge all-electric powertrain comprised of a 220-kW AC motor drawing from a 74-kWh battery pack. Paired with a 6.6-kW onboard charger, the battery pack offers a range of miles, plus can receive a complete recharge (using a Level 2 charger) in 9 hours. Despite its original appearance, the 3100 gains all-LED lighting set in the donor’s original housings, as well as numerous contemporary pieces of hardware including a double wishbone front suspension and disc brakes at all four corners. The interior of the truck has also been modernized while retaining much of the donor’s original character, and now sports custom leather upholstery, heated bench seating, a backup camera, keyless entry, rotary gear selector, power windows and locks, a HiFi sound system, a wireless charger, and a touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

E.C.D. Electric Defender

If you’re familiar with E.C.D. because of its eye-catching Defender customs, then you’ll be pleased to know that the off-road restoration outfit has recently begun offering electric conversions of classic Defenders. Under the hood, it hides a 295-hp drivetrain pulled from a Tesla platform. Good for 200 miles of range on a single 10-hour charge (you can cut that time in half with three-phase power) it’ll thunder to 60mph in a blistering 4.5s. Assuming that isn’t enough grunt for your explorations away from the tarmac, there’s even a 600hp option that’ll shave a further two seconds off that time. Of course, being an E.C.D. build, the electrified Defender comes with all sorts of off-road upgrades to the suspension, as well as things like downhill assist, traction control, and regenerative braking.

Zero Labs Series III Classic

Like some of the above options, Zero Labs allows you to provide the donor vehicle of your choice, meaning that almost any classic can get an electrified refresh. Currently, they offer a four-format platform that’s available in 4×4, muscle, two-door coupé, and pickup configurations. Once buyers submit their car for conversion, it’s completely disassembled, with every one of the previous components replaced by modern upgrades. Just 30 days later, out pops the final product, mated to a new all-electric drivetrain, and riding on a markedly improved independent front and rear suspension. Making some 600hp courtesy of a motorsport-derived HV power system, builds can be specced with either an 80 or a 100kWh battery for up to and over 235 miles of range. This conversion also boasts lightly modernized bodywork that’s offered in carbon fiber. 

Hemmels 280SL Electric

Although most electrified classics are upgraded in the pursuit of bettering their performance, Hemmels is one brand that strives to keep things as period-correct as possible. In the case of their 280SL ‘Pagoda’ conversion, this means that the this bucket-list car maintains all of its analog instrumentation, with the chrome dash, leather upholstery, and various trim finishings restored to look factory-fresh. And while it may come with a 160hp motor and an impressive 200-mile range, the experts at Hemmels have actually decreased the drivetrain’s torque output to ensure that the driving experience is on par with the original. We don’t know about you, but it sounds perfect for zipping down the Amalfi Coast with only the sound of wind rushing through your hair.

Inverted EV Range Rover Classic LSE Electric Conversion

The result of shoehorning a modern Tesla powertrain into a classic Ranger Rover, the Inverted EV Range Rover Classic LSE Electric Conversion is an ultra-premium take on an EV conversion that stays remarkably true to the original donor’s outward appearance, while still managing to upgrade the thing in just about every other way possible. Generating 450hp, the Tesla’s powertrain enables this conversion to clock 0-60mp runs in a very respectable 5 seconds, and to deliver a 200 mile range — and the ability to gain a 20% to 80% recharge time of 34 minutes. Starting with a full body-off, frame-up restoration, the conversion also massively benefits from a permanent 4WD setup, multiple drive modes, Alcon front brakes, new anti-roll bars, and adjustable FOX 2.0 Performance Series shocks. Inverted’s Classic Range Rovers also get a completely bespoke interior, complete with Muirhead Leather seats and dash, an Alcantara headliner, central Locking, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reverse camera, heated seats, and a premium JL Audio sound system. 

Everrati Porsche 911 964

Oxfordshire-based Everrati Automotive offers electromods for a number of vintage vehicles, including four different Porsche 911s, a Land Rover Series IIA, as well as a Mercedes-Benz 280SL ‘Pagoda.’ The 964 seen here is the latest to join the lineup, and boy oh boy is it something special. Available in both narrow- and widebody specs, it’s first fully restored by Porsche specialists, after which it’s fitted with a 53Kwh battery pack, a 440-500hp electric motor, and a custom Quaife ATB Torque biasing differential. Such a setup makes for quite the upgrade over the petrol-powered flat-six, as it’s enough to take the Stuttgart stunner to 60mph in less than four seconds while still providing over 150 miles of range. Topped off with a modernized interior complete with heated seats, Bluetooth, and Apple Car Play, it’s made only better by the fact that Everrati ensures the conversion is completely reversible.

Charge Cars Fastback Mustang

If the Mustang Mach-E isn’t pony enough for your particular tastes, Charge’s electrified Fastback should do just the ticket. Based around an officially-licensed shell for an authentic old-school appearance, it eschews the V8 of the original in favor of a dual-motor four-wheel-drive setup and a 64 kWh battery pack. In practice, this makes the modernized Mustang good for a mind-boggling combined 536hp and 1,106lb-ft of torque, rocketing it to 60mph in less than 4.0s flat while still lasting for a respectable 200 miles of driving. Inside, Charge sticks with the retro styling of the car’s exterior, only adding a large touchscreen interface so that the driver can dial in the ride quality. Just 499 of these muscle car masterpieces are being built, so you’ll have to reserve one soon if you want in on it for yourself.

Totem Automobili GT Electric

Last but not least we have this beautiful Alfa Romeo electromod from Italian startup Totem Automobili. A tribute to the iconic 1960s Giulia GTA, it’s the product of 6,000 man-hours spread amongst 21 engineers, nine expert craftsmen, and 150 different Italian parts suppliers. Built atop a bespoke steel platform with an integrated roll-bar and some MacPherson struts, the conversion is so complete that it maintains just 10% of the orginal chassis. And to ensure that the Alfa homage packs the power to match its improved suspension, Totem has given it a proprietary electric motor that generates 518hp and 722lb-ft of instantaneous torque. When you consider that it weighs in at just under 2,800lbs in total, the result is a car that takes classic Alfa performance into the 21st century. The entire thing also comes cloaked in a modernized set of bodywork crafted entirely from carbon fiber. It doesn’t end there, however, as the GT Electric also gains a completely modernized and bespoke interior. 

Lunaz Design Aston Martin DB6

Originally produced from 1965 to 1971, the Aston Martin DB6 is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful car designs of all time — as well as one of the most iconic Bond cars in the 007 franchise. And while its appearance may still hold up today, the same can’t be said for the more-than-half-century-old car’s performance capabilities, which have grown decidedly long in the tooth. In a bid to modernize how the car drives without compromising its iconic appearance, the London-based team as Lunaz Design have opted to bestow the DB6 with a cutting-edge EV powertrain. CCS fast-charging-compatible, the electrified DB6’s Tier 1 OEM battery pack offers a range of over 250 miles per charge. The battery pack also feeds the powertrain’s electric motors, which generate a collective 375hp and 516ft-lbs of torque. And, while exact pricing is only available upon request, it is nonetheless worth noting that Lunaz has stated that this EV conversion starts at around the seven-figure mark. 

Luuc Muis Creations BMW R Series E-drive Conversion Kit

Designed to electrify classic BMW airhead motorcycles, the Luuc Muis Creations BMW R Series E-drive Conversion Kit maintains the iconic and distinctive appearance of the R Series donor while updating its performance and jettisoning its boxer twin for an electric motor and battery pack. Retaining the original donor’s gearbox, the conversion kit includes a mono-shock rear-end conversion and a modern inverted front-end. Alongside the modernized suspension bits, 72-volt, 20-kW motor, and 72-volt 58-Ah battery, this kit also includes a myriad of modernized elements and aesthetic bits including a new gas tank shell, a circular LED headlight, aftermarket rear sets, a mono-shock conversion, a dual-disc braking setup, and a kicked-up, hooped subframe capped off with a brat-style seat. 

The Best Restomods For Retro Looks & Modern Performance

If you’re a fan of the electric conversions on this list, you’ll almost certainly also appreciate the vehicles that comprise our guide to the best restomods for retro looks and modern performance.