{ "schemaVersion": 3, "market": "UK and selected European markets", "asOf": "2026-07-23", "collections": [ { "id": "on-sale-now", "title": "On sale now", "description": "Current official list or configurator prices for the named market.", "items": [ { "id": "byd-dolphin-surf-uk", "carId": "byd-dolphin-surf-bd2", "make": "BYD", "model": "Dolphin Surf", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "ev", "body": "hatchback", "featured": true, "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 21975, "label": "New OTR price £21,975", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "The most attainable entry into BYD's UK range and a serious small-EV price marker.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/byd-dolphin-surf-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/byd-dolphin-surf-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/byd-dolphin-surf-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "BYD Dolphin Surf exterior, sold as the Seagull in other markets", "note": "Same car family; 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no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "BYD UK", "url": "https://www.byd.com/uk/configurator/dolphin" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "265 miles WLTP from a 60.4kWh Blade battery", "Golf-sized cabin and 201bhp, 0-62 in 7.0s, for supermini-plus money", "Heat pump and vehicle-to-load as standard" ], "stats": { "accel062": 7, "powerBhp": 201, "rangeMi": 265, "batteryKwh": 60 }, "metric": { "label": "Range per £1,000", "value": "8.8 mi" } }, { "id": "byd-atto-3-evo-uk", "carId": "byd-atto-3-ba3-fl", "make": "BYD", "model": "Atto 3 Evo", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "ev", "body": "suv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 38990, "label": "New OTR price from £38,990", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "The refreshed electric family SUV that established BYD as a recognisable UK contender.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/byd-atto-3-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/byd-atto-3-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/byd-atto-3-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "2025 BYD Atto 3 Evo exterior, sold as the Yuan Plus facelift in other markets", "width": 960, "height": 720, "creator": "JustAnotherCarDesigner", "license": "CC0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BYD_Yuan_Plus_facelift_002.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/BYD_Yuan_Plus_facelift_002.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "2b563065cf295538b69225765fc9abb5b32248d5027d7a4feb8973266b58cfc2", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "BYD UK", "url": "https://www.byd.com/uk/configurator/atto-3-evo" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "Big upgrade: 309bhp entry doing 0-62 in 5.5s", "Up to 316 miles WLTP and 220kW rapid charging (10-80% in ~25 min)", "443bhp AWD Excellence version hits 62mph in just 3.9s" ], "stats": { "accel062": 5.5, "powerBhp": 309, "rangeMi": 316, "batteryKwh": 75 }, "metric": { "label": "Range per £1,000", "value": "8.1 mi" } }, { "id": "byd-seal-u-dm-i-uk", "carId": "byd-seal-u-dm-i-bsu", "make": "BYD", "model": "Seal U DM-i", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "phev", "body": "suv", "featured": true, "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 34995, "label": "New OTR price from £34,995", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "A large family plug-in hybrid with up to 78 miles WLTP electric range in Comfort form.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/byd-seal-u-dm-i-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/byd-seal-u-dm-i-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/byd-seal-u-dm-i-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "BYD Seal U DM-i exterior", "width": 960, "height": 631, "creator": "Charles", "license": "CC0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BYD_Seal_U_DM-i_(2025)_(54725601813).jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/BYD_Seal_U_DM-i_%282025%29_%2854725601813%29.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "3e09e3bdf2d30bfb4c9871130bab9923d082fc797f0dc84cfa4ea9b8a629f99c", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "BYD UK", "url": "https://www.byd.com/uk/configurator/seal-u-dm-i" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "Big family plug-in SUV from under £35k", "Around 50 miles electric-only and 600+ miles combined WLTP", "324bhp AWD Design trim cuts 0-62 to 5.9s" ], "stats": { "accel062": 8.9, "powerBhp": 218, "rangeMi": 50 }, "metric": { "label": "Power per £1,000", "value": "6.2 bhp" } }, { "id": "byd-seal-6-touring-uk", "carId": "byd-seal-6-dm-i-bs6", "make": "BYD", "model": "Seal 6 DM-i Touring", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "phev", "body": "estate", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 35020, "label": "New OTR price from £35,020", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "A rare new estate arrival, combining plug-in range with the long-roof practicality families miss.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/byd-seal-6-touring-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/byd-seal-6-touring-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/byd-seal-6-touring-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring exterior", "width": 960, "height": 533, "creator": "Alexander-93", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BYD_Seal_6_DM-i_Touring_IAA_2025_DSC_2249.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/BYD_Seal_6_DM-i_Touring_IAA_2025_DSC_2249.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "0b17a82cb1c1e66f38d2af2c8a4964425155e4c39f13040cf76f7f29dcf6ce5e", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "BYD UK", "url": "https://www.byd.com/uk/configurator/seal-6-dm-i-touring" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "The first BYD estate in the UK — a rare new plug-in wagon", "Up to 62 miles electric and around 840 miles combined WLTP", "1,535-litre max boot, with DC rapid charging on Comfort" ], "stats": { "accel062": 8.5, "powerBhp": 191, "rangeMi": 62 }, "metric": { "label": "Power per £1,000", "value": "5.5 bhp" } }, { "id": "byd-sealion-7-uk", "carId": "byd-sealion-7-bs7", "make": "BYD", "model": "Sealion 7", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "ev", "body": "suv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 47025, "label": "New OTR price from £47,025", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "A fast-charging electric SUV aimed directly at the Tesla Model Y class.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/byd-sealion-7-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/byd-sealion-7-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/byd-sealion-7-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "BYD Sealion 7 exterior", "width": 960, "height": 640, "creator": "Matti Blume", "license": "CC BY-SA 2.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BYD_Sealion_7,_Frankfurt_(20251115-P1074666).jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/BYD_Sealion_7%2C_Frankfurt_%2820251115-P1074666%29.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "be4653ae096588776f5280b744cf00f09d47db596b07630d061b32b8042b14cd", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "BYD UK", "url": "https://www.byd.com/uk/configurator/sealion-7" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "RWD from £47k does 300 miles WLTP and 0-62 in 6.7s", "530bhp AWD Performance rockets to 62mph in 4.5s", "Cell-to-Body Blade battery; up to 312 miles on the 91.3kWh pack" ], "stats": { "accel062": 6.7, "powerBhp": 308, "rangeMi": 300, "batteryKwh": 82.5 }, "metric": { "label": "Range per £1,000", "value": "6.4 mi" } }, { "id": "omoda-5-petrol-uk", "make": "OMODA", "model": "5 Petrol", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "petrol", "body": "suv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 24040, "label": "New OTR price from £24,040", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "A conventional petrol crossover that makes OMODA's equipment-per-pound pitch easy to read.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-5-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-5-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-5-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "OMODA 5 exterior", "width": 960, "height": 720, "creator": "JustAnotherCarDesigner", "license": "CC0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chery_Omoda_5_006.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/Chery_Omoda_5_006.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "8dfb8bf66214a8f3cb690add206dc01111ed0888c6aabd79f3a022815eb57c11", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "OMODA UK", "url": "https://omodaauto.co.uk/car-configurator/" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "Loads of standard kit and a 7-year warranty from just over £24k", "1.6T petrol, no charging needed — the simplest way into the range", "Bold styling that undercuts mainstream crossover rivals" ], "stats": { "accel062": 10.1, "powerBhp": 144 }, "metric": { "label": "Power per £1,000", "value": "6 bhp" } }, { "id": "omoda-e5-uk", "make": "OMODA", "model": "E5 Electric", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "ev", "body": "suv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 33065, "label": "New OTR price from £33,065", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "The electric half of OMODA's compact SUV range and a useful mainstream value benchmark.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-e5-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-e5-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-e5-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "OMODA E5 Electric exterior", "width": 960, "height": 642, "creator": "Alexander Migl", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Omoda_E5_IAA_2025_DSC_2133.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f4/Omoda_E5_IAA_2025_DSC_2133.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "6464bd7129ce1aa2704d5abe49075a3838bfbd73313b2ee9e7e741498bb7f14c", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "OMODA UK", "url": "https://omodaauto.co.uk/car-configurator/" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "257 miles WLTP from a 61kWh battery", "204PS, 0-62 in 7.6s, and a very generous equipment count", "7-year/100,000-mile warranty as standard" ], "stats": { "accel062": 7.6, "powerBhp": 201, "rangeMi": 257, "batteryKwh": 61 }, "metric": { "label": "Range per £1,000", "value": "7.8 mi" } }, { "id": "omoda-5-shs-h-uk", "make": "OMODA", "model": "5 SHS-H", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "hybrid", "body": "suv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 25755, "label": "New OTR price from £25,755", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "A full-hybrid compact SUV priced close enough to ordinary petrol rivals to deserve attention.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-5-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-5-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-5-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "OMODA 5 exterior; 5 model family shown", "note": "5 model family shown", "width": 960, "height": 720, "creator": "JustAnotherCarDesigner", "license": "CC0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chery_Omoda_5_006.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/Chery_Omoda_5_006.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "8dfb8bf66214a8f3cb690add206dc01111ed0888c6aabd79f3a022815eb57c11", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "OMODA UK", "url": "https://omodaauto.co.uk/car-configurator/" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "OMODA's first self-charging full hybrid — no plug required", "224bhp system, 0-62 in 7.9s", "Around 53mpg WLTP and 600+ miles per tank" ], "stats": { "accel062": 7.9, "powerBhp": 224 }, "metric": { "label": "Power per £1,000", "value": "8.7 bhp" } }, { "id": "omoda-7-shs-p-uk", "make": "OMODA", "model": "7 SHS-P", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "phev", "body": "suv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 32005, "label": "New OTR price from £32,005", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "A roomy plug-in family SUV positioned squarely against Europe's familiar mainstream choices.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-7-shs-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-7-shs-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-7-shs-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "OMODA 7 SHS exterior", "width": 960, "height": 571, "creator": "Alexander Migl", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Omoda_7_SHS_IAA_2025_DSC_2184.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ee/Omoda_7_SHS_IAA_2025_DSC_2184.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "2add5d792c407dfa561ed13f6d7f34ea9086c6d9cc308d55e18ae459e7206c5e", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "OMODA UK", "url": "https://omodaauto.co.uk/car-configurator/" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "Up to 55 miles electric and 700+ miles combined WLTP", "Roomy family SUV pitched straight at the plug-in mainstream", "18.4kWh battery — a genuinely big pack for a PHEV" ], "stats": { "accel062": 8.4, "powerBhp": 201, "rangeMi": 55 }, "metric": { "label": "Power per £1,000", "value": "6.3 bhp" } }, { "id": "omoda-9-shs-p-uk", "make": "OMODA", "model": "9 SHS-P", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "phev", "body": "suv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 44995, "label": "New OTR price from £44,995", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "OMODA's larger, more luxurious plug-in flagship pushes the brand into premium-family territory.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-9-shs-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-9-shs-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/omoda-9-shs-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "OMODA 9 exterior", "width": 960, "height": 589, "creator": "Alexander-93", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Omoda_9_IAA_2025_DSC_2242.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/24/Omoda_9_IAA_2025_DSC_2242.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "66e995e716c166638a40041548d18870b00fb19c0cf0da254748caf9a211ea36", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "OMODA UK", "url": "https://omodaauto.co.uk/car-configurator/" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "443bhp dual-motor AWD; 0-62 in 4.9s", "93 miles electric — among the longest PHEV ranges on sale in the UK", "700+ miles combined and luxury-grade kit for under £45k" ], "stats": { "accel062": 4.9, "powerBhp": 443, "rangeMi": 93 }, "metric": { "label": "Power per £1,000", "value": "9.8 bhp" } }, { "id": "jaecoo-5-petrol-uk", "make": "JAECOO", "model": "5 Petrol", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "petrol", "body": "suv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 24555, "label": "New price from £24,555", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "A value-led compact SUV that makes JAECOO's UK entry point unusually easy to understand.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-5-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-5-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-5-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "JAECOO 5 exterior, UK-registered car", "width": 960, "height": 641, "creator": "CarsofGlasgow", "license": "CC BY 3.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2025_Jaecoo_5_1.6_Luxury_(United_Kingdom)_front_view.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/2025_Jaecoo_5_1.6_Luxury_%28United_Kingdom%29_front_view.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "8aac61ed8f24a92617241f0f514ee64d0049e88886ead04e57ee235a990be162", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "JAECOO UK", "url": "https://jaecoo.co.uk/car-configurator" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "JAECOO's cheapest way in — a sub-£25k compact SUV", "1.6T petrol, 40mpg WLTP, no charging faff", "Chunky, upmarket looks well above the price point" ], "stats": { "accel062": 10.3, "powerBhp": 138 }, "metric": { "label": "Power per £1,000", "value": "5.6 bhp" } }, { "id": "jaecoo-e5-uk", "make": "JAECOO", "model": "E5 Electric", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "ev", "body": "suv", "featured": true, "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 27505, "label": "New price from £27,505", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "A sub-£28k electric SUV that sharply resets expectations for family-EV starting prices.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-e5-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-e5-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-e5-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "JAECOO E5 exterior, sold as the J5 EV in other markets", "note": "Same car family; J5 EV-market car shown", "width": 960, "height": 540, "creator": "Poprace", "license": "CC0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jaecoo_J5_EV_MY2025_IMG01.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/Jaecoo_J5_EV_MY2025_IMG01.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "b274dfda4b92f7376908f725d6d5e6e7c5ee0c2433c67e3ada4640c1ee287b9d", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "JAECOO UK", "url": "https://jaecoo.co.uk/car-configurator" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "Sub-£28k electric SUV — one of the sharpest EV prices around", "248 miles WLTP from a 61kWh LFP battery", "204PS front-drive with vehicle-to-load power" ], "stats": { "accel062": 8, "powerBhp": 204, "rangeMi": 248, "batteryKwh": 61 }, "metric": { "label": "Range per £1,000", "value": "9 mi" } }, { "id": "jaecoo-7-petrol-uk", "make": "JAECOO", "model": "7 Petrol", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "petrol", "body": "suv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 30165, "label": "New price from £30,165", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "The conventionally powered JAECOO 7; listed separately so its price is not confused with the hybrid.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-7-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-7-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-7-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "JAECOO 7 exterior, sold as the J7 in other markets", "note": "Same car family; J7-market car shown", "width": 960, "height": 647, "creator": "Calreyn88", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2024_Jaecoo_J7.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/2024_Jaecoo_J7.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "c0a4f3468d97789ef896aded109788bae25f238a3eccee1ca9942aa3e6f3db52", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "JAECOO UK", "url": "https://jaecoo.co.uk/car-configurator" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "'Baby Range Rover' looks for family-hatch money", "1.6T petrol with 7-speed auto — no plug required", "Standalone petrol option sitting below the hybrids" ], "stats": { "accel062": 10.3, "powerBhp": 147 }, "metric": { "label": "Power per £1,000", "value": "4.9 bhp" } }, { "id": "jaecoo-7-shs-h-uk", "make": "JAECOO", "model": "7 SHS-H Hybrid", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "hybrid", "body": "suv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 29210, "label": "New price from £29,210", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "The full-hybrid 7 actually undercuts its petrol sibling at the current official starting price.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-7-shs-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-7-shs-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-7-shs-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "JAECOO 7 SHS exterior", "note": "SHS model family shown", "width": 960, "height": 536, "creator": "Alexander Migl", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jaecoo_7_SHS_IAA_2025_DSC_2235.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Jaecoo_7_SHS_IAA_2025_DSC_2235.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "fe1c73a8898170ffec82ed196c9832c5d46786a5dbfd6aa47d45fd58a593d0cb", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "JAECOO UK", "url": "https://jaecoo.co.uk/car-configurator" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "Self-charging full hybrid that actually undercuts the petrol 7", "221bhp, 0-62 in 8.3s and around 52mpg WLTP", "No plug needed — an easy step into electrified driving" ], "stats": { "accel062": 8.3, "powerBhp": 221 }, "metric": { "label": "Power per £1,000", "value": "7.6 bhp" } }, { "id": "jaecoo-8-shs-p-uk", "make": "JAECOO", "model": "8 SHS-P", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "phev", "body": "suv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 45500, "label": "New price from £45,500", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "A larger plug-in SUV that tests how far JAECOO can stretch beyond its value-led entry models.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-8-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-8-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/jaecoo-8-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "JAECOO 8 exterior, sold as the J8 in other markets", "note": "Same car family; J8-market car shown", "width": 960, "height": 670, "creator": "Retired electrician", "license": "CC0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Moscow,_Jaecoo_J8_May_2026_01.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Moscow%2C_Jaecoo_J8_May_2026_01.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "bca97aeb9113e60948cbfe17c880c6cbc2898553df6beb9f9c20bd1ea5bad1d9", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "JAECOO UK", "url": "https://jaecoo.co.uk/car-configurator" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "428PS AWD flagship; 0-62 in 5.8s", "83 miles electric plus rare-for-a-PHEV 70kW DC rapid charging", "Large, plush family SUV for under £46k" ], "stats": { "accel062": 5.8, "powerBhp": 422, "rangeMi": 83 }, "metric": { "label": "Power per £1,000", "value": "9.3 bhp" } }, { "id": "leapmotor-b10-ev-uk", "make": "Leapmotor", "model": "B10 EV", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "ev", "body": "suv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 29995, "label": "Retail price £29,995 with LEAP-GRANT", "type": "incentive" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "A 270-mile WLTP electric family crossover at a striking sub-£30k supported retail price.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/leapmotor-b10-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/leapmotor-b10-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/leapmotor-b10-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "Leapmotor B10 exterior", "width": 960, "height": 540, "creator": "Chanokchon", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2025_Leapmotor_B10_Design.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/2025_Leapmotor_B10_Design.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "fc9e7f177019ccae06c9bcb42ce998966fce23445c506ddb7b10d5252034ac2d", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "Leapmotor UK", "url": "https://www.media.stellantis.com/uk-en/leapmotor/press/leapmotor-b10-uk-press-information" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "270 miles WLTP for £29,995 with the LEAP-GRANT", "168kW rapid charging — 30-80% in about 20 minutes", "Heat pump and vehicle-to-load standard, with Stellantis dealer backing" ], "stats": { "accel062": 8, "powerBhp": 218, "rangeMi": 270, "batteryKwh": 67 }, "metric": { "label": "Range per £1,000", "value": "9 mi" } }, { "id": "xpeng-g6-uk", "make": "XPENG", "model": "G6", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "ev", "body": "suv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 39990, "label": "New OTR price from £39,990", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "An 800-volt electric coupé-SUV with a claimed 10–80% charge in 12 minutes.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/xpeng-g6-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/xpeng-g6-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/xpeng-g6-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "2025 XPENG G6 exterior", "width": 960, "height": 503, "creator": "Alexander-93", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:XPeng_G6_(2025)_IAA_2025_DSC_1804.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/XPeng_G6_%282025%29_IAA_2025_DSC_1804.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "f763340c6663e0bd431f18010abb3c9d55f62b2124a0dc9fa9caf2984ef5ecd2", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "XPENG UK", "url": "https://xpengcars.co.uk/models/g6/" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "800V architecture — up to 451kW charging, 10-80% in around 12 minutes", "Up to 326 miles WLTP; 480bhp AWD version does 0-62 in 4.1s", "A genuine Tesla Model Y rival with a high-tech cabin" ], "stats": { "accel062": 6.9, "powerBhp": 248, "rangeMi": 292, "batteryKwh": 68.5 }, "metric": { "label": "Range per £1,000", "value": "7.3 mi" } }, { "id": "zeekr-x-netherlands", "make": "Zeekr", "model": "X", "availability": "on-sale", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "ev", "body": "suv", "market": [ "Netherlands" ], "price": { "currency": "EUR", "amount": 37990, "label": "New price from €37,990", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "A compact premium EV that shows where Geely's European-facing Zeekr marque sits on price.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/zeekr-x-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/zeekr-x-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/zeekr-x-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "Zeekr X exterior", "width": 960, "height": 720, "creator": "JustAnotherCarDesigner", "license": "CC0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zeekr_X_016.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Zeekr_X_016.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "2fa53aedc81695b138e814c7f80d6d7302058b956022761c72845c91e74d829a", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "Zeekr Netherlands", "url": "https://www.zeekr.eu/en-nl/models/x" }, "imagin": true, "exciting": [ "Premium compact EV on Geely's SEA platform (shared with Volvo and Smart)", "Punchy 272bhp RWD; twin-motor AWD hits 0-62 in 3.8s", "New LFP 'Golden Battery' with a 10-80% DC charge in under 30 minutes" ], "stats": { "accel062": 5.6, "powerBhp": 272, "rangeMi": 250, "batteryKwh": 61 }, "metric": { "label": "Range per €1,000", "value": "6.6 mi" } } ] }, { "id": "coming-soon", "title": "Coming soon", "description": "Confirmed arrivals and official watchlist cars; prices are shown only when the manufacturer has published one.", "items": [ { "id": "leapmotor-b10-hybrid-uk", "make": "Leapmotor", "model": "B10 Hybrid EV", "availability": "coming", "expectedLaunch": "Summer 2026", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "range-extender", "body": "suv", "featured": true, "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": 31495, "label": "Confirmed OTR price £31,495", "type": "confirmed" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "A range-extender whose electric motor drives the wheels, with 559 miles combined WLTP claimed.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/leapmotor-b10-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/leapmotor-b10-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/leapmotor-b10-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "Leapmotor B10 exterior; model family shown", "width": 960, "height": 540, "note": "B10 model family shown", "creator": "Chanokchon", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2025_Leapmotor_B10_Design.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/2025_Leapmotor_B10_Design.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "fc9e7f177019ccae06c9bcb42ce998966fce23445c506ddb7b10d5252034ac2d", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "Leapmotor UK", "url": "https://www.media.stellantis.com/uk-en/leapmotor/press/leapmotor-reveals-31-495-price-tag-for-innovative-range-extending-b10-hybrid-ev" }, "imagin": true }, { "id": "xpeng-x9-uk", "make": "XPENG", "model": "X9", "availability": "coming", "expectedLaunch": "UK launch planned during 2026", "origin": "China", "powertrain": "ev", "body": "mpv", "market": [ "UK" ], "price": { "currency": "GBP", "amount": null, "label": "UK price to be confirmed", "type": "tbc" }, "checkedAt": "2026-07-22", "reviewBy": "2026-08-22", "note": "A flagship seven-seat electric MPV that will widen XPENG's UK range beyond coupé-SUVs.", "image": { "src": "/media/radar/xpeng-x9-960.webp", "srcset": [ { "src": "/media/radar/xpeng-x9-480.webp", "width": 480 }, { "src": "/media/radar/xpeng-x9-960.webp", "width": 960 } ], "alt": "2026 XPENG X9 exterior", "width": 960, "height": 720, "creator": "JustAnotherCarDesigner", "license": "CC0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:XPeng_X9_2026_facelift_002.jpg", "originalUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b9/XPeng_X9_2026_facelift_002.jpg", "retrievedAt": "2026-07-22", "sha256": "247524f2315d7b3aefbe6f133f435ff15eef4fac9d0dbc494084e99c8174e415", "changes": [ "Resized and converted to WebP; no other changes" ] }, "source": { "label": "XPENG UK", "url": "https://xpengcars.co.uk/2026/01/xpeng-accelerates-its-2026-product-roadmap-as-the-uk-market-grows/" }, "imagin": true } ] }, { "id": "electric-conversions", "title": "Reborn electric — classics worth converting", "description": "The classics that make the best EV conversions, cheapest and easiest first.", "items": [ { "id": "conv-volkswagen-beetle-type-1-air-cooled", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Volkswagen", "model": "Beetle", "featured": true, "conversion": { "era": "1938–2003 (focus: 1960s–70s)", "whyExciting": [ "The archetypal first conversion: the flat-four drops out the back in an afternoon and a motor bolts to the original gearbox — simplest rear-drive swap in the hobby.", "You delete the fuel system, carb balancing and oil leaks entirely; no radiator was ever needed, and an electric heater finally gives a Beetle a heater that works.", "Plug-and-play UK kits exist: Electric Classic Cars quotes under 80 hours install for its 37kWh bolt-in Beetle system with 80–200kW motor options." ], "kit": "Electrogenic TorqX drop-in (21/42kWh, CCS); Electric Classic Cars bolt-in 'plug & play' kit (80–200kW, 37kWh); EV West kit (US)", "company": "Electrogenic / Electric Classic Cars / EV West", "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/vw-beetle-2/" ], "donorGBP": [ 3500, 15000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 8000, 45000 ], "totalGBP": [ 11500, 60000 ], "rangeMi": 120, "powerBhp": 120, "difficulty": "easy", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Volkswagen_Beetle_Fittipaldi-Baldahl_1967.jpg/1280px-Volkswagen_Beetle_Fittipaldi-Baldahl_1967.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 903, "creator": "Morio", "license": "CC BY-SA 3.0", "licenseUrl": "http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1634667" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "OpenInverter community + EV West components", "url": "https://openinverter.org", "whatYouGet": "Home-brew build around a used Nissan Leaf or Tesla drivetrain and salvage modules with open-source control — cheapest way in, but you engineer the packaging, wiring and IVA-readiness yourself.", "costGBP": [ 8000, 15000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Self-install complete kit (US import)", "company": "EV West", "url": "https://evwest.com/diy-kits", "whatYouGet": "Complete Beetle (1956–77) kit with NetGain HyPer9 motor, batteries and regen, listed at $22,414 (~£17,500); US-only, so budget roughly £3,000–4,500 more for freight, UK VAT and duty.", "costGBP": [ 17500, 22000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "UK bolt-in kit, self or specialist install", "company": "Electric Classic Cars", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/products/electric-classic-beetle-conversion-kit", "whatYouGet": "Plug-and-play Beetle kit: 80–200kW single-gear motor, 37kWh sealed packs with integrated BMS, full HV/LV looms, custom dials, regen; ECC quotes under 80 hours install (kit price on application — budget accordingly).", "costGBP": [ 20000, 30000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey specialist conversion", "company": "Electric Classic Cars (UK) / Zelectric Motors (US)", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/blogs/conversions/vw-oval-beetle", "whatYouGet": "Hand the car over and get back a finished, commissioned EV — ECC's showcase Beetle runs a 300hp Tesla drive unit, 37kWh and up to 130 miles with CCS rapid charging; Zelectric offers the equivalent build-to-order service in California.", "costGBP": [ 30000, 45000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Electric Classic Cars Oval Beetle", "builder": "Electric Classic Cars (Newtown, Wales — the shop's first-ever conversion subject)", "spec": "Small Tesla drive unit, 300hp / 37kWh / up to 130 miles, 7kW AC + CCS rapid charging", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/blogs/conversions/vw-oval-beetle" }, { "title": "Volkswagen e-Beetle (official, with eClassics)", "builder": "Volkswagen Group Components + eClassics (2019)", "spec": "e-up! electric powertrain and battery system; 0–50mph in ~8s, 93mph top speed, 1,280kg; ran the 2019 Mille Miglia Green", "url": "https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/the-beetle-goes-electric-again-5391" }, { "title": "Zelectric Beetle", "builder": "Zelectric Motors (San Diego)", "spec": "Build-to-order Tesla-battery classic Beetles with ~120-mile packs and optional 2-speed gearbox; covered by The Verge", "url": "https://zelectricmotors.com/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 3500, 15000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com" }, { "name": "eBay UK (classic cars)", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk" }, { "name": "Volkszone classifieds (UK air-cooled community)", "url": "https://www.volkszone.com" } ], "conditionNote": "Buy on bodyshell, not engine — a tired or missing flat-four is a discount, not a problem. Check heater channels, floorpans, spare-wheel well and battery tray for rot (structural on a Beetle). Dry-state US or Mexican imports often have far better shells than UK cars for similar money." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 20, 37 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 80, 150 ], "note": "37kWh (the ECC kit size) splits between the front boot and the old engine bay/rear seat area in sealed boxes; total weight ends up close to stock once engine and fuel gear are gone, but rear torsion-bar suspension is usually uprated. ECC claims up to 150 miles from 37kWh off-motorway; ~120–130 is the realistic mixed figure." }, "sources": [ "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/products/electric-classic-beetle-conversion-kit", "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/blogs/conversions/vw-oval-beetle", "https://evwest.com/diy-kits", "https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/the-beetle-goes-electric-again-5391", "https://zelectricmotors.com/" ] } }, "body": "hatch" }, { "id": "conv-mini-classic-mini-mk-i-vii-850-998-1275", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Mini", "model": "Classic Mini", "featured": true, "conversion": { "era": "1959–2000", "whyExciting": [ "The entire EV drivetrain arrives pre-built in a new front subframe — Swindon and Electrogenic kits bolt in where the A-series sat, so it's an engine-out weekend, not a fabrication project.", "Instant torque in a ~700kg shell keeps the go-kart character while deleting points, carb, choke and oil-leak faff — the Mini gets simpler, not more complicated.", "It's the best-supported classic EV swap in Britain: two genuine off-the-shelf kits, a trained UK installer network, and bottomless parts supply for the shell." ], "kit": "Swindon Powertrain HPD kit / Electrogenic self-install kit", "company": "Swindon Powertrain, Electrogenic, London Electric Cars", "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/mini-kit/" ], "donorGBP": [ 3000, 15000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 8000, 32000 ], "totalGBP": [ 11000, 47000 ], "rangeMi": 80, "powerBhp": 107, "difficulty": "easy", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/1967_Mini_Cooper_Replica_-_NRMA_New_Cars_-_Flickr_-_NRMA_New_Cars.jpg/1280px-1967_Mini_Cooper_Replica_-_NRMA_New_Cars_-_Flickr_-_NRMA_New_Cars.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 929, "creator": "NRMA Motoring and Services from Sydney, Australia", "license": "CC BY 2.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18591796" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Home build using salvage Nissan Leaf motor/modules and open-source control (openinverter-style)", "url": null, "whatYouGet": "Cheapest way in: a used Leaf drivetrain and second-hand modules wired by you, no warranty, and you handle the DVLA/registration paperwork yourself — only for confident builders.", "costGBP": [ 8000, 15000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Self-install kit (Swindon Powertrain)", "company": "Swindon Powertrain Classic Mini Kit (HPD-E 128)", "url": "https://www.swindonpowertrain.com/products/classic-mini-kit/", "whatYouGet": "HPD-E 128 motor + single-speed transmission pre-installed in a bespoke Mini subframe (128kW peak / 80kW continuous); you add inverter, charger, battery and accessories from their options list — fits all dry-suspension Minis 1959–2001 (kit launched around £8,850 +VAT before electronics and batteries).", "costGBP": [ 15300, 22000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Drop-in kit, self-fit or partner-installed (Electrogenic)", "company": "Electrogenic Mini drop-in kit / UK partner network (incl. The Mini Restoration Company)", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/mini-kit/", "whatYouGet": "Complete plug-and-play package at £21,500 +VAT: 45kW motor, 20kWh battery and all HV gear pre-commissioned on a new Mini subframe — bolt in, wire the dash, done; or have one of Electrogenic's trained UK Tech Centre partners fit it for you.", "costGBP": [ 25800, 32000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Electrogenic Mini (drop-in kit demonstrator)", "builder": "Electrogenic", "spec": "45kW (~60bhp), 20kWh, ~80 miles real-world, 0-60 in 10s; kit £21,500 +VAT — Top Gear Best Cars 2024 'Retro hero of the year'", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/mini-kit/" }, { "title": "Mini eMastered", "builder": "David Brown Automotive", "spec": "72kW, 18.8kWh, 110 miles WLTP, 0-62 in 8.5s, limited to 92mph — coachbuilt turnkey electric restomod", "url": "https://www.davidbrownautomotive.com/mini-emastered/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 3000, 15000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk" }, { "name": "Autotrader", "url": "https://www.autotrader.co.uk" } ], "conditionNote": "Buy the best shell you can — the engine is coming out anyway. Check sills, floors, A-panels and especially front/rear subframe mountings for rot. For the Swindon kit you need a dry-suspension car (not Hydrolastic), and very early cars with Hardy-Spicer driveshafts need converting to standard CV joints." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 15, 25 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 70, 100 ], "note": "Space is the Mini's constraint: Electrogenic packages 20kWh with the HV kit around the new front subframe/engine bay, with larger DIY packs eating into the boot or rear-seat area. Keep it modest — a 20kWh pack roughly replaces the A-series weight and preserves the go-kart feel." }, "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/mini-kit/", "https://www.swindonpowertrain.com/products/classic-mini-kit/", "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/partner-installer-network/", "https://www.davidbrownautomotive.com/mini-emastered/" ] } }, "body": "saloon" }, { "id": "conv-fiat-500-nuova-f-l-r", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Fiat", "model": "500", "featured": true, "conversion": { "era": "1957–1975", "whyExciting": [ "Swap the 17bhp 499cc twin for a 35kW motor: nearly triple the power, and the points, carb and non-synchro crash gearbox all disappear.", "Silent Classics' kit is a true bolt-in — single-speed, no clutch, regen braking — installed 'in days, not months' and fully reversible.", "The fuel tank becomes redundant, so the tiny front boot is suddenly genuinely useful luggage space." ], "kit": "Silent Classics V2 bolt-in kit (£15,995+VAT, 42kW induction motor, 13.7–20kWh LFP, regen, reversible); Electric Classic Cars 'plug & play' kit", "company": "Silent Classics / Electric Classic Cars / Relik EV", "sources": [ "https://www.silentclassics.co.uk/conversion-kit" ], "donorGBP": [ 8000, 18000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 9000, 40000 ], "totalGBP": [ 17000, 58000 ], "rangeMi": 80, "powerBhp": 48, "difficulty": "easy", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/Fiat_500_%28back%29.jpg", "width": 1280, "height": 960, "creator": "Stefan Flöper", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=263488" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Components via UK EV parts suppliers (e.g. Fellten/Zero EV) + salvage OEM modules", "url": "https://fellten.com", "whatYouGet": "A one-off build: small AC motor mated to the original gearbox or a reduction drive, salvage LFP/Leaf modules, DIY BMS and charger — cheapest but everything is on you, including IVA-safe engineering.", "costGBP": [ 9000, 16000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Self-install bolt-in kit", "company": "Silent Classics V2 Fiat 500 conversion kit", "url": "https://www.silentclassics.co.uk/conversion-kit", "whatYouGet": "Complete pre-engineered bolt-in package from £15,995: 35kW (48bhp/160Nm) AC induction motor with integrated 6:1 gearbox, 13.7 or 20.5kWh LFP battery, 3.3kW Type-2 charger, regen, retro digital cluster — reversible, installation measured in days.", "costGBP": [ 16000, 21000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Specialist fit of a kit", "company": "Silent Classics (installed) / Electric Classic Cars (Fiat 500 kit, price on application)", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/collections/kits", "whatYouGet": "The same engineered kit fitted, wired, commissioned and shaken down by the company that designed it, on a sound donor you supply — ECC (of Vintage Voltage fame) also lists a dedicated Fiat 500 kit.", "costGBP": [ 22000, 30000 ], "difficulty": "easy" }, { "name": "Turnkey converted-and-restored 500", "company": "Electric Classic Cars / Silent Classics full builds", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/blogs/conversions/fiat-500", "whatYouGet": "Bodywork, paint, trim and brakes sorted alongside the EV drivetrain for a finished, warranted car — budget rises with restoration scope; final figures are quoted per car.", "costGBP": [ 28000, 40000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Electric Classic Cars Fiat 500 D (Vintage Voltage S1)", "builder": "Electric Classic Cars, Welshpool", "spec": "30kW motor / 15kWh / ~70 miles / 3.3kW charging — featured on TV's Vintage Voltage, freed-up front boot", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/blogs/conversions/fiat-500" }, { "title": "Silent Classics Fiat 500 demonstrator", "builder": "Silent Classics, Dorset", "spec": "35kW/48bhp AC induction, 13.7–20.5kWh LFP, up to 120 miles claimed, 0–60 in ~10s, ~62dB cabin at 50km/h", "url": "https://www.silentclassics.co.uk/conversion-kit" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 8000, 18000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/l/cars/fiat/500" }, { "name": "Classic Trader (133 Fiat 500s listed, ~£3.5k–£30k)", "url": "https://www.classic-trader.com/uk/cars/search?fulltext=fiat+500" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Fiat-500-Classic-Cars/9850/bn_7005815862" }, { "name": "Middle Barton Garage (Fiat/Abarth specialist since 1987)", "url": "https://www.middlebartongarage.com" } ], "conditionNote": "Rust is everything on a 500: check floorpans, sills, front boot floor and battery tray, and around the sunroof surround. Many UK cars are recent Italian/Sicilian imports — verify registration paperwork and watch for cheap cosmetic restorations over filler. Mechanical condition matters far less since the drivetrain is coming out; a solid shell with tatty engine is the ideal donor." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 14, 21 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 60, 110 ], "note": "Silent Classics offers 13.7 or 20.5kWh LFP; the motor bolts in where the rear engine sat and packs split between the redundant front boot (old fuel-tank area) and the rear bay. The car weighs only ~500kg standard, so keep the pack modest to preserve the 500's flyweight charm — ECC's 15kWh build managed ~70 miles." }, "sources": [ "https://www.silentclassics.co.uk/conversion-kit", "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/blogs/conversions/fiat-500", "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/collections/kits", "https://www.classic-trader.com/uk/cars/search?fulltext=fiat+500", "https://www.middlebartongarage.com" ] } }, "body": "saloon" }, { "id": "conv-land-rover-defender-90-110-pre-2016", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Land Rover", "model": "Defender 90 / 110", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1983–2016", "whyExciting": [ "Electrogenic's drop-in kit bolts to the original transfer box — 900Nm, no cutting, drilling or welding, and the leaky diesel plus clutch simply vanish.", "Proven beyond doubt: the British Army trialled Electrogenic-converted Defenders, and solar-charged e-Defenders run daily safari duty in Kenya.", "Ladder chassis, flat panels and acres of underbonnet space make the Defender arguably the easiest classic 4x4 in Britain to electrify." ], "kit": "Electrogenic Defender drop-in ('farm') / HV kits", "company": "Electrogenic, Everrati, Electric Car Converts, Fellten (battery systems)", "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/land-rover-defender-hv-kits/" ], "donorGBP": [ 8000, 35000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 12000, 102000 ], "totalGBP": [ 20000, 137000 ], "rangeMi": 150, "powerBhp": 280, "difficulty": "easy", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/Land_Rover_%2832241109123%29.jpg/1280px-Land_Rover_%2832241109123%29.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 900, "creator": "Sludge G", "license": "CC BY-SA 2.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57218853" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Self-build with salvage Tesla/Leaf components from UK breakers and eBay, guided by the open-source EV conversion community (openinverter forum)", "url": null, "whatYouGet": "A motor mated to the original transfer box plus a second-hand pack you commission yourself — cheapest path but you own the engineering, BMS and IVA/registration paperwork.", "costGBP": [ 12000, 25000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Drop-in kit, specialist-fitted", "company": "Electrogenic (Defender HV kits E62/E70/E93, fitted via partner installer network)", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/land-rover-defender-hv-kits/", "whatYouGet": "Plug-and-play kit from £24,000 +VAT (52kWh 'farm' spec) up to E93: 62–93kWh, 120–150kW, 900Nm, 120–150+ mile range, CCS rapid charging and dash integration, fitted by a trained partner with no cutting or welding.", "costGBP": [ 24000, 48000 ], "difficulty": "easy" }, { "name": "Specialist in-house conversion", "company": "Electric Car Converts (Sussex, UK — 50+ Land Rovers converted)", "url": "https://www.electriccarconverts.com/our-conversions/land-rover/", "whatYouGet": "Standard Range build: Tesla Model 3 motor, 280bhp, 55kWh, ~140 miles, 70kW DC rapid charging, power steering and a 2-year/50,000-mile warranty — £60,000 +VAT (£72,000 inc).", "costGBP": [ 60000, 72000 ], "difficulty": "easy" }, { "name": "Turnkey long-range restomod", "company": "Electric Car Converts (Long Range) / Electrogenic bespoke builds, Oxfordshire", "url": "https://www.electriccarconverts.com/our-conversions/land-rover/", "whatYouGet": "The full-fat build: 110kWh pack, 280bhp, ~280-mile range, 0–60 in ~6.2s, bi-directional charging and warranty — £85,000 +VAT (£102,000 inc), donor sourcing help included.", "costGBP": [ 85000, 102000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "British Army electric Defenders", "builder": "Electrogenic + Babcock International (UK MoD trial)", "spec": "Four in-service military Land Rovers on Electrogenic E90 kits, trialled by the Armoured Trials and Development Unit for terrain, wading and towing (2023)", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/news/british-army-land-rovers-to-be-powered-by-electrogenic/" }, { "title": "Sarara Kenya solar safari Defenders", "builder": "Electrogenic", "spec": "Three Land Rovers on E62/E93 kits, ~150 miles off-road fully loaded, charged entirely by solar and exporting 240V power to off-grid mini-grids in Samburu", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/car-conversions/africa-land-rovers-and-ev/" }, { "title": "Electric Car Converts 110kWh Long Range Defender", "builder": "Electric Car Converts", "spec": "Tesla Model 3 motor, 280bhp, 110kWh, ~280 miles, 0–60 in ~6.2s — flagship of 50+ Land Rover conversions from their Sussex workshop", "url": "https://www.electriccarconverts.com/our-conversions/land-rover/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 8000, 35000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/" }, { "name": "Autotrader", "url": "https://www.autotrader.co.uk/" }, { "name": "Land Rover Centre, Huddersfield (marque specialist)", "url": "https://www.landrovercentre.com/" } ], "conditionNote": "Chassis and bulkhead rot decide the price of everything — probe rear crossmember, outriggers and footwells (a galvanised replacement chassis is £5k+ fitted). Engine condition barely matters since it's coming out, so a tired ex-farm 200Tdi/300Tdi is the smart buy; late Puma 110s carry a £10k+ premium you don't need. Defenders are Britain's most-stolen classic — verify VIN stampings and provenance carefully." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 52, 70 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 100, 150 ], "note": "Electrogenic's kits (52–93kWh) package the modules in the vacated engine bay plus sealed boxes along the chassis, leaving cabin and load bed untouched; losing the heavy diesel lump and gearbox keeps kerb weight close to standard. 90s take up to ~70kWh comfortably; 110s can swallow the 93kWh (150+ mi) or ECC's 110kWh (~280 mi) packs." }, "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/land-rover-defender-hv-kits/", "https://www.electriccarconverts.com/our-conversions/land-rover/", "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/news/british-army-land-rovers-to-be-powered-by-electrogenic/", "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/car-conversions/africa-land-rovers-and-ev/" ] } }, "body": "suv" }, { "id": "conv-land-rover-series-ii-iii-88-109", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Land Rover", "model": "Series II / III", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1958–1985", "whyExciting": [ "Electrogenic's kit drops in with no cutting, drilling or welding — the leaky 2.25 comes out, the gearbox, transfer box and 4WD levers all stay.", "900Nm at the transfer box replaces one of Britain's slowest drivetrains; green-lane torque on demand, silent enough to hear the skylarks.", "You delete the carb, points, choke and oil leaks in one go — Jason Momoa and the British Army have already gone electric with theirs." ], "kit": "Electrogenic E48 / E62 Series kit", "company": "Electrogenic, London Electric Cars, Relik EV", "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/series-land-rover-kits/" ], "donorGBP": [ 5000, 22000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 8000, 175000 ], "totalGBP": [ 13000, 197000 ], "rangeMi": 120, "powerBhp": 180, "difficulty": "easy", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Yellow_Land_Rover_Defender.jpg/1280px-Yellow_Land_Rover_Defender.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 900, "creator": "Oxyman", "license": "CC BY 2.5", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1790581" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Second Life EV Batteries (components) + home build", "url": "https://www.secondlife-evbatteries.com/", "whatYouGet": "Self-engineered conversion using second-life OEM modules (Leaf/VW/iPace) and a BMS from a UK supplier; simple ladder chassis and huge engine bay make the Series a favourite first DIY conversion, but you own the engineering, wiring and IVA/registration paperwork.", "costGBP": [ 8000, 20000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Drop-in kit via partner installer", "company": "Electrogenic (E48 / E62 Series Land Rover kits)", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/series-land-rover-kits/", "whatYouGet": "E48 (48kWh, 150kW, 90–130mi) or E62 (62kWh, 120kW, 110–150mi), 900Nm at the transfer box, 6.6kW AC + CCS rapid charging, fitted by Electrogenic's partner-installer network with nothing cut or welded; Series kit price is on application — the equivalent Defender drop-in launched at £24,000 plus VAT before fitting.", "costGBP": [ 28000, 45000 ], "difficulty": "easy" }, { "name": "Specialist conversion", "company": "Relik Electric (also London Electric Cars, John Brown 4x4)", "url": "https://relikelectric.co.uk/land-rover-electric-conversion-professional-electric-car-converter/", "whatYouGet": "Hand your Series over: Relik's LR40 (40kWh, 120kW, ~100mi) from £48,000 or LR60 (60kWh, 220kW, ~150mi) from £60,000 inc VAT, with custom battery enclosures, BMS, CCS option, CAN instruments, cabin heater and full road testing in 2–6 months.", "costGBP": [ 48000, 60000 ], "difficulty": "easy" }, { "name": "Turnkey concours restomod", "company": "Everrati", "url": "https://everrati.com/works/electric-land-rover-series-iia/", "whatYouGet": "Full bare-metal restoration on a galvanised chassis plus a reversible 55kWh/160kW powertrain, 150-mile range and 70kW CCS, individually specified (teak decking, leather, power steering); from £150,000 plus taxes and donor per RAC.", "costGBP": [ 150000, 175000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Jason Momoa's Series IIA 109 Dormobile", "builder": "Electrogenic", "spec": "1961 Series 2a Dormobile camper: 62kWh, 120kW motor, 2.9:1 reduction box, ~150 miles — starred in HBO's On The Roam S2", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/land-rover-series-1-series-2a-dormobile/" }, { "title": "Everrati Land Rover Series IIA", "builder": "Everrati", "spec": "55kWh, 160kW (215bhp), 350Nm, up to 150 miles, 70kW CCS — concours restomod from £150,000", "url": "https://everrati.com/works/electric-land-rover-series-iia/" }, { "title": "John Brown 4x4 Electric Series Land Rover", "builder": "John Brown 4x4 (Yorkshire Series specialist)", "spec": "24kWh (~50mi) or 40kWh (80+mi) upcycled packs, roughly 2x standard power, offered on fully restored Series 2/3 88\" and 109\"", "url": "https://www.johnbrown4x4.com/model-info/electric-series-land-rover/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 5000, 22000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/" }, { "name": "John Brown 4x4 (Series specialist, sells restored stock)", "url": "https://www.johnbrown4x4.com/" }, { "name": "Auto Trader UK", "url": "https://www.autotrader.co.uk/" } ], "conditionNote": "Buy on chassis and bulkhead, not engine: rot in the rear crossmember, outriggers and bulkhead footwells is the expensive stuff, while a tired or seized engine is a bargaining chip since it's coming out anyway. A galvanised-chassis rebuild is the ideal EV base; Series 3 88\" is the cheapest entry point (average ~£17.6k, usable examples from ~£4–10k, concours £24k+)." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 40, 62 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 90, 150 ], "note": "Electrogenic's E48/E62 packs sit as dense boxes in the engine bay and behind the rear axle (Momoa's E62 layout), leaving the cabin and load bed untouched; the leaf-sprung ladder chassis was built to haul, so the pack weight is a non-issue, and 62kWh is the sweet spot for a 109." }, "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/series-land-rover-kits/", "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/land-rover-series-1-series-2a-dormobile/", "https://everrati.com/works/electric-land-rover-series-iia/", "https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/electric-cars/choosing/electric-car-conversion-how-to-convert-a-car-to-electric/", "https://relikelectric.co.uk/land-rover-electric-conversion-professional-electric-car-converter/" ] } }, "body": "suv" }, { "id": "conv-citroen-2cv", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Citroen", "model": "2CV", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1948–1990", "whyExciting": [ "Conversion deletes the entire air-cooled fuss — carb, points, oil changes, even the clutch: the 2cEv drives single-speed in third gear, no clutch needed.", "The homologated 2cEv pack adds just 30kg to a 640kg car, so the famous soft ride and comedy cornering lean survive intact.", "65 silent miles from a 10kWh LiFePO4 pack in the boot turns a fair-weather toy into a year-round, roll-top city car." ], "kit": "2cEv full kit + install (£16,995 with battery); turnkey new-build cars £29k–£47k", "company": "The 2CV Shop (2cEv), Wiltshire", "sources": [ "https://2cev.co.uk/pricing/" ], "donorGBP": [ 6000, 15000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 6000, 47000 ], "totalGBP": [ 12000, 62000 ], "rangeMi": 65, "powerBhp": 20, "difficulty": "moderate", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/Citro%C3%ABn_2CV_Jarama_2006.JPG/1280px-Citro%C3%ABn_2CV_Jarama_2006.JPG", "width": 1200, "height": 900, "creator": "Jaime Mas", "license": "CC BY-SA 3.0", "licenseUrl": "http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1280310" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Self-build with salvage EV modules (eBay UK) + openinverter.org community", "url": "https://openinverter.org/", "whatYouGet": "A one-off build using a small motor and second-hand Leaf-type modules; no UK 2CV-specific DIY kit exists, so you engineer mounts, BMS and IVA-grade wiring yourself — the 2CV's separate chassis and bolt-off body make access unusually easy.", "costGBP": [ 6000, 12000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Self/dealer-install kit (French import angle)", "company": "R-FIT by 2CV Méhari Club Cassis, Cassis, France", "url": "https://www.mehariclub.com/rfit/", "whatYouGet": "French-homologated kit for 602cc 2CVs, from €9,900 (~£8,500) or ~€14,900 (~£12,800) fitted with re-registration in France; sold via MCC with 2yr kit / 3yr battery warranty — no UK certified installer, so budget shipping the car to Cassis or buying a converted LHD import (kit sales periodically paused for retrofit re-homologation).", "costGBP": [ 8500, 13500 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Specialist-fit homologated kit", "company": "The 2CV Shop (2cEv), Wiltshire", "url": "https://www.2cev.co.uk/pricing", "whatYouGet": "£16,995 all-in: 10kWh LiFePO4 battery, 15kW motor and installation on your 2CV — the only 2CV kit homologated for Europe; 65-mile range, 60mph, +30kg; extras like a 3kW charger (£1,149) and prep work on tired donors on top; ~6-month lead time.", "costGBP": [ 16995, 21000 ], "difficulty": "easy" }, { "name": "Turnkey electric 2CV", "company": "The 2CV Shop (2cEv), Wiltshire", "url": "https://www.2cev.co.uk/pricing", "whatYouGet": "A complete electric 2CV: converted cars from stock from £32,500, or a car sourced and converted for you from £29,000, rising toward £47k for a fully restored bespoke build — donor included, drive away with warranty-backed pack.", "costGBP": [ 29000, 47000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "2cEv — the homologated electric 2CV", "builder": "The 2CV Shop, Wiltshire", "spec": "15kW (~20bhp) / 10kWh LiFePO4 / 65mi / 60mph, +30kg; kit fitted £16,995", "url": "https://www.2cev.co.uk/" }, { "title": "R-FIT electric 2CV", "builder": "2CV Méhari Club Cassis, France", "spec": "Kit from €9,900, ~€14,900 installed with French re-registration; complete electrified 2CVs ~€35,000", "url": "https://www.mehariclub.com/rfit/" }, { "title": "2cvE long-range Leaf-motor 2CV", "builder": "Sander Aalderink 2CV Garage, Netherlands", "spec": "Nissan Leaf motor, custom frame mods, up to 250km (155mi) range", "url": "https://citroenvie.com/should-your-2cv-be-electric/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 6000, 15000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/list/15/2cv/" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Citroen-2CV/bn_21387548" }, { "name": "The 2CV Shop (marque specialist)", "url": "https://www.the2cvshop.co.uk/" }, { "name": "Autotrader UK", "url": "https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/used/citroen/2-cv" } ], "conditionNote": "The chassis is everything: check rails and floors for rot and prefer a car already on a galvanised replacement chassis — panels bolt off cheaply. Buy a 602cc car (the R-FIT kit is engineered only for 602cc models because of brakes/suspension), and on LHD French/Portuguese imports verify registration paperwork. Rough projects run £1,500–£2,500 but need restoration money before conversion." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 10, 15 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 55, 80 ], "note": "The proven 2cEv layout puts a 10kWh LiFePO4 pack in the boot, adding only 30kg to a 640kg car — weight discipline is critical on the 2CV's soft interconnected suspension, so resist big packs; ~10kWh is the sweet spot for 65 real-world miles." }, "sources": [ "https://www.2cev.co.uk/pricing", "https://www.2cev.co.uk/specification", "https://www.mehariclub.com/rfit/", "https://citroenvie.com/should-your-2cv-be-electric/", "https://classicsworld.co.uk/guides/citroen-2cv6-buyers-guide/" ] } }, "body": "saloon" }, { "id": "conv-morris-minor-1000", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Morris", "model": "Minor 1000", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1948–1971", "whyExciting": [ "A true bolt-in swap: eDub's 20kWh pack hangs off the original engine mounts and the motor sits in the standard transmission tunnel — no cutting.", "At around 800kg the Minor sips electrons — eDub quotes 3.5 mi/kWh, better efficiency than most modern EVs.", "You bin the points, carb, dynamo and oil leaks of the wheezy A-series and keep the clutchless original gearbox — town driving becomes effortless." ], "kit": "Bespoke conversions (no productised kit)", "company": "London Electric Cars, Kinghorn Electric Vehicles, eDub Conversions", "sources": [ "https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/08/06/the-uk-start-up-saving-classic-cars-from-the-landfill-by-converting-them-to-electric" ], "donorGBP": [ 2000, 8000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 8000, 54000 ], "totalGBP": [ 10000, 62000 ], "rangeMi": 90, "powerBhp": 65, "difficulty": "moderate", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/MM1000_4DS_1956_05_rechts_offen_2005.jpg", "width": 1229, "height": 816, "creator": "JOADL", "license": "Public domain", "licenseUrl": "", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1146012" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Spartan Classic EV (Minor-specific parts)", "url": "https://spartanclassicev.co.uk/", "whatYouGet": "Morris Minor-specific throttle bracket/lever kits (£94–189), charge-port and grille mount kits (£120–249) plus motors/controllers to pair with a salvage Nissan Leaf drivetrain — you do the engineering, wiring and DVLA paperwork.", "costGBP": [ 8000, 15000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Specialist turnkey conversion (eDub)", "company": "eDub Conversions", "url": "https://www.edubconversions.co.uk/electric-morris-minor", "whatYouGet": "£44,500 inc VAT (excl. restoration): 20kWh e20 pack on the original engine mounts, ~60–70 miles, sub-65bhp motor with regen and one-pedal driving, Type 2 charging in under 5 hours, hidden electric heater.", "costGBP": [ 44500, 44500 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Specialist bolt-in conversion, menu pricing (Kinghorn)", "company": "Kinghorn Electric Vehicles", "url": "https://kinghornelectricvehicles.com/electric-morris-minor-conversions", "whatYouGet": "Fully bolt-in 80kW motor mated to the original gearbox (no clutch), four battery options 15–30kWh giving ~50–110 miles, ~16-week build, 12-month warranty; £39,995–£44,995 + VAT (≈£48k–£54k inc VAT), covers saloons, Travellers, convertibles and vans.", "costGBP": [ 48000, 54000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "eDub Electric Morris Minor 1000 soft-top", "builder": "eDub Conversions", "spec": "20kWh e20 pack / 60–70 mi / <65bhp / 3.5 mi/kWh / £44,500 as showcased", "url": "https://www.edubconversions.co.uk/electric-morris-minor" }, { "title": "Kinghorn 1969 Morris Minor", "builder": "Kinghorn Electric Vehicles", "spec": "Recycled Nissan Leaf motor, circular-economy build — the prototype behind their 15–30kWh bolt-in conversion menu", "url": "https://www.kinghornelectricvehicles.com/" }, { "title": "London Electric Cars 1953 Morris Minor", "builder": "London Electric Cars (Matthew Quitter)", "spec": "Founder's original conversion using upcycled Nissan Leaf batteries; BBC-covered London workshop build", "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58578061" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 2000, 8000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/cars/morris/minor" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Morris-Minor/29746/bn_16565214" }, { "name": "Classic Trader UK", "url": "https://www.classic-trader.com/uk/cars/search/morris/minor" } ], "conditionNote": "Rust is everything, the drivetrain is not: check front chassis legs, inner wings, sills, floorpans and spring hangers; on Travellers the ash frame is structural. A solid shell with a tired engine is the ideal donor — you're throwing the A-series away anyway. Usable saloons sit ~£3k–7k (a tidy 1969 Traveller was listed at £6,950 on Car & Classic); projects from ~£2k." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 15, 27 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 50, 110 ], "note": "Kinghorn's menu runs 15/18/27/30kWh (~50–110 mi); eDub's 20kWh box bolts straight to the original engine mounting holes under the bonnet, with motor and gearbox in the standard transmission tunnel. The Minor is ~800kg, so keep the pack modest to preserve the light steering and original springs." }, "sources": [ "https://kinghornelectricvehicles.com/electric-morris-minor-conversions", "https://www.edubconversions.co.uk/electric-morris-minor", "https://www.edubconversions.co.uk/blog/fall-in-love-with-driving-again-electric-morris-minor", "https://spartanclassicev.co.uk/", "https://www.kinghornelectricvehicles.com/" ] } }, "body": "saloon" }, { "id": "conv-mg-mgb-roadster-gt", "kind": "conversion", "make": "MG", "model": "MGB Roadster / GT", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1962–1980", "whyExciting": [ "Out go the B-series lump, carbs and leaky fuel system — what's left is a light, simple rear-drive chassis that a 70kW motor suits perfectly.", "Britain's best-supported classic: every panel is remade, and RBW builds brand-new electric MGBs on British Motor Heritage shells pressed from original 1960s tooling.", "Frontline's BEE GT proves you can keep the 5-speed manual — EV torque with proper 1960s gear-shifting, 0-60 in 8.8s." ], "kit": "RBW turnkey EV Roadster (new heritage shell) / bespoke conversions", "company": "RBW EV Cars, Electric Classic Cars, London Electric Cars, Zero EV / Fellten", "sources": [ "https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/rbw-ev-roadster-ps90k-plug-mgb" ], "donorGBP": [ 3000, 15000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 12000, 144000 ], "totalGBP": [ 15000, 159000 ], "rangeMi": 160, "powerBhp": 95, "difficulty": "moderate", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/MG_MGB_Roadster_MK2%2C_1970_-_Flickr_-_granada_turnier.jpg/1280px-MG_MGB_Roadster_MK2%2C_1970_-_Flickr_-_granada_turnier.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 900, "creator": "granada_turnier", "license": "CC BY 2.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18051513" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "NetGain Hyper9 universal kit (via EV West / EVshop.eu) + used Leaf/Tesla modules", "url": "https://evwest.com/diy-kits", "whatYouGet": "A universal Hyper9 motor/inverter/throttle package (~$6,200 from EV West, UK/EU resellers similar) that you mate to the MGB gearbox yourself, plus salvage Nissan Leaf or Tesla modules — budget route but you engineer mounts, battery boxes and wiring yourself.", "costGBP": [ 12000, 25000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Specialist Leaf-based conversion", "company": "London Electric Cars", "url": "https://londonelectriccars.com/", "whatYouGet": "Hand-over-the-keys conversion using upcycled Nissan Leaf/Tesla motors and batteries, from £25,000 and up to six months' build time — the budget end of professional conversions.", "costGBP": [ 25000, 40000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Bespoke specialist conversion", "company": "EcoClassics (Essex)", "url": "https://www.ecoclassics.co.uk", "whatYouGet": "Custom-engineered MGB conversion — their 1970 Roadster runs a 40kWh pack, up to 160-mile range and 30-minute DC fast charging; price on application, so budget well above the Leaf-parts route.", "costGBP": [ 35000, 60000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey electric restomod / new-build", "company": "RBW EV Cars (Lichfield) / Frontline (Oxfordshire)", "url": "https://rbwevcars.com/rbw-roadster/", "whatYouGet": "RBW's brand-new EV Roadster/GT on a Heritage MGB shell (70kW, 160 miles, IVA-registered as a new car) from ~£90k; Frontline's BEE GT restomod with 40kWh pack and manual gearbox from £144k.", "costGBP": [ 90000, 144000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "RBW EV Roadster", "builder": "RBW EV Cars, Lichfield", "spec": "70kW motor, 160-mile range, 0-60 in 8.9s, new Heritage MGB shell — from £90,000", "url": "https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/rbw-ev-roadster-ps90k-plug-mgb" }, { "title": "Frontline BEE GT", "builder": "Frontline, Oxfordshire", "spec": "Hyper9 motor through a 5-speed manual, 40kWh, ~140 miles, 0-60 8.8s — from £144,000", "url": "https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-driven/frontline-mg-bee-gt--ph-review/47743" }, { "title": "EcoClassics 1970 MGB Roadster", "builder": "EcoClassics, Essex", "spec": "40kWh pack, up to 160-mile range, 30-min DC fast charge", "url": "https://www.ecoclassics.co.uk" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 3000, 15000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/c/mg/mgb" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/MG-MGB/29746/bn_21375953" }, { "name": "MG Owners Club classifieds", "url": "https://www.mgownersclub.co.uk/" }, { "name": "Auto Trader UK", "url": "https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?make=MG&model=MGB" } ], "conditionNote": "Rust is the killer: check sills (structural three-layer castle sections), floorpans, rear spring hangers and front chassis legs. GTs and rubber-bumper cars are markedly cheaper than chrome-bumper Roadsters — a solid-shell GT is the value donor, and a tired engine is irrelevant since it's coming out." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 25, 40 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 100, 160 ], "note": "Typical split install: modules where the engine and fuel tank sat, keeping close to the original ~1,050kg kerb weight and near-stock balance — RBW's new-build runs to 1,300kg GVW; EcoClassics fits 40kWh for up to 160 miles." }, "sources": [ "https://rbwevcars.com/rbw-roadster/", "https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/rbw-ev-roadster-ps90k-plug-mgb", "https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-driven/frontline-mg-bee-gt--ph-review/47743", "https://www.ecoclassics.co.uk", "https://londondaily.com/meet-the-british-mechanic-adapting-classic-cars-for-an-electric-future" ] } }, "body": "roadster" }, { "id": "conv-volkswagen-type-2-bus-camper-t1-t2", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Volkswagen", "model": "Type 2 Bus / Camper", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1950–1979", "whyExciting": [ "The air-cooled flat-four is famously fussy - valve gaps, twin carbs, cooling tin, roadside breakdowns; an EV swap deletes all of it for a sealed, near-maintenance-free driveline.", "The original bus is chronically underpowered on hills and motorways; instant electric torque (up to 120 BHP) finally makes a Type 2 keep up with traffic.", "Batteries mount externally where the engine bay used to be, so the camper interior and bed space stay completely untouched." ], "kit": "eDub e30/25e/50e/75e kits (25–83kWh); Electrogenic camper kit; London Electric Cars / Relik EV builds", "company": "eDub Services / Electrogenic / London Electric Cars / Relik EV", "sources": [ "https://edubconversions.co.uk/vw-t2-electric-conversion-kits" ], "donorGBP": [ 8000, 55000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 12000, 80000 ], "totalGBP": [ 20000, 135000 ], "rangeMi": 150, "powerBhp": 120, "difficulty": "moderate", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/11052009_5f5_1965_Volkswagen_Bus_seized_by_U.S._Customs_and_Border_Protection.jpg/1280px-11052009_5f5_1965_Volkswagen_Bus_seized_by_U.S._Customs_and_Border_Protection.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 900, "creator": "U.S. Customs and Border Protection", "license": "Public domain", "licenseUrl": "", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8394012" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Netgain Hyper9 + salvaged Tesla/Nissan Leaf modules (EV West kits, US)", "url": "https://www.evwest.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=39", "whatYouGet": "Self-sourced Hyper9 motor mated to the original 4-speed gearbox plus salvage battery modules; EV West bolt-in adapter kits are US-only so expect import cost and no UK warranty.", "costGBP": [ 12000, 25000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Self-install trade kit", "company": "eDub (eDub Platform / VW T2 Electric Conversion Kit)", "url": "https://edubconversions.co.uk/vw-camper-van", "whatYouGet": "Matched motor, battery, charger and drive-unit kit sold for professional/competent self-installers; price on application, motor tied to the original gearbox.", "costGBP": [ 18000, 35000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Specialist fit", "company": "Electric Car Converts / Retroelectrics", "url": "https://www.electriccarconverts.com/conversion-stories/bespoke-conversions/vw-t2-camper/", "whatYouGet": "Turn-in-your-bus conversion: ~120-130hp Hyper9, ~45-53 kWh Tesla pack, regen braking, retained 4-speed gearbox, ~150-mile range, full install.", "costGBP": [ 28000, 46000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey restomod", "company": "eDub Services", "url": "https://edubconversions.co.uk/vw-camper-van", "whatYouGet": "Fully engineered conversion (e30-e60 packages, 59-120 BHP, external battery boxes, up to ~195 miles, rapid charging on bigger packs) built at their North Yorkshire HQ; from £63,999 inc VAT, excludes donor and restoration.", "costGBP": [ 60000, 80000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Electric Car Converts VW T2 Camper", "builder": "Electric Car Converts Ltd", "spec": "120hp Netgain Hyper9, 53 kWh Tesla Model S pack (10 modules), 150-mile range, retained 4-speed box - example built at £37,500", "url": "https://www.electriccarconverts.com/conversion-stories/bespoke-conversions/vw-t2-camper/" }, { "title": "Retroelectrics 1967 Electric Camper", "builder": "Retroelectrics", "spec": "Hyper9 motor 130hp/173 lb-ft, 45 kWh battery, ~150-mile range, 6.6 kW onboard charger with Type 2 - from £43,000", "url": "https://www.retroelectrics.co.uk/electric-vw-camper" }, { "title": "eDub e60 Electric VW Camper", "builder": "eDub Services", "spec": "120 BHP, external battery boxes preserving camping space, ~195-mile range with rapid charging, from £63,999 inc VAT", "url": "https://edubconversions.co.uk/vw-camper-van" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 8000, 55000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/" }, { "name": "eDub vehicle sourcing", "url": "https://edubconversions.co.uk/vw-camper-van" }, { "name": "The Samba (marque classifieds)", "url": "https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/" } ], "conditionNote": "Split-screens (pre-1967) command a big premium over bay windows. Rust is the killer: check chassis outriggers, sills, jacking points, cab floors, front valance and the battery/inner-wing area. Brazilian-built later buses (imported, RHD conversions) are cheaper but verify paperwork; a solid rolling shell matters more than the doomed engine since it is being removed anyway." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 45, 62 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 117, 220 ], "note": "Packs sit externally in the old engine bay (and, on larger builds like the 53 kWh Tesla conversion, split between under-bed and rear compartment) so the camper interior stays untouched; eDub quotes ~2.8 mi/kWh for a Type 2." }, "sources": [ "https://edubconversions.co.uk/vw-camper-van", "https://www.electriccarconverts.com/conversion-stories/bespoke-conversions/vw-t2-camper/", "https://www.retroelectrics.co.uk/electric-vw-camper" ] } }, "body": "van" }, { "id": "conv-land-rover-range-rover-classic", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Land Rover", "model": "Range Rover Classic", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1970–1996", "whyExciting": [ "The vast V8 engine bay swallows a Tesla drive unit whole — 450bhp where 130 once wheezed, and the carbs, exhaust and fuel system all vanish.", "No classic SUV is better served in Britain: two factory-grade turnkey firms (Inverted, Everrati) plus a bolt-in RRC-specific kit with remote engineer support.", "Solid, tatty donors are everywhere in the UK in RHD — no import games — and an EV swap deletes the Rangie's leakiest, thirstiest systems in one go." ], "kit": "Everrati bespoke build / Electric Classic Cars / Relik EV", "company": "Everrati, Electric Classic Cars, Relik EV", "sources": [ "https://everrati.com/everrati-debuts-ev-conversion-for-classic-range-rover-land-rover-defender/" ], "donorGBP": [ 5000, 20000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 15000, 295000 ], "totalGBP": [ 20000, 315000 ], "rangeMi": 200, "powerBhp": 450, "difficulty": "moderate", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/1985_Range_Rover_%289602444146%29.jpg/1280px-1985_Range_Rover_%289602444146%29.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 756, "creator": "Niels de Wit from Lunteren, The Netherlands", "license": "CC BY 2.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37748909" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Fellten (drive units, BMS and battery components used by UK converters)", "url": "https://fellten.com/", "whatYouGet": "Self-engineered build around a salvage Tesla drive unit and modules with Fellten control gear — cheapest path but you do all integration, wiring and IVA-adjacent paperwork yourself.", "costGBP": [ 15000, 35000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Self-install kit", "company": "Electric Car Converts (UK)", "url": "https://www.electriccarconverts.com/our-conversions/electric-conversion-kits/", "whatYouGet": "RRC 2/4-door-specific kit: Tesla drive unit + Fellten controls, 55kWh/~150mi (£60k) or 110kWh/~300mi (£85k), DIY with full documentation and remote support, or fitted via partner workshops.", "costGBP": [ 60000, 85000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Specialist fit", "company": "Retroelectric (Kent); also Electric Classic Cars (Wales)", "url": "https://www.retroelectrics.co.uk/rangerover", "whatYouGet": "Fully fitted conversion from £66,000: 200bhp motor, 45kWh pack (100 to 200+ mile options), 7kW AC plus optional 70kW CCS, rebuilt EV gauges and charge port behind the fuel flap.", "costGBP": [ 66000, 120000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey restomod", "company": "Inverted (Oakham); Everrati (Oxfordshire)", "url": "https://inverted-ev.com/", "whatYouGet": "Ground-up restoration plus OEM-grade EV drivetrain: Inverted 450bhp/80kWh Tesla pack, ~200mi, 0-60 ~5.0s at £225k–£245k +VAT; Everrati £230k plus taxes and donor, up to 150mi.", "costGBP": [ 225000, 295000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Inverted Range Rover Classic", "builder": "Inverted (Sauvey Castle Farm, Oakham, UK)", "spec": "450bhp Tesla motor, 80kWh pack, ~200-mile claim, 0-60 ~5.0s; £225k–£245k +VAT — CAR magazine called it \"utterly charming... smartly executed\"", "url": "https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/inverted/range-rover-classic-electric-car/" }, { "title": "Everrati Range Rover Classic", "builder": "Everrati (Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire)", "spec": "OEM-grade 3-phase AC motor, new managed battery pack, up to 150 miles; £230,000 plus taxes and a rust-free donor", "url": "https://everrati.com/works/electric-range-rover-classic/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 5000, 20000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/l/cars/land-rover/range-rover" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Land-Rover-Range-Rover-Classic-Cars/9850/bn_7024531125" }, { "name": "Autotrader UK (classics)", "url": "https://www.autotrader.co.uk/" }, { "name": "Kingsley Cars (RRC specialist)", "url": "https://www.kingsleycars.co.uk/" } ], "conditionNote": "Aluminium panels hide a steel inner frame and chassis: check rear crossmember, body mounts, full sill length, inner arches and (post-1989) boot floors — even shiny cars rot underneath. Hagerty pegs usable 4-doors at £11.4k–£29.4k, 2-doors £14k–£38.8k, projects from roughly a third of that; UK RHD supply is plentiful so no import needed. Engine condition is irrelevant if converting — buy on structure, not mechanicals." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 55, 80 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 130, 200 ], "note": "The cavernous V8 engine bay takes the drive unit and part of the pack; the rest sits under the boot floor in place of the fuel tank (Electric Car Converts offers up to 110kWh for ~300mi). At ~2 tonnes kerb weight the chassis and axles shrug off pack mass — just keep it low for centre of gravity." }, "sources": [ "https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/inverted/range-rover-classic-electric-car/", "https://everrati.com/works/electric-range-rover-classic/", "https://www.electriccarconverts.com/our-conversions/electric-conversion-kits/", "https://www.retroelectrics.co.uk/rangerover", "https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/buying-guides/buying-guide-range-rover-classic-1970-1995/" ] } }, "body": "suv" }, { "id": "conv-jaguar-e-type-series-1-2", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Jaguar", "model": "E-Type", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1961–1971", "whyExciting": [ "The E-Type's temperamental triple-SU carbs, oil weeps and (on the Series 3) 300kg of iron V12 all vanish — Electrogenic's converted cars come out roughly 100kg LIGHTER than petrol, sharpening the notoriously nose-heavy balance.", "You can keep the original 4-speed manual bolted straight to the motor — clutch and gears still work — a rare EV swap that preserves the mechanical driving ritual rather than erasing it.", "Silent running finally lets that Malcolm Sayer shape speak, while instant 310Nm from zero rpm makes it quicker off the line than the original 4.2." ], "kit": "Electrogenic drop-in range: 'Tourer' E40 (£65k, 40kWh, ~150mi, 160bhp, keeps original manual box) up to 'Grand Tourer' (396bhp, single-speed); E48/E63 packs for 160/200+ mi; Everrati full restomod", "company": "Electrogenic / Everrati", "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/jaguar-e-type-kit/" ], "donorGBP": [ 30000, 120000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 15000, 95000 ], "totalGBP": [ 45000, 215000 ], "rangeMi": 200, "powerBhp": 201, "difficulty": "moderate", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Jaguar-E-Type-roadster.jpg/1280px-Jaguar-E-Type-roadster.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 900, "creator": "Wikimedia Commons", "license": "Public domain", "licenseUrl": "", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=268075" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Self-build using EV West / salvage Tesla or Nissan Leaf modules + Hyper9 or TorqX motor", "url": "https://www.evwest.com", "whatYouGet": "You engineer and fit everything yourself around a salvaged motor and battery modules; cheapest route but no warranty, and most bolt-in adapter parts (motor plates, controllers) ship from the US so factor in import duty and lead time.", "costGBP": [ 15000, 35000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Self-install drop-in kit", "company": "Electrogenic E-Type kit (E43 / E48s / E62)", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/jaguar-e-type", "whatYouGet": "A UK-engineered, model-specific kit — 43/48/62kWh, 160–200bhp, 150–200+ mi range, 6.6kW AC + CCS rapid charging — designed to be fitted by a trained specialist rather than the owner on the driveway; kit only, excludes fitting.", "costGBP": [ 25000, 54000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Specialist turnkey conversion", "company": "Electrogenic (bespoke, in-house build)", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/electric-e-type/", "whatYouGet": "Electrogenic converts your car end-to-end: 41 or 62kWh, 150kW TorqX motor either bolted to the retained original 4-speed manual or on a single-speed reduction drive, ~150mi / 150mph, professionally finished and warranted.", "costGBP": [ 54000, 95000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Electrogenic electric E-Type (1966 Series 1)", "builder": "Electrogenic", "spec": "E43 drop-in: 43kWh, ~160bhp/310Nm, ~150mi range, 0-60 in ~6s, retains original 4-speed manual, ~100kg lighter than petrol", "url": "https://www.hagerty.com/media/new-car-reviews/driving-electrogenic-electric-jaguar-e-type/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 30000, 120000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com" }, { "name": "E-Type UK (marque specialist)", "url": "https://www.etypeuk.com" }, { "name": "Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club classifieds", "url": "https://www.jec.org.uk" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk" } ], "conditionNote": "E-Types rot in the sills, floors, boot floor and the box-section front bulkhead/monocoque — budget for structural steel, not just panels. Series 3 V12 coupes/2+2s are the cheapest donors and make sense as EV bases since the heavy, thirsty V12 is removed anyway. Avoid butchering a matching-numbers, correct Series 1 roadster — its value as an original outstrips the converted car; pick a project, an import (many US left-hookers repatriated), or a non-original car instead." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 41, 62 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 150, 200 ], "note": "Electrogenic splits the pack between the long engine bay (where the straight-six or Series 3 V12 lived) and the boot area; even loaded, the finished car comes out around 100kg lighter than the petrol original, easing the E-Type's famously nose-heavy balance." }, "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/jaguar-e-type", "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/electric-e-type/", "https://www.hagerty.com/media/new-car-reviews/driving-electrogenic-electric-jaguar-e-type/", "https://www.carandclassic.com" ] } }, "body": "roadster" }, { "id": "conv-porsche-911-g-body-1974-89-964-1989-94", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Porsche", "model": "911", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1974–1994", "whyExciting": [ "Ditching the air-cooled flat-six deletes the 911's classic headaches — oil leaks, valve adjustments, tricky carbs/Motronic — while keeping the rear-engined balance intact.", "Both major UK kits are fully reversible bolt-ins: no cutting or welding, so your matching-numbers engine goes on a shelf, not in a skip.", "322–440bhp instant torque in a sub-1.3-tonne shell — E62s does 0-60 in 3.8s, embarrassing most modern 911s away from the lights." ], "kit": "Electrogenic E62/E62s drop-in (62kWh, 214/322bhp, reversible); Fellten (ex-Zero EV) bolt-in (Tesla drive unit, 440bhp, 62kWh); Everrati full restomod (440/500bhp)", "company": "Electrogenic / Fellten / Everrati", "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/porsche-911-kit/" ], "donorGBP": [ 40000, 120000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 20000, 300000 ], "totalGBP": [ 60000, 420000 ], "rangeMi": 200, "powerBhp": 440, "difficulty": "moderate", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Porsche_911-964_turbo_1990-1993_frontright_2009-10-04_U.jpg/1280px-Porsche_911-964_turbo_1990-1993_frontright_2009-10-04_U.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 900, "creator": "Detectandpreserve", "license": "CC BY-SA 3.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7986481" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "DMC (motor kit, Germany) + salvage Tesla drive unit and modules", "url": "https://dmc.ag/product/porsche-964-electric-motor-conversion-kit-for-your-classic-911-includes-engine-controller-pedals-custom-speedometer/", "whatYouGet": "Component-level route: DMC's 964 motor/controller/pedals/speedo kit (c. $26–30k imported) plus salvage pack, BMS and fabrication you source yourself — no warranty, IVA-spec paperwork on you.", "costGBP": [ 20000, 50000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Fellten bolt-in kit (964)", "company": "Fellten (ex-Zero EV), Bristol", "url": "https://fellten.com/", "whatYouGet": "Plug-and-play reversible 964 kit: Tesla Model S Large Drive Unit (440bhp) + Quaife LSD, 62kWh in two packs, CCS rapid charge, ~200mi — c. $78k system plus ~100 hours installer labour.", "costGBP": [ 60000, 85000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Electrogenic E62/E62s drop-in, partner-fitted", "company": "Electrogenic, Oxford + approved installer network", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/porsche-911-kit/", "whatYouGet": "Bolt-in rear subframe for G-body and 964: 62kWh, 216bhp E62 or 322bhp E62s (+£20k), 180–200mi, CCS, fully reversible — ballpark £75k fitted (15 man-days labour).", "costGBP": [ 75000, 100000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey restomod", "company": "Everrati, Oxfordshire", "url": "https://www.everrati.com/vehicle/porsche-911-964/", "whatYouGet": "Full nut-and-bolt 964 restoration + bespoke 62kWh powertrain, 500Nm, sub-4s 0-60, ~200mi, concours finish and warranty — from £250k–£270k plus taxes and a straight, rust-free donor.", "costGBP": [ 250000, 300000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Electrogenic E62 911 (1983 G-series)", "builder": "Electrogenic", "spec": "62kWh / 216bhp (E62), ~200mi, reversible bolt-in subframe — Hagerty UK road test", "url": "https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/car-reviews/electric-shock-this-classic-911-is-battery-powered-and-we-like-it/" }, { "title": "Everrati 911 (964) Signature", "builder": "Everrati", "spec": "62kWh / 500Nm, sub-4s 0-60, ~200mi, from £250k restomod", "url": "https://www.everrati.com/vehicle/porsche-911-964/" }, { "title": "Fellten 964 demonstrator", "builder": "Fellten", "spec": "Tesla LDU 440bhp / 62kWh twin-pack / ~200mi, zero-cut reversible kit", "url": "https://www.evbuildersguide.com/felltens-electric-porsche-911-964-conversion-kit-combining-classic-style-and-modern-power/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 40000, 120000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk" }, { "name": "Autotrader UK", "url": "https://www.autotrader.co.uk" }, { "name": "Porsche marque specialists (e.g. Paul Stephens, RPM Specialist Cars)", "url": null } ], "conditionNote": "Body over engine: check kidney bowls, B-pillar bases, front wings, battery tray and sunroof drains for rust — the engine's value is irrelevant if you're removing it, so a tired-motor, solid-shell car (or LHD import) is the smart donor. On 964s check for accident repairs and corroded underseal." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 50, 62 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 160, 200 ], "note": "62kWh is the proven size here: Electrogenic packages it low in a rear subframe box; Fellten splits two packs (engine bay under a carbon cover + second pack) to keep the classic rear-biased balance. Expect ~120kg over stock — still under a modern 911's kerb weight." }, "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/porsche-911-kit/", "https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/car-reviews/electric-shock-this-classic-911-is-battery-powered-and-we-like-it/", "https://www.evbuildersguide.com/felltens-electric-porsche-911-964-conversion-kit-combining-classic-style-and-modern-power/", "https://www.everrati.com/vehicle/porsche-911-964/" ] } }, "body": "coupe" }, { "id": "conv-mercedes-benz-w123-200-300d-saloon-estate-coupe", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Mercedes-Benz", "model": "W123", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1976–1985", "whyExciting": [ "The OM617 diesel's cavernous engine bay swallows a motor and battery modules whole — and you bin the vacuum lines, glow plugs and 30-second warm-up ritual for good.", "Taxi-grade over-engineering: 2.7 million built, a chassis designed for half a million miles shrugs off pack weight that would ruin flimsier classics.", "Silent instant torque suits the W123's wafty cruiser character far better than diesel clatter — eCap's dual-motor estate proves a 140 bhp conversion transforms an 88 bhp car." ], "kit": "Mostly bespoke: Tesla drive unit + VW ID / Nissan Leaf packs; eCap Mobility (Germany) does turnkey builds", "company": "eCap Mobility / bespoke specialists", "sources": [ "https://www.thedrive.com/tech/33731/electric-conversions-dont-get-much-better-than-70s-and-80s-mercedes-benz-classics" ], "donorGBP": [ 4000, 22000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 15000, 80000 ], "totalGBP": [ 19000, 102000 ], "rangeMi": 150, "powerBhp": 150, "difficulty": "hard", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/1979-1982_Mercedes-Benz_300_D_%28W123%29_sedan_01.jpg/1280px-1979-1982_Mercedes-Benz_300_D_%28W123%29_sedan_01.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 722, "creator": "OSX", "license": "Public domain", "licenseUrl": "", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7869612" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Fellten (formerly Zero EV) component shop + salvage Leaf/Tesla parts", "url": "https://shop.fellten.com/", "whatYouGet": "Self-engineered build from Fellten's UK catalogue (Inetic motor/inverter/VCU kits ~£8,580, LG battery modules ~£833 each, chargers, contactors) plus a salvage drive unit — no bolt-in W123 kit exists, so all mounts, boxes and wiring are on you.", "costGBP": [ 15000, 30000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Specialist fit (used Leaf drivetrain)", "company": "London Electric Cars / OPTO Innovation (Derby)", "url": "https://www.optoinnovation.co.uk/ev-complete-conversion/", "whatYouGet": "UK workshop conversion using recycled Nissan Leaf motor and modules — LEC quotes from ~£25,000 for a base ~20 kWh classic conversion (60–70 mi), more for bigger packs; OPTO offers drive-in drive-out turnkey work on any vehicle, priced on application.", "costGBP": [ 25000, 45000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey restomod", "company": "eCap Mobility (Winsen, Germany)", "url": "https://www.ecap-mobility.com/", "whatYouGet": "Full engineered conversion by the firm that has actually done a W123 estate — dual 53 kW motors, 63.3 kWh, 124-mile range, TÜV-grade finish; budget for German logistics and a mostly LHD donor pool.", "costGBP": [ 45000, 80000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "eCap Mobility electric W123 estate", "builder": "eCap Mobility, Winsen (Germany)", "spec": "Twin 53 kW motors (~140 bhp) / 63.3 kWh / 124 mi range / 105 mph, converted from an OM617 turbodiesel wagon", "url": "https://engineswapdepot.com/?p=82371" }, { "title": "'Golden' Tesla-powered 1980 Mercedes 300CD", "builder": "David Rosenstraus, Salvage 2 Savage (Florida, US)", "spec": "Tesla Model S rear drive unit ~400 hp / Chevy Volt packs (~80 mi, 55 kWh Fellten pack planned for ~185 mi) / 0-60 ~4-5 s", "url": "https://evbuildersguide.com/golden-revolution-a-tesla-powered-1980-mercedes-benz/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 4000, 22000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/list/31/w123/" }, { "name": "Honest John Classics", "url": "https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/cars-for-sale/search/Mercedes-Benz/W123/" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk" }, { "name": "Classic Trader", "url": "https://www.classic-trader.com/uk/cars/search/mercedes-benz/123er/w-123/" } ], "conditionNote": "Buy on body, not engine — a tired or dead diesel is the perfect donor. Check front wings, jacking points, rear arches, boot floor and subframe mounts for rust, and that the vacuum central locking works. UK cars run £4k (usable) to £22k (best); German/African LHD imports widen the pool cheaply." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 40, 60 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 110, 170 ], "note": "Split the pack: modules in the huge five-cylinder engine bay plus fuel-tank/boot-floor area (estates have a rear underfloor well). A ~1.4-tonne car takes 300 kg of pack without drama — eCap fitted 63.3 kWh — but keep weight low and between the axles to preserve the famous ride." }, "sources": [ "https://engineswapdepot.com/?p=82371", "https://evbuildersguide.com/golden-revolution-a-tesla-powered-1980-mercedes-benz/", "https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/cars-for-sale/search/Mercedes-Benz/W123/", "https://shop.fellten.com/", "https://www.optoinnovation.co.uk/ev-complete-conversion/" ] } }, "body": "saloon" }, { "id": "conv-triumph-stag", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Triumph", "model": "Stag", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1970–1977", "whyExciting": [ "Deletes the Stag's one fatal flaw — the overheating 3.0 V8 that wrecked its reputation — while keeping the T-bar, four seats and manual box.", "Electrogenic's world-first build kept the original 4-speed manual gearbox and repurposed the factory instruments: it still drives like a Stag.", "V8 and fuel tank out, 235Nm of silent torque in — the grand tourer that finally tours without a temperature gauge to watch." ], "kit": "Bespoke (Hyper9 HV motor build)", "company": "Electrogenic", "sources": [ "https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/%E2%80%98world-first%E2%80%99-electric-triumph-stag-and-morgan-44-unveiled" ], "donorGBP": [ 8000, 20000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 10000, 70000 ], "totalGBP": [ 18000, 90000 ], "rangeMi": 150, "powerBhp": 107, "difficulty": "hard", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/1973_Triumph_Stag_%284659024464%29.jpg/1280px-1973_Triumph_Stag_%284659024464%29.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 800, "creator": "dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada", "license": "CC BY 2.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34582246" }, "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Donor Nissan Leaf pack/motor from UK breakers (eBay UK) + BMS and HV parts from Fellten", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk", "whatYouGet": "Second-hand Leaf modules and motor you engineer in yourself — cheapest route but you design mounts, battery boxes and wiring, and carry all the risk.", "costGBP": [ 10000, 18000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Component-kit build (new parts)", "company": "Fellten (formerly Zero EV) component shop", "url": "https://shop.fellten.com/", "whatYouGet": "New motor/inverter/VCU packages (complete units to ~£8.6k) plus new battery modules, BMS, chargers and cooling — no Stag-specific kit exists, so fabrication is still on you.", "costGBP": [ 15000, 28000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Specialist budget conversion", "company": "London Electric Cars", "url": null, "whatYouGet": "Workshop conversion using recycled Nissan Leaf powertrains, from ~£25k on classics — modest 20–40kWh packs and 60–100mi range, professionally installed.", "costGBP": [ 25000, 40000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey bespoke (the proven route)", "company": "Electrogenic", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/", "whatYouGet": "The firm that built the world-first electric Stag: Hyper9 HV motor, ~37kWh, retained manual box, quoted 'from £30,000' in 2021 — budget £40–70k for a 2026 bespoke build.", "costGBP": [ 40000, 70000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Electrogenic Triumph Stag (world-first, 1976 car)", "builder": "Electrogenic, Oxfordshire", "spec": "Hyper9 HV motor, 80kW/235Nm through the original 4-speed manual, 37kWh, ~150mi — confirmed by the Stag Owners Club as the first electric Stag", "url": "https://www.greencarguide.co.uk/2021/04/electric-triumph-stag-morgan-4-4/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 8000, 20000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/search?q=triumph+stag" }, { "name": "Stag Owners Club classifieds", "url": "https://stag.org.uk/cars-for-sale/" }, { "name": "Robsport International (Stag specialist, Herts)", "url": "https://www.robsport.co.uk/cars-for-sale" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk" } ], "conditionNote": "Buy on body, not engine: check sills, windscreen surround/T-bar base, rear wings and floors for rot. A tired or non-original engine (many Stags run Rover/Ford transplants) is irrelevant — it's coming out — so scruffy-mechanicals, solid-shell cars around £8–12k make ideal donors." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 30, 40 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 100, 150 ], "note": "Electrogenic's 37kWh build split the pack between the vacated V8 bay and under the boot floor where the fuel tank sat; the iron-heavy 3.0 V8 plus full tank roughly offsets the pack weight, keeping balance close to stock." }, "sources": [ "https://www.greencarguide.co.uk/2021/04/electric-triumph-stag-morgan-4-4/", "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/", "https://shop.fellten.com/", "https://www.robsport.co.uk/", "https://stag.org.uk/cars-for-sale/" ] } }, "body": "roadster" }, { "id": "conv-datsun-240z-s30", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Datsun", "model": "240Z", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1969–1973", "whyExciting": [ "At ~1,040kg the S30 is one of the lightest classic sports cars going, so even a modest 30-40kWh pack pushes it a long way", "Deleting the tune-fussy L24, carbs, fuel tank and exhaust turns a fiddly classic into a silent, torque-rich cruiser — the long-nose silhouette untouched", "Already rear-drive with a big transmission tunnel, so a single rear motor bolts in with far less fabrication than most classics" ], "kit": "Bespoke build (no off-the-shelf S30 kit yet): DIY EV West components, or a UK specialist crate-motor fit", "company": "EV West (US components) / Electric Classic Cars / Electrogenic (bespoke)", "sources": [ "https://www.evwest.com/" ], "donorGBP": [ 15000, 45000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 14000, 60000 ], "totalGBP": [ 29000, 105000 ], "rangeMi": 130, "powerBhp": null, "difficulty": "hard", "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/Datsun_240Z_1972.jpg/1280px-Datsun_240Z_1972.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 900, "creator": "Sicnag", "license": "CC BY 2.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17234641" } } }, { "id": "conv-toyota-land-cruiser-fj40", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Toyota", "model": "Land Cruiser FJ40", "body": "suv", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1960–1984", "whyExciting": [ "Electric drive bolts to the FJ40's stock bell housing, 4-speed and transfer case — Electric GT's crate build keeps the whole 4x4 driveline intact.", "You delete the wheezy carburetted F engine, points, and overheating woes; instant torque off idle suits green-laning far better than 125bhp of 1960s straight-six.", "The ladder frame and cavernous engine bay swallow a 45kWh pack where the lump sat — no floor surgery, and the body stays unmolested." ], "kit": "DIY salvage-pack build (Home build with UK components from Fellten (ex-Zero EV) — salvage Tesla/Leaf modules + motor); Self-install crate-motor kit (US import) (Electric GT — eGT crate system (eGT-253 proven in a 1970 FJ-40; eGT313 in development for the FJ-40))", "company": "Home build with UK components from Fellten (ex-Zero EV) — salvage Tesla / Leaf modules + motor / Electric GT — eGT crate system (eGT-253 proven in a 1970 FJ-40; eGT313 in development for the FJ-40) / Retroelectric (Mereworth", "sources": [ "https://www.carscoops.com/2024/05/inverted-will-build-you-a-toyota-land-cruiser-fj40-electromod-as-long-as-you-can-afford-the-244k-starting-price/" ], "donorGBP": [ 20000, 40000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 15000, 235000 ], "totalGBP": [ 35000, 275000 ], "rangeMi": 150, "powerBhp": 320, "difficulty": "moderate", "note": "US-import reality cuts both ways: most affordable donors are LHD US/Gulf imports, and the cheapest crate kit (Electric GT) is US-only — budget shipping, ~10% duty and 20% VAT on any imported kit. Inverted launched at £195k ($244k); it now quotes on enquiry. Erevon (Montreal) lists an FJ-40 kit with installation but publishes no pricing, so it is omitted from routes.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Home build with UK components from Fellten (ex-Zero EV) — salvage Tesla/Leaf modules + motor", "url": "https://fellten.com", "whatYouGet": "A hard, fully bespoke garage build: used drive unit, salvage battery modules, BMS, chargers and mounts you fabricate yourself; no warranty, IVA/registration paperwork on you.", "costGBP": [ 15000, 30000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Self-install crate-motor kit (US import)", "company": "Electric GT — eGT crate system (eGT-253 proven in a 1970 FJ-40; eGT313 in development for the FJ-40)", "url": "https://electricgt.com/builds/electric-fj-40/", "whatYouGet": "US-only 'plug & play' motor block (140bhp/253lb-ft in the demo build, 36kWh, ~72mi) that mates to the OEM bell housing; pricing on application — band here estimates kit + trans-Atlantic shipping, ~10% duty and 20% VAT.", "costGBP": [ 35000, 60000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "UK specialist fit", "company": "Retroelectric (Mereworth, Kent)", "url": "https://www.retroelectrics.co.uk/fj40", "whatYouGet": "From £66,000: 45kWh pack in the engine bay, 150kW/200bhp motor, ~100 miles (150+ with second pack), 7kW AC + CCS rapid charging, original gauges repurposed for battery/motor data.", "costGBP": [ 66000, 90000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey Tesla-powered restomod", "company": "Inverted (UK)", "url": "https://inverted-ev.com/land-cruiser/", "whatYouGet": "From ~£195k + VAT at launch (now price-on-enquiry): full body-off restoration, 53kWh pack, 215bhp manual-gearbox or 320bhp Tesla permanent-4WD spec, up to ~150 miles, 75kW CCS, RHD or LHD, FJ40/43/45 bodies.", "costGBP": [ 195000, 235000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Inverted electric Land Cruiser FJ40", "builder": "Inverted (UK)", "spec": "53kWh, 215bhp manual or 320bhp Tesla 4WD, ~150mi, 75kW CCS — from £195k ($244k) as launched", "url": "https://www.carscoops.com/2024/05/inverted-will-build-you-a-toyota-land-cruiser-fj40-electromod-as-long-as-you-can-afford-the-244k-starting-price/" }, { "title": "Retroelectric FJ40", "builder": "Retroelectric (Kent, UK)", "spec": "45kWh under-bonnet pack, 150kW/200bhp, ~100mi (150+ with 2nd pack), CCS rapid — from £66k", "url": "https://www.retroelectrics.co.uk/fj40" }, { "title": "Electric GT 1970 FJ-40", "builder": "Electric GT (Huntington Beach, CA)", "spec": "eGT-253 crate system, 140bhp/253lb-ft, 36kWh, 0-62 in 7.9s, mates to OEM bell housing and 4x4 driveline", "url": "https://electricgt.com/builds/electric-fj-40/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 20000, 40000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Hogg & Swan (40-series specialist, Bury St Edmunds)", "url": "https://www.hoggandswan.com" }, { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/search?q=Toyota+Land+Cruiser+FJ40" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=toyota+land+cruiser+fj40" }, { "name": "Heritage Cars Online (dealer listings)", "url": "https://heritagecars.online" } ], "conditionNote": "Rot is the killer: check rear sills, floor channels, aprons and the chassis outriggers. Most UK stock is LHD import (US/Gulf/Australia) — verify NOVA/import paperwork and age-related plate. Specialist-restored cars (Hogg & Swan list £28k–£35k) cost more but save a body-off later; diesel BJ40s run cheaper and the engine's going anyway." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 36, 53 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 70, 150 ], "note": "Pack drops into the engine bay where the F straight-six sat (Retroelectric's layout); optional second pack lifts range past 150mi. A ~2-tonne brick on leaf springs, so expect ~2mi/kWh — Inverted's 53kWh flagship claims ~150mi max." }, "sources": [ "https://www.carscoops.com/2024/05/inverted-will-build-you-a-toyota-land-cruiser-fj40-electromod-as-long-as-you-can-afford-the-244k-starting-price/", "https://www.retroelectrics.co.uk/fj40", "https://inverted-ev.com/land-cruiser/", "https://electricgt.com/builds/electric-fj-40/", "https://www.hoggandswan.com" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Tay_bj40_rouge_croisiere_2004.jpg", "width": 1280, "height": 960, "creator": "klnavarro", "license": "CC BY-SA 2.5", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1930561" } } }, { "id": "conv-ford-bronco-1st-gen", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Ford", "model": "Bronco", "body": "suv", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1966–1977", "whyExciting": [ "Zero Labs' 600hp, 100kWh Broncos made this THE poster-child EV restomod — a farm truck reborn outrunning modern hot hatches.", "Conversion deletes the leaky 302 V8, carb, points and fuel plumbing; the huge engine bay and ladder frame swallow batteries with ease.", "Solid Dana axles and a simple transfer case mean one motor can drive all four wheels — no bespoke driveshafts needed." ], "kit": "DIY salvage/parts build (Fellten (formerly Zero EV, Bristol) — parts and battery modules); UK specialist fit (Electric Classic Cars (Newtown, Wales))", "company": "Fellten (formerly Zero EV / Bristol) — parts and battery modules / Electric Classic Cars (Newtown / Wales)", "sources": [ "https://zerolabs.com/bronco" ], "donorGBP": [ 15000, 45000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 20000, 260000 ], "totalGBP": [ 35000, 305000 ], "rangeMi": 235, "powerBhp": 600, "difficulty": "hard", "note": "Totals cover the DIY-to-UK-specialist routes; the Kindred turnkey (~£215k+ before import costs) includes its own donor. Zero Labs availability is on enquiry. US-market donor and turnkey prices converted at ~$1.28/£.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage/parts build", "company": "Fellten (formerly Zero EV, Bristol) — parts and battery modules", "url": "https://shop.fellten.com", "whatYouGet": "Self-engineered build from UK-stocked parts: Inetic motor/inverter/VCU packages at £8,580, LG battery modules ~£833 each, chargers, BMS and HV kit — no Bronco-specific kit exists, so mounts, pack boxes and integration are on you.", "costGBP": [ 20000, 40000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "UK specialist fit", "company": "Electric Classic Cars (Newtown, Wales)", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk", "whatYouGet": "Bespoke professional conversion — ECC quotes 'as little as £45k' for small sub-100-mile cars up to '£150k+' for large 200-mile vehicles at up to 650hp; a big 4x4 Bronco sits at the upper half of that band, done to order.", "costGBP": [ 60000, 150000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey US restomod (import)", "company": "Kindred Motorworks (California)", "url": "https://www.kindredmotorworks.com", "whatYouGet": "Fully re-manufactured electric Bronco from $275,000 (~£215k) including the donor — US-only, so add roughly £2-4k shipping plus UK import VAT and DVLA/IVA registration; note Zero Labs, the original turnkey option at $289,900, is still listed as in production on Zero Labs’ site.", "costGBP": [ 215000, 260000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Zero Labs Classic Electric Bronco", "builder": "Zero Labs Automotive (Los Angeles)", "spec": "Dual-motor AWD, 600hp, 100kWh, 235+ mile estimated range, $289,900 — Zero Labs still lists the Bronco in production", "url": "https://zerolabs.com/bronco" }, { "title": "Kindred Motorworks EV Bronco", "builder": "Kindred Motorworks (Vallejo, CA)", "spec": "Re-manufactured electric first-gen Bronco, from $275,000, currently in production", "url": "https://www.kindredmotorworks.com" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 15000, 45000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic (occasional UK-side listings)", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com" }, { "name": "eBay UK / eBay Motors US", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk" }, { "name": "Hemmings (US classifieds — the deep donor pool)", "url": "https://www.hemmings.com" }, { "name": "ShipMyCar (US-to-UK import, IVA & DVLA registration)", "url": "https://www.shipmycar.co.uk" } ], "conditionNote": "This is an LHD US-import play: US project trucks start ~$11k (£8.5k); a 1970 Bronco Sport made £25k at UK auction in 2024. Broncos rot — check floors, rockers, tailgate, inner wings and the frame around the rear spring hangers; verify a clean US title. At 30+ years old it qualifies for the UK historic-vehicle import regime (5% VAT, no duty) — budget ~£2-4k shipping and use a broker like ShipMyCar for registration." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 60, 100 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 140, 235 ], "note": "The Bronco's ladder frame and cavernous engine bay make packaging easy: modules go where the V8, gearbox and fuel tank sat, plus between the frame rails under the floor. Zero Labs fits 100kWh for a claimed 235+ miles; a boxy ~2-tonne 4x4 is thirsty, so don't go under ~60kWh, and the solid-axle chassis carries pack weight without drama." }, "sources": [ "https://zerolabs.com/bronco", "https://www.kindredmotorworks.com", "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/pages/faqs", "https://shop.fellten.com", "https://www.shipmycar.co.uk" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/56/1971_Ford_Bronco_%2828096997720%29.jpg/1280px-1971_Ford_Bronco_%2828096997720%29.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 800, "creator": "Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA", "license": "CC BY 2.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63686731" } } }, { "id": "conv-mercedes-benz-g-class-w460-230-ge", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Mercedes-Benz", "model": "G-Class 230 GE", "body": "suv", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1979–1991", "whyExciting": [ "Mil-spec ladder frame with flat, open rails: battery boxes bolt in like equipment crates — no unibody surgery, huge packaging room.", "An EV deletes the W460's worst bits — the wheezy 125bhp carb-era 2.3 and its ancient fuelling — while Everrati's 300Nm motor doubles usable torque.", "A British turnkey route already exists (Arcade × Everrati Sojourn), and rust-managed ex-Swiss-Army 230 GE donors import easily." ], "kit": "DIY salvage-pack build (Fellten (ex-Zero EV, Bristol) components + EVcreate plug-and-play Tesla parts); UK specialist fit (London Electric Cars / Electric Classic Cars (Wales))", "company": "Fellten (ex-Zero EV / Bristol) components + EVcreate plug-and-play Tesla parts / London Electric Cars / Electric Classic Cars (Wales)", "sources": [ "https://electrek.co/2024/08/15/ev-conversion-arcade-cars-unveils-all-electric-g-wagon-everrati/" ], "donorGBP": [ 9000, 25000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 15000, 140000 ], "totalGBP": [ 24000, 165000 ], "rangeMi": 150, "powerBhp": 151, "difficulty": "moderate", "note": "US-import reality: the Sojourn was launched at Monterey and priced in USD ($130k ≈ £101k) but Arcade is UK-based, so no import needed. US firm Erevon lists a G-Class EV kit page but publishes no price or specs and the page hasn't moved since 2019 — treat it as unproven. Donors are overwhelmingly LHD European (ex-Swiss military); import to the UK is routine for 30+ year-old vehicles.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Fellten (ex-Zero EV, Bristol) components + EVcreate plug-and-play Tesla parts", "url": "https://shop.fellten.com", "whatYouGet": "Self-engineered build: used Tesla drive unit or Fellten's ~£8.6k Inetic motor/inverter/VCU, LG/Tesla salvage modules (~£830/module), chargers and BMS from the Fellten shop; you fabricate mounts, boxes and cooling yourself and handle IVA/registration paperwork.", "costGBP": [ 15000, 30000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "UK specialist fit", "company": "London Electric Cars / Electric Classic Cars (Wales)", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk", "whatYouGet": "Hand your donor to a UK converter: LEC's recycled Leaf/Tesla-parts conversions start ~£25k (small pack — budget well above that for a 2-tonne G with usable range); ECC is a bespoke house that already does Defender-class 4x4s. No G-specific off-the-shelf kit exists, so it's a bespoke commission.", "costGBP": [ 30000, 80000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey restomod (complete car)", "company": "Arcade Cars (UK) with Powered-by-Everrati drivetrain", "url": "https://arcadecars.com/electric", "whatYouGet": "The Sojourn: frame-off-restored ex-Swiss-Army 230 GE with Everrati-co-developed 55kWh / 153PS / 300Nm EV powertrain, ~150-mile range, 6- or 8-seat interior — price is for the finished car including donor, from ~$130k (~£100k), launched at Monterey 2024.", "costGBP": [ 100000, 140000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Arcade Sojourn (electric)", "builder": "Arcade Cars × Everrati (UK)", "spec": "Ex-Swiss-Army 230 GE, 55kWh, 153PS/300Nm, ~150mi, from $130k — debuted Monterey Car Week 2024", "url": "https://electrek.co/2024/08/15/ev-conversion-arcade-cars-unveils-all-electric-g-wagon-everrati/" }, { "title": "Trick Factory Tesla G-Wagen convertible (SEMA 2023)", "builder": "Trick Factory (Canada)", "spec": "Two-door soft-top G with Tesla Model S drive unit, upgraded G²-style suspension — later W463 donor, shown as proof the Tesla-swap G formula works", "url": "https://www.evbuildersguide.com/e-mercedes-g-wagen-class-convertible-rocks-the-off-road-world/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 9000, 25000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic (dedicated W460 / 230GE sections)", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/search?q=mercedes+230+GE" }, { "name": "Classic Trader (European LHD imports, ~38 classic G-Class listed)", "url": "https://www.classic-trader.com" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk" }, { "name": "Collecting Cars (auction, occasional refurbished 230 GEs)", "url": "https://collectingcars.com" } ], "conditionNote": "Best donors are ex-Swiss-Army LHD 230 GEs — dry-stored, low-mile, honest. Check rear wheel-arches, door bottoms, windscreen surround and chassis outriggers for rot; a tired engine is irrelevant (it's coming out) but insist on good axles, transfer case and diff locks. A well-documented UK-auction 1985 230 GE was estimated £20k–25k; scruffy imports start under £10k." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 40, 55 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 100, 150 ], "note": "55kWh is the proven spec (Everrati/Arcade, ~150mi). Ladder frame gives real room: modules split between the vacated engine bay and boxes slung between the chassis rails where the fuel tank sat, keeping weight low and near the cast-iron four you removed. It's a ~2-tonne brick aerodynamically — don't chase big range." }, "sources": [ "https://electrek.co/2024/08/15/ev-conversion-arcade-cars-unveils-all-electric-g-wagon-everrati/", "https://www.carthrottle.com/news/arcade-sojourn-restomod-mercedes-g-class-petrol-or-ev-power", "https://arcadecars.com/electric", "https://shop.fellten.com", "https://www.evbuildersguide.com/e-mercedes-g-wagen-class-convertible-rocks-the-off-road-world/" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a5/Mercedes-Benz_300GD.jpg/1280px-Mercedes-Benz_300GD.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 844, "creator": "IFCAR", "license": "Public domain", "licenseUrl": "", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4291734" } } }, { "id": "conv-jeep-cj-7-wrangler-yj-tj", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Jeep", "model": "CJ-7 / Wrangler YJ–TJ", "body": "suv", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1976–2006", "whyExciting": [ "Body-on-frame and dead simple: the motor bolts where the AMC four/six sat, keeping axles, transfer case and 4x4 running gear untouched.", "US firm 4x4 EVC sells a bolt-in, no-cut/no-weld re-power (NetGain HyPer9HV + Tesla modules) spanning CJ to TJ — rare off-the-shelf coverage for a 4x4.", "Doors off, roof off, engine silent — an EV CJ green-lanes with instant torque and none of the carburettor faff these Jeeps are infamous for." ], "kit": "DIY salvage-pack build (EV West (US components) / UK salvage battery suppliers); US bolt-in kit / re-power (4x4 EVC (US); Erevon (North America, price on application))", "company": "EV West (US components) / UK salvage battery suppliers / 4x4 EVC (US); Erevon (North America / price on application)", "sources": [ "https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=24394&mid=1" ], "donorGBP": [ 4000, 20000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 8000, 100000 ], "totalGBP": [ 12000, 120000 ], "rangeMi": 100, "powerBhp": 120, "difficulty": "moderate", "note": "US-import reality: the true bolt-in kits (4x4 EVC from $34,000 installed; Erevon quote-only, CJ-to-TJ coverage confirmed) are North America-only in July 2026 — UK owners either import the kit/converted car (add ~£3–5k shipping, 10% duty + VAT) or commission a UK bespoke shop. GBP converted at ~£1 = $1.28. Erevon publishes no prices or specs, so treat its marketing claims cautiously.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "EV West (US components) / UK salvage battery suppliers", "url": "https://www.evwest.com/", "whatYouGet": "Self-engineered build — HyPer9-class motor adapted to the Jeep box or transfer case plus second-life Leaf/Tesla modules; EV West quotes complete component kits at roughly $7,000–15,000, plus your labour and a UK IVA/DVLA 'radically altered' check.", "costGBP": [ 8000, 18000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "US bolt-in kit / re-power", "company": "4x4 EVC (US); Erevon (North America, price on application)", "url": "https://www.4x4evc.com/", "whatYouGet": "4x4 EVC's bolt-in no-cut/no-weld re-power (NetGain HyPer9HV motor, repurposed Tesla battery modules) covers early CJ through TJ, from $34,000 installed (~£26,500) — US-only, so budget roughly £3,000–5,000 more for RoRo shipping and UK import if you send a car over; Erevon's CJ/YJ/TJ kit (hardware + software + dash) is quote-only.", "costGBP": [ 26000, 40000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "UK bespoke specialist fit", "company": "Relik Electric / Electrogenic (bespoke commissions)", "url": "https://relikelectric.co.uk/", "whatYouGet": "A UK shop engineers the conversion around your Jeep — no dedicated Jeep kit exists here, so it's a one-off using proven OEM motors and new packs; UK bespoke classic conversions typically run £25,000–60,000 depending on pack size and finish.", "costGBP": [ 25000, 60000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey restomod", "company": "Relik Electric / Electrogenic (full commission, donor sourced and restored)", "url": "https://electrogenic.co.uk/", "whatYouGet": "Full restoration plus conversion to a warrantied, registered, concours-level electric Jeep — Relik quotes bespoke builds from £30k+; comparable UK 4x4 restomods (e.g. Electric Car Converts' Land Rovers) start around £60,000.", "costGBP": [ 60000, 100000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Jeep CJ Surge concept (SEMA 2022)", "builder": "Mopar / Stellantis (factory build)", "spec": "Classic CJ with 400V, 200 kW (268 bhp) Electric Drive Module, 24 li-ion modules in a rear-cabin shell, 4WD via two-speed Jeep transfer case", "url": "https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=24394&mid=1" }, { "title": "Electrified Veronika — 1999 Wrangler TJ", "builder": "Dr. Veronika Wright (battery engineer, YouTube-documented)", "spec": "Cascadia Motion motor, custom 60 kWh 400V pack from salvaged LG Chem (Mach-E) modules with liquid cooling; Tesla brake booster, Leaf pedal, Volvo EPS", "url": "https://electrifiedveronika.com/ev-jeep-conversion/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 4000, 20000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/search?q=jeep%20cj7" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=jeep+cj7" }, { "name": "Auto Trader (Wrangler YJ/TJ)", "url": "https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?make=Jeep&model=Wrangler" }, { "name": "Classic Cars and Campers", "url": "https://classiccarsandcampers.co.uk/" } ], "conditionNote": "CJs are mostly LHD US imports — check the frame around rear spring/shackle mounts and body mounts for rot before anything else; verified UK askings run £4.1k (RHD 4.2 auto CJ7) to £20k (lifted retro CJ7). Wrangler TJs were sold new in the UK in RHD, making them the cheapest, rust-managed donors; keep original axles/chassis to score DVLA 'radically altered' points and avoid IVA." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 30, 45 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 70, 120 ], "note": "Flat-fendered brick aerodynamics mean ~2–2.5 mi/kWh. Space is generous: modules go in the emptied engine bay plus the fuel-tank void, or a rear-cabin box as Mopar did on the CJ Surge (24 modules behind the seats). Ladder chassis and leaf springs shrug off the weight — just keep the pack low for off-road centre of gravity." }, "sources": [ "https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=24394&mid=1", "https://erevon.com/electric-ev-conversion-kit-for-jeep-cj/", "https://electrifiedveronika.com/ev-jeep-conversion/", "https://www.4x4evc.com/", "https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1480818" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/1984_Jeep_CJ-7_Hershey_2012.jpg/1280px-1984_Jeep_CJ-7_Hershey_2012.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 907, "creator": "CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, releases all rights but a photo credit would be appreciated if this image is used anywhere other than Wikipedia. Please leave a note at Wikipedia here. Thank you!", "license": "CC0", "licenseUrl": "http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23803090" } } }, { "id": "conv-suzuki-sj410-sj413-samurai", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Suzuki", "model": "SJ410/SJ413 Samurai", "body": "suv", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1981–1998", "whyExciting": [ "At roughly a tonne, a small cheap pack goes far: the benchmark HyPer9 + five-Tesla-module build gets ~90 miles from just 26.5 kWh.", "Ladder chassis, cavernous engine bay and a dead-simple manual box with low-range transfer case — bolt the motor to the stock gearbox and keep the 4x4 magic.", "No ECU, no ABS, no power steering to integrate; the conversion bins the carb, points and tired 1.3 — the SJ's least reliable parts." ], "kit": "DIY salvage-pack build (Fellten shop (formerly Zero EV, UK) + salvage Leaf/Tesla modules); Self-install US kit (the Legacy EV / ampREVOLT recipe) (Legacy EV (HyPer9 motor package, $8,028) / ampREVOLT (complete HyPer9 + 6 Tesla-module kits, $15,540–$22,349))", "company": "Fellten shop (formerly Zero EV / UK) + salvage Leaf / Tesla modules / Legacy EV (HyPer9 motor package", "sources": [ "https://electrifynews.com/news/electrify-expo/electrify-showoff/classic-style-modern-power-how-a-1987-suzuki-samurai-became-an-electric-family-suv/" ], "donorGBP": [ 3500, 8000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 8000, 60000 ], "totalGBP": [ 11500, 68000 ], "rangeMi": 90, "powerBhp": 120, "difficulty": "moderate", "note": "US-import reality: no UK off-the-shelf Samurai kit exists — the named kits (Legacy EV, ampREVOLT) are US-only, so add freight + ~10% duty + 20% VAT to sticker prices (USD converted at ~£0.78/$). 'Sundays EV' could not be verified as a real conversion company in any search and is omitted. UK specialist prices are quote-only bands, not published Samurai prices.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Fellten shop (formerly Zero EV, UK) + salvage Leaf/Tesla modules", "url": "https://shop.fellten.com/", "whatYouGet": "Component-level build you engineer yourself: budget motor/inverter kit (e.g. IEV180 kit £8,580, or cheaper used drive units), salvage battery modules (LG 590 module ~£833), BMS, charger and fabricated boxes.", "costGBP": [ 8000, 15000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Self-install US kit (the Legacy EV / ampREVOLT recipe)", "company": "Legacy EV (HyPer9 motor package, $8,028) / ampREVOLT (complete HyPer9 + 6 Tesla-module kits, $15,540–$22,349)", "url": "https://legacyev.com/products/bundles-hyper9-motor-kit", "whatYouGet": "US-only kits — the exact NetGain HyPer9 + Tesla-module recipe behind the benchmark Samurai build; roughly £6,300–£17,500 of kit plus transatlantic freight, ~10% import duty and 20% UK VAT lands at about £14k–£24k before your own labour.", "costGBP": [ 14000, 24000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "UK specialist bespoke fit", "company": "Electric Classic Cars (Newtown, Wales) or Electrogenic (Oxford, bespoke division) — neither shows a Samurai in its portfolio yet, so this is a one-off commission", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/", "whatYouGet": "Fully engineered, warrantied one-off by an established UK converter (both already do Minis, Beetles and Land Rovers); quote-only pricing, with light one-off 4x4s typically landing in the £30k–£60k bespoke band.", "costGBP": [ 30000, 60000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "NICE electric Suzuki Samurai — Best SUV, Electrify Showoff Denver 2024", "builder": "Lauryn Morris / NICE (No Internal Combustion Engine), Los Angeles", "spec": "NetGain HyPer9 (120 hp) + 26.5 kWh from five Tesla Model S modules, dual Thunderstruck chargers, ~90-mile range", "url": "https://electrifynews.com/news/electrify-expo/electrify-showoff/classic-style-modern-power-how-a-1987-suzuki-samurai-became-an-electric-family-suv/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 3500, 8000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/search?q=suzuki%20sj" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=suzuki+sj413" }, { "name": "Classic Trader (Spanish Santana imports listed UK-side)", "url": "https://www.classic-trader.com/uk/cars/search?make=Suzuki" }, { "name": "4x4 Works (UK Suzuki SJ/Samurai specialist)", "url": "https://www.4x4works.co.uk/" } ], "conditionNote": "Rust is everything: check chassis outriggers, rear crossmember, body mounts, floors and arches — mechanicals are cheap and irrelevant post-conversion anyway. Spanish Santana-built cars (many RHD) are often far more solid than UK-winters survivors; rough-but-running examples start ~£2.5k while restored SJ413s have been advertised at £13k–£22.5k, so don't overpay for a fresh engine you're about to remove." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 20, 27 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 60, 90 ], "note": "~1,060 kg kerb weight is the whole trick — the proven build does ~90 mi on 26.5 kWh (five Tesla S modules). Split the pack between the engine bay (motor + 2–3 modules) and under the rear load floor to keep leaf-sprung axle weights balanced; the benchmark build deliberately kept the engine bay clear and mounted modules elsewhere. Keep total pack weight near the removed engine's to preserve the SJ's tippy-but-charming handling." }, "sources": [ "https://electrifynews.com/news/electrify-expo/electrify-showoff/classic-style-modern-power-how-a-1987-suzuki-samurai-became-an-electric-family-suv/", "https://legacyev.com/products/bundles-hyper9-motor-kit", "https://amprevolt.com/products/conversion-kit-hyper9-6mod", "https://shop.fellten.com/", "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Bar%C3%A8ges_4WD_2012.jpg/1280px-Bar%C3%A8ges_4WD_2012.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 814, "creator": "JLPC", "license": "CC BY-SA 3.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20497477" } } }, { "id": "conv-volkswagen-t25-t3-camper", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Volkswagen", "model": "T25/T3 Camper", "body": "van", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1979–1992", "whyExciting": [ "The rear engine bay swallows a motor and reduction box with no cutting — the wheezy wasserboxer, coolant plumbing and fuel system all simply come out.", "Proven at the top end: Electric Classic Cars' 90kWh, 120kW T25 Syncro kept the original 4x4 gearbox and added CCS rapid charging and V2L camp power.", "Electric camping is the killer app — one pack runs the drive AND the fridge, induction hobs and lights, deleting the leisure battery and gas bottle entirely." ], "kit": "DIY salvage-pack build (EV West universal HyPer9 / Tesla drive-unit packages + salvage OEM modules); Specialist fit (UK) (eDub Conversions (Leeds))", "company": "EV West universal HyPer9 / Tesla drive-unit packages + salvage OEM modules / eDub Conversions (Leeds) / Electric Classic Cars (Newtown", "sources": [ "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/blogs/conversions/vw-camper-syncro" ], "donorGBP": [ 4000, 15000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 12000, 150000 ], "totalGBP": [ 16000, 165000 ], "rangeMi": null, "powerBhp": 161, "difficulty": "moderate", "note": "No off-the-shelf T25-specific kit exists in the UK — EV West (US) sells T2 Bay Window kits (~$22.8k) but not a Vanagon kit, and Peace Vans (Seattle) is only taking reservations for an in-development EV Vanagon (200+ mi target, update due mid-2026). US-route buyers should budget shipping, ~10% duty and 20% VAT on top of USD prices. ECC turnkey pricing is POA; the £80k–150k band is an estimate anchored to their published Syncro spec and eDub's £64k–112k UK market pricing.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "EV West universal HyPer9 / Tesla drive-unit packages + salvage OEM modules", "url": "https://www.evwest.com/", "whatYouGet": "NetGain HyPer9 universal package (~$6,200–6,400, roughly £5k before UK shipping/duty) mated to the stock transaxle, plus used Leaf/Tesla modules underslung and in the engine bay — no T25-specific kit exists, so mounts and battery boxes are on you.", "costGBP": [ 12000, 25000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Specialist fit (UK)", "company": "eDub Conversions (Leeds)", "url": "https://edubconversions.co.uk/", "whatYouGet": "The UK's longest-running classic VW camper EV converter; packs from £63,999 (e30 134mi/59bhp up to e60 195mi/120bhp, 2.6–2.8 mi/kWh platform) — note their published range covers 1950–79 buses and Brazilian T2s, so a T25 is a by-enquiry job.", "costGBP": [ 64000, 112000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey restomod", "company": "Electric Classic Cars (Newtown, Wales)", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/blogs/conversions/vw-camper-syncro", "whatYouGet": "Fully bespoke build to the standard of their showcase T25 Syncro — 90kWh, 120kW, retained 4x4 gearbox, CCS rapid charging, solar, A/C, power steering and 400V-to-240V camp mode; pricing is POA, band estimated from comparable ECC commissions.", "costGBP": [ 80000, 150000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Electric Classic Cars T25 Syncro camper", "builder": "Electric Classic Cars (Richard Morgan, Wales)", "spec": "90kWh pack / 120kW motor, original 4x4 gearbox retained, CCS rapid charge, solar + V2L camp mode with twin 2kW induction hobs", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/blogs/conversions/vw-camper-syncro" }, { "title": "Electric VW Syncro overlander (video feature)", "builder": "Electric Classic Cars, covered by THE SHOP magazine", "spec": "Same 4x4 Syncro build filmed as an inside-the-workshop electric overlanding conversion feature", "url": "https://theshopmag.com/media/videos/electric-vw-van-build/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 4000, 15000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/" }, { "name": "Club 80-90 forum classifieds", "url": "https://club8090.co.uk/forum/" }, { "name": "Brickwerks (T3 specialist, parts + community leads)", "url": "https://brickwerks.co.uk/" } ], "conditionNote": "Buy on body, not engine — the engine is coming out anyway, so a tired wasserboxer knocks money off. Check seams, sills, wheel arches, windscreen surround and battery trays for rot; Syncros and Westfalia interiors carry big premiums. LHD German/Euro imports are common and fine for a conversion base." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 40, 60 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 100, 170 ], "note": "Motor and boxes sit in the old engine bay; further modules go under the floor where the fuel tank, spare wheel and gear linkage lived (underslung, keeping the camper interior intact). eDub's platform returns 2.6–2.8 mi/kWh in a T2-shaped brick — the T25 is similar — and ECC has packaged up to 90kWh in this shell; watch payload, as a camper interior plus a big pack eats into the ~1,000kg rating." }, "sources": [ "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/blogs/conversions/vw-camper-syncro", "https://edubconversions.co.uk/faqs/how-much-does-an-electric-vw-camper-cost", "https://theshopmag.com/media/videos/electric-vw-van-build/", "https://www.evwest.com/diy-kits", "https://www.peacevans.com/electric-about" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/1981_Volkswagen_Transporter_Westfalia_%28T3%29_%2815883301249%29.jpg/1280px-1981_Volkswagen_Transporter_Westfalia_%28T3%29_%2815883301249%29.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 900, "creator": "Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand", "license": "CC BY 2.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38921429" } } }, { "id": "conv-international-harvester-scout-ii", "kind": "conversion", "make": "International Harvester", "model": "Scout II", "body": "suv", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1971–1980", "whyExciting": [ "Zero Labs already builds a 600bhp dual-motor AWD electric Scout in production today — proof this exact body electrifies brilliantly, just as VW revives Scout as an EV brand.", "Dead-simple ladder frame and a cavernous V8 engine bay: bolt the motor to the Dana transfer case and factory 4WD just keeps working — no custom axles needed.", "Binning the thirsty 345 V8, carburettor and 1970s smog plumbing makes the Scout mechanically simpler than it left the factory." ], "kit": "DIY salvage-pack build (EV West components (US) / openinverter community parts); UK specialist bespoke fit (Electrogenic (Oxford) or Electric Classic Cars (Welshpool))", "company": "EV West components (US) / openinverter community parts / Electrogenic (Oxford) or Electric Classic Cars (Welshpool) / Zero Labs Automotive (Los Angeles)", "sources": [ "https://www.zerolabs.com/scout" ], "donorGBP": [ 12000, 35000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 12000, 280000 ], "totalGBP": [ 24000, 315000 ], "rangeMi": 235, "powerBhp": 600, "difficulty": "hard", "note": "US-import donor reality baked into all figures: LHD only, ~£2.5–4k shipping, 5% import VAT and nil duty under UK historic-vehicle rules (all Scout IIs are 45+ years old). The Zero Labs turnkey route (~£215k+, donor included) sits deliberately outside the totals band, which covers DIY-to-UK-specialist builds. No UK shop has yet converted a Scout II, so specialist quotes are first-of-kind estimates anchored to comparable big-4x4 conversions.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "EV West components (US) / openinverter community parts", "url": "https://www.evwest.com", "whatYouGet": "Tesla small drive unit or NetGain Hyper9 mated to the Dana 20 transfer case (keeping 4WD), 40–80kWh of salvage Tesla/Leaf modules between the frame rails — no warranty, hundreds of DIY hours, but the body-on-frame Scout is one of the friendliest possible hosts.", "costGBP": [ 12000, 25000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "UK specialist bespoke fit", "company": "Electrogenic (Oxford) or Electric Classic Cars (Welshpool)", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk", "whatYouGet": "One-off engineered conversion by a shop with deep 4x4 EV experience (Series Land Rovers, Defenders); expect OEM-grade integration, 60–100kWh, warranty and UK support — no UK shop has done a Scout II yet, so budget as a first-of-kind commission (industry guide: a big SUV with 200+ mile range can exceed £100k).", "costGBP": [ 60000, 120000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey restomod (US import)", "company": "Zero Labs Automotive (Los Angeles)", "url": "https://www.zerolabs.com/scout", "whatYouGet": "In-production electric Scout: dual-motor AWD, 600hp, 100kWh, 235+ mile estimated range, IFS/IRS, 24-month warranty — from $289,900 (~£215k) INCLUDING the donor vehicle; US-only build, so add ~£3–6k shipping, UK VAT/registration and accept LHD.", "costGBP": [ 215000, 280000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Zero Labs Electric Scout", "builder": "Zero Labs Automotive", "spec": "Dual-motor AWD, 600hp, 100kWh, 235+ mile est. range, IFS/IRS — in production now from $289,900 including donor", "url": "https://www.zerolabs.com/scout" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 12000, 35000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic (Scout listings)", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/list/721/scout/" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=international+harvester+scout" }, { "name": "Bring a Trailer (US auction + import broker)", "url": "https://bringatrailer.com/international/scout-ii/" }, { "name": "The Parking UK (import aggregator)", "url": "https://www.theparking-cars.co.uk/used-cars/international-harvester-scout.html" } ], "conditionNote": "Scout IIs are legendary rusters — check rear quarters, floors, tailgate and the frame over the rear axle before anything else. Virtually all donors are US imports (LHD only); US auction average is about $33,500 with projects from ~$10k. At 45+ years old they qualify for UK historic-vehicle import (5% VAT, nil duty) — budget ~£2.5–4k shipping and sort NOVA/DVLA paperwork." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 60, 90 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 120, 190 ], "note": "The vacated V8 engine bay plus the space between the ladder-frame rails and the old fuel-tank position under the cargo floor swallow a big pack easily. Keep modules low between the rails for off-road centre of gravity — the heavy-duty Dana axles shrug off the extra weight, but expect a ~2-tonne kerb weight and brick aerodynamics to cap motorway range." }, "sources": [ "https://www.zerolabs.com/scout", "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk", "https://oldcarsdata.com/international-harvester/scout", "https://www.evwest.com", "https://www.carandclassic.com/list/721/scout/" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/1976_Scout_Traveler_in_Siasconset.jpg", "width": 929, "height": 437, "creator": "Seauus", "license": "CC BY-SA 3.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26236816" } } }, { "id": "conv-toyota-hilux-n30-n40", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Toyota", "model": "Hilux", "body": "pickup", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1968–1983 (N30/N40)", "whyExciting": [ "Separate ladder chassis and leaf springs: the pack drops between the rails under the load bed and the motor bolts to the stock gearbox — no unibody surgery.", "Proven recipe: the 'Luxi' '72 Hilux runs a Tesla Model S drive unit and BMW i3 pack — 335hp, 0-60 in 5.5s, at just 2,777lb, daily-driven.", "Going electric bins the entire carb/points/vacuum-line era of maintenance on a truck whose whole appeal is that it never breaks." ], "kit": "DIY salvage-pack build (Self-build with Tesla/BMW i3 salvage parts (the exact Luxi recipe — Tesla small drive unit + 33kWh i3 pack) using UK component suppliers such as Zero EV / Fellten); Complete kit import (quote-based) (CMVTE (Foshan, China — NOT a US firm despite common billing; developed a full Hilux EV conversion kit and documents the build on their site; ships to the UK))", "company": "Self-build with Tesla / BMW i3 salvage parts (the exact Luxi recipe — Tesla small drive unit + 33kWh i3 pack) using UK component suppliers such as Zero EV / Fellten / CMVTE (Foshan", "sources": [ "https://www.motortopia.com/electrifying-the-past-johnny-5s-1972-toyota-hilux-conversion/" ], "donorGBP": [ 8000, 22000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 10000, 100000 ], "totalGBP": [ 18000, 122000 ], "rangeMi": 100, "powerBhp": 335, "difficulty": "moderate", "note": "Reality check on the hook: the CMVTE kit is Chinese (Foshan), not American — it ships to the UK but is quote-priced, so add sea freight, ~10% duty and 20% VAT to any figure they give. The 'Luxi' precedent is US (California). Rust-free donors are almost all imports; DVLA needs notifying of the fuel-type change but a registered classic keeps its historic status.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Self-build with Tesla/BMW i3 salvage parts (the exact Luxi recipe — Tesla small drive unit + 33kWh i3 pack) using UK component suppliers such as Zero EV / Fellten", "url": "https://www.motortopia.com/electrifying-the-past-johnny-5s-1972-toyota-hilux-conversion/", "whatYouGet": "A garage-built truck to Luxi spec: salvage Tesla SDU or Leaf motor, used i3/Leaf modules (~30-40kWh), your own fabrication and wiring; no warranty, IVA/DVLA paperwork on you.", "costGBP": [ 10000, 20000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Complete kit import (quote-based)", "company": "CMVTE (Foshan, China — NOT a US firm despite common billing; developed a full Hilux EV conversion kit and documents the build on their site; ships to the UK)", "url": "https://cmvte.com/toyota-hilux-conversion-solution/", "whatYouGet": "Complete kit as tested on their own Hilux project: 70kW (100kW peak) motor mating to the original gearbox, 35.6kWh 339V LiFePO4 dual-enclosure pack, controller/charger — price on enquiry only, so budget the band incl. sea freight, UK import duty/VAT and a local install.", "costGBP": [ 12000, 25000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Budget specialist fit", "company": "Relik Electric (UK)", "url": "https://relikelectric.co.uk", "whatYouGet": "Bespoke UK 4x4 conversions quoted from ~£30k — a verified budget-specialist alternative for a working Hilux.", "costGBP": [ 30000, 45000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey specialist restomod", "company": "Electric Classic Cars (Newtown, Wales — converts any classic to order) or Relik Electric (conversions £25k-£100k)", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/", "whatYouGet": "Fully engineered bespoke conversion — new OEM-grade battery, uprated brakes/suspension, CCS fast charging, show-level finish and support; the Hilux would be a first-of-type commission for a UK shop.", "costGBP": [ 50000, 100000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "'Luxi' — Tesla-powered 1972 Toyota Hilux", "builder": "John 'Jonny 5' Garcia, J5 Dynamics (Fallbrook, California)", "spec": "2017 Tesla Model S small drive unit + 33kWh BMW i3 pack; 335hp/357lb-ft, 0-60 in 5.5s, 2,777lb; built in 5 months, daily-driven", "url": "https://www.motortopia.com/electrifying-the-past-johnny-5s-1972-toyota-hilux-conversion/" }, { "title": "CMVTE Hilux EV kit development truck", "builder": "CMVTE / Foshan Shunde Green Motor Technology", "spec": "Diesel Hilux stripped and converted with their kit: 70kW (100kW peak) motor to the original gearbox, 35.6kWh 339V LiFePO4; customer truck hit 140km/h (generation of demo truck newer than N30/N40 — kit is adaptable)", "url": "https://cmvte.com/toyota-hilux-ev-conversion-unboxing-the-complete-ev-conversion-kit/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 8000, 22000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/list/0/hilux/" }, { "name": "Autotrader UK (classic section)", "url": "https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/classic/toyota/hilux" }, { "name": "That's Classic (dealer — recently sold a 1980 RN30)", "url": "https://www.thatsclassic.co.uk/for-sale/toyota-hilux-pick-up/" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=toyota+hilux+classic" } ], "conditionNote": "UK-supplied N30/N40s mostly dissolved decades ago — nearly every good one is an import (SE Asia, Portugal, Ireland, or LHD from the US). Check load floor, sills, doors, tailgate and chassis rails for rot/repairs (the 1980 RN30 on Car & Classic had all of these renewed); engine condition is irrelevant since it's coming out, so a tired-drivetrain, solid-body truck is the bargain. Classic-market averages run ~$20-28k (≈£16-22k) for nice ones; rough runners far less." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 30, 40 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 90, 140 ], "note": "A ~1,100kg truck with a load bed is the easy case: 30-40kWh (i3 pack, Leaf modules, or CMVTE's 35.6kWh LiFePO4 twin boxes) sits between the ladder-chassis rails under the bed, with charger/aux up front where the engine was. Keep pack weight modest to preserve the sub-1.3-tonne kerb weight that makes Luxi so quick — leaf springs happily carry it." }, "sources": [ "https://www.motortopia.com/electrifying-the-past-johnny-5s-1972-toyota-hilux-conversion/", "https://cmvte.com/toyota-hilux-conversion-solution/", "https://relikelectric.co.uk/ev-conversion-cost.html", "https://www.classiccarsarena.com/toyota/hilux/sold-archive", "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Classic_Toyota_Hilux_truck_with_leaves.jpg/1280px-Classic_Toyota_Hilux_truck_with_leaves.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 900, "creator": "dave_7", "license": "CC BY 2.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11840253" } } }, { "id": "conv-citroen-ds", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Citroën", "model": "DS", "body": "saloon", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1955–1975", "whyExciting": [ "The DS was a spaceship saddled with a pushrod four Citroën never wanted — electric finally gives the Goddess the silent powertrain her creators intended.", "Conversion actually simplifies the car: the engine-driven hydraulic pump is replaced by an efficient electric C5-based pump, so the magic-carpet ride survives — slightly firmer, arguably better.", "235Nm from zero revs through the original column-shift gearbox: waft off in second in town, downshift for extra regen on B-roads. No carb, no choke, no cough." ], "kit": "DIY salvage-pack build (Self-build with parts from Electric Classic Cars' shop (Hyper9 motors, batteries, components)); Specialist bespoke fit (independent) (Electric Classic Cars, Newtown, Wales (world's largest classic-EV converter, 65+ cars; no published DS price — estimate))", "company": "Self-build with parts from Electric Classic Cars' shop (Hyper9 motors / batteries / components) / Electric Classic Cars", "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/electric-citroen-ds/" ], "donorGBP": [ 12000, 35000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 15000, 90000 ], "totalGBP": [ 27000, 125000 ], "rangeMi": 150, "powerBhp": 120, "difficulty": "hard", "note": "No drop-in kit exists for the DS anywhere (Electrogenic's kits cover Land Rover, Mini, E-Type, Porsche 911, MX-5 — not DS), so every route is bespoke; the chassis cross-member between engine and gearbox and the need to electrically drive the hydropneumatic pump make it genuinely specialist work. Electrogenic doesn't publish fixed DS pricing — the ~£40k figure is Top Gear's (2022, low-voltage spec); expect more in 2026 and for high-voltage/78kWh builds. The discovery hook's '200-mile' claim maps to the 78kWh option (~230mi claimed at 3mi/kWh), not the standard 52kWh car (~140mi). Donor supply is largely LHD European imports; US-market cars are rare and not the sensible source for UK buyers.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Self-build with parts from Electric Classic Cars' shop (Hyper9 motors, batteries, components)", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/collections/kits", "whatYouGet": "A Hyper9 or salvage OEM motor mated to the DS gearbox plus used modules — but YOU must engineer an electric drive for the hydropneumatic pump; no off-the-shelf DS kit exists anywhere.", "costGBP": [ 15000, 30000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Specialist bespoke fit (independent)", "company": "Electric Classic Cars, Newtown, Wales (world's largest classic-EV converter, 65+ cars; no published DS price — estimate)", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/", "whatYouGet": "A commissioned one-off conversion by the Vintage Voltage workshop; motor/battery spec to taste, DS hydraulics solved by the shop rather than you.", "costGBP": [ 30000, 55000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Specialist low-voltage conversion (keeps the gearbox)", "company": "Electrogenic, Kidlington, Oxfordshire", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/electric-citroen-ds/", "whatYouGet": "110V Hyper9 through the original manual box with electric reverse, 52kWh (boot untouched, ~140mi) or 78kWh (~230mi at 3mi/kWh), 22kW AC charging in ~2hrs; Top Gear quoted 'somewhere around £40,000'.", "costGBP": [ 40000, 60000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Turnkey high-voltage restomod", "company": "Electrogenic (bespoke, price on consultation — upper band estimated)", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/electric-citroen-ds/", "whatYouGet": "TorqX-310 350V motor with 2:1 fixed reduction drive (no gears), CCS rapid charging, 62kWh with more battery available in the 'sub boot'; fully reversible, no cutting of the original car.", "costGBP": [ 55000, 90000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Electrogenic 'Golden Goddess' DS 20", "builder": "Electrogenic", "spec": "Hyper9 110V through the original column-shift gearbox / ~50-52kWh / ~140-150mi / 120bhp, 235Nm, 0-60 in 11s — owner daily-drives it and toured France", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/electric-citroen-ds/" }, { "title": "Top Gear magazine drive of the Electrogenic electric DS (Sep 2022)", "builder": "Electrogenic (same car, magazine verdict)", "spec": "'Exactly the DS they would have built were they able' — Paul Horrell; ~£40,000 conversion, 50kWh, 22kW three-phase charging", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/press/top-gear-paul-horrell-citroen-ds/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 12000, 35000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/l/cars/citroen/ds" }, { "name": "eBay UK (Classic Cars)", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Classic-Cars/9801" }, { "name": "Citroen Classics of Staines (DS specialist workshop & parts, occasional sales)", "url": "https://citroenclassics.co.uk/" }, { "name": "LHD imports via French/Dutch classifieds (leboncoin.fr / marktplaats.nl)", "url": null } ], "conditionNote": "Body condition is everything: check sills, floors, boot floor, front chassis legs and the demountable-panel mounting points for rot — the roof is glass fibre but everything under it rusts. A tired engine is irrelevant (it's coming out) but the hydraulics must be sound: green LHM fluid (post-'66), pump, spheres and height correctors, since the conversion reuses the hydropneumatic system with an electric pump. Most donors are LHD European imports — factor ~£1.5-3k for transport/NOVA/registration; Slough-built RHD cars carry a premium. Price band is an estimate — verify against live Car & Classic listings." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 52, 62 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 140, 200 ], "note": "Electrogenic quotes ~3 miles/kWh. 52kWh fits under the rear seat (old fuel-tank space) and above the motor under the long bonnet, leaving boot and cabin untouched; 78kWh eats boot space (~230mi); the 62kWh high-voltage option can add more in the 'sub boot'. The DS is a big, light-ish saloon (~1,300kg) so pack weight roughly replaces engine+fuel — the self-levelling suspension shrugs it off." }, "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/electric-citroen-ds/", "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/press/top-gear-paul-horrell-citroen-ds/", "https://www.topgear.com/car-news/big-reads/driving-restomodded-electric-citroen-ds", "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/about-us/frequently-asked-questions/", "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/collections/kits" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Festival_automobile_international_2011_-_Vente_aux_ench%C3%A8res_-_Citro%C3%ABn_DS_21_Cabriolet_-_1969_-_003.jpg/1280px-Festival_automobile_international_2011_-_Vente_aux_ench%C3%A8res_-_Citro%C3%ABn_DS_21_Cabriolet_-_1969_-_003.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 800, "creator": "Thesupermat", "license": "CC BY-SA 3.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13324504" } } }, { "id": "conv-delorean-dmc-12", "kind": "conversion", "make": "DeLorean", "model": "DMC-12", "body": "coupe", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1981–1983", "whyExciting": [ "Electrogenic's 160kW kit gives 214bhp vs the PRV V6's ~130bhp — 0-60 falls from 10+ seconds to under 5, at unchanged weight (+/-30kg).", "True drop-in: no cutting, welding or drilling — the main pack bolts to the original engine mounts, an aux pack fills the fuel-tank well, luggage space untouched.", "You bin the DMC-12's most failure-prone bits — the ageing K-Jetronic fuel injection, fuel and cooling pipework — the very systems that strand most surviving DeLoreans." ], "kit": "DIY salvage-pack build (Home build using UK component suppliers such as Fellten (modular 21/55kWh battery packs) with a salvage Tesla/Leaf drivetrain); Self-contained drop-in kit, specialist-fitted (Electrogenic (Oxfordshire) — DeLorean DMC-12 conversion kit, fitted at their workshop or via the vetted partner installer network)", "company": "Home build using UK component suppliers such as Fellten (modular 21 / 55kWh battery packs) with a salvage Tesla / Leaf drivetrain / Electrogenic (Oxfordshire) — DeLorean DMC-12 conversion kit", "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/delorean-dmc-12-conversion-kit/" ], "donorGBP": [ 30000, 60000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 20000, 110000 ], "totalGBP": [ 50000, 170000 ], "rangeMi": 150, "powerBhp": 214, "difficulty": "easy", "note": "All donors are LHD US-market imports — budget for import/NOVA admin if sourcing stateside, or pay a premium for a UK-resident car via a specialist like PJ Grady. GBP bands for US routes converted at ~$1.27/£ and flagged as estimates where the vendor doesn't publish prices.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Home build using UK component suppliers such as Fellten (modular 21/55kWh battery packs) with a salvage Tesla/Leaf drivetrain", "url": "https://fellten.com/", "whatYouGet": "A one-off garage build: salvage motor plus off-the-shelf UK battery modules and BMS; no warranty, IVA/insurance notification on you, and precedent exists (Tesla Model 3 motor DMC-12 swaps are documented).", "costGBP": [ 20000, 40000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Self-contained drop-in kit, specialist-fitted", "company": "Electrogenic (Oxfordshire) — DeLorean DMC-12 conversion kit, fitted at their workshop or via the vetted partner installer network", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/delorean-dmc-12-conversion-kit/", "whatYouGet": "160kW/214bhp motor, 42-43kWh OEM-grade pack, 150-mile real-world range, 6.6kW AC + CCS rapid charging, drive modes, launch control, V2L, 2-year warranty; reversible, no cutting or welding — professional installation only.", "costGBP": [ 65000, 85000 ], "difficulty": "easy" }, { "name": "Turnkey Tesla-drivetrain restomod (US only)", "company": "Hoffman EV (Madison, Wisconsin)", "url": "https://hoffmanev.com/delorean", "whatYouGet": "US-only route: Tesla Model 3 Performance drivetrain, 55kWh pack, 200+ mile range, 0-60 in 4.1s, 70kW DC fast charge — price on application (band here is our estimate for comparable US turnkey builds), plus roughly £3k-6k round-trip shipping and UK re-import paperwork (NOVA, 5% import VAT on a 30+ year-old classic).", "costGBP": [ 70000, 110000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Electrogenic DeLorean", "builder": "Electrogenic", "spec": "160kW/214bhp, 43kWh, 150+ mi, 0-60 under 5s — reversible drop-in kit, sold via global installer network from June 2024", "url": "https://electrek.co/2024/06/26/electrogenic-delorean-dmc-12-back-to-the-future-drop-in-ev-conversion-kit/" }, { "title": "Hoffman EV DeLorean", "builder": "Hoffman EV", "spec": "Tesla Model 3 Performance drivetrain, 55kWh, 200+ mi, 0-60 in 4.1s, 70kW CCS fast charge", "url": "https://hoffmanev.com/delorean" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 30000, 60000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "PJ Grady Europe (UK DeLorean specialist, Canvey Island — sales, parts, even RHD builds)", "url": "https://www.pjgrady.co.uk/" }, { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/" }, { "name": "Classic Trader", "url": "https://www.classic-trader.com/" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/" } ], "conditionNote": "Every DMC-12 is a left-hand-drive US-market car — UK stock is all ex-import (PJ Grady can build rare RHD conversions). The stainless skin hides a mild-steel backbone chassis: check the epoxy-coated frame for rot, especially around the fuel tank and suspension mounts. Stainless panel dents can't be filled and resprayed — panel replacement only. Projects surface around £25k-30k; good running cars £45k-65k; concours/low-mile cars can top £100k. Importing from the US adds shipping plus NOVA declaration and 5% import VAT under the 30-year classic rule." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 40, 55 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 120, 180 ], "note": "Electrogenic's 42-43kWh split pack is the packaging template: main pack in the rear engine bay on the original engine mounts, auxiliary pack in the old fuel-tank well up front — luggage space untouched and kerb weight held to +/-30kg of stock. Hoffman's 55kWh Tesla-based build shows the ceiling for range at some extra mass." }, "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/delorean-dmc-12-conversion-kit/", "https://electrek.co/2024/06/26/electrogenic-delorean-dmc-12-back-to-the-future-drop-in-ev-conversion-kit/", "https://www.highmotor.com/en/delorean-dmc-12-ev-future-journey-with-electric-motor.html", "https://hoffmanev.com/delorean", "https://www.pjgrady.co.uk/" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/DeLorean_DMC-12_2023-01_1672937087.jpg/1280px-DeLorean_DMC-12_2023-01_1672937087.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 796, "creator": "Artyom Svetlov", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=143433666" } } }, { "id": "conv-mazda-mx-5-na", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Mazda", "model": "MX-5", "body": "roadster", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1989–1997", "whyExciting": [ "Rip out engine, gearbox, fuel and exhaust; one motor and a single-speed reducer keep the 50:50 balance — and the boot stays untouched.", "160bhp vs the original 116, 0-60 in ~6s, yet only ~100kg heavier on a ~1,100kg car — it still drives like an MX-5.", "Electrogenic's drop-in kit is fully reversible, and the donor is Britain's cheapest genuinely fun classic — solid Mk1s start around £3k." ], "kit": "DIY salvage-pack build (Nissan Leaf drivetrain) (Resolve-EV Leaf kit + open-source OSSEV MX-5e project); EU component kit, self-installed (EVshop.eu Leaf-motor conversion kit)", "company": "Resolve-EV Leaf kit + open-source OSSEV MX-5e project / EVshop.eu Leaf-motor conversion kit / Electrogenic (via approved installer network) / Electrogenic", "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/mazda-mx-5-conversion-kit/" ], "donorGBP": [ 2500, 9000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 8000, 55000 ], "totalGBP": [ 10500, 64000 ], "rangeMi": 150, "powerBhp": 160, "difficulty": "easy", "note": "Electrogenic hasn't published a formal kit price — CEO Steve Drummond told CAR it will be 'upwards of £30,000', fitted only by approved specialists (development/sign-off at Bicester Motion). No US-import angle needed: the kit is UK-developed, and Mk1/Eunos donors are plentiful domestically. NB (Mk2) adaptation is planned but the kit is homologated for the NA first.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build (Nissan Leaf drivetrain)", "company": "Resolve-EV Leaf kit + open-source OSSEV MX-5e project", "url": "https://www.ossev.info/projects/mx5e/index.php", "whatYouGet": "Salvage Leaf motor/inverter (later ZE1 units up to 160kW/215bhp) mated via adapter or reducer, salvage 24-40kWh pack, Resolve-EV controller to run it all — cost band is a typical-spend estimate, no warranty, IVA and DIY wiring on you.", "costGBP": [ 8000, 18000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "EU component kit, self-installed", "company": "EVshop.eu Leaf-motor conversion kit", "url": "https://evshop.eu/en/conversion-kits/288-conversion-kit-based-on-leaf-motor-controller.html", "whatYouGet": "Boxed Leaf-based kit (80/110/160kW motor with PDM, 3.3/6.6kW charger, DC-DC, reductor, driveshafts, BMS) shipped from the EU; battery sourced separately; you fabricate MX-5 mounts and handle post-Brexit import VAT/duty.", "costGBP": [ 12000, 22000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Electrogenic drop-in kit, specialist-fitted", "company": "Electrogenic (via approved installer network)", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/mazda-mx-5-conversion-kit/", "whatYouGet": "The purpose-built NA kit: 120kW/160bhp motor, 42kWh split pack (engine bay + fuel-tank bay), 6.6kW AC + CCS rapid charging, ~150mi range, fully reversible; kit 'upwards of £30,000' per CAR magazine, plus approved-specialist fitting.", "costGBP": [ 30000, 42000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey conversion with Electrogenic sign-off", "company": "Electrogenic, Bicester Motion", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/", "whatYouGet": "Hand your donor over and collect a finished, commissioned car signed off at Bicester Motion, with recommissioning/paint added on top of the kit price — upper band is an estimate as Electrogenic quotes per car.", "costGBP": [ 38000, 55000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Electrogenic Mazda MX-5 demonstrator", "builder": "Electrogenic", "spec": "120kW/160bhp, 228lb-ft, 42kWh, 150+ mi, 0-60 in 6.0s, ~1,100kg — CAR called it 'extremely convincing'", "url": "https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/mazda/electrogenic-mx-5/" }, { "title": "OSSEV MX-5e open-source conversion", "builder": "OSSEV (open-source community project)", "spec": "Documented DIY NA build on a Nissan Leaf motor (ZE1 units up to 160kW/340Nm), full build log published free", "url": "https://www.ossev.info/projects/mx5e/index.php" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 2500, 9000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/list/79/mx5%20mk1/" }, { "name": "MX-5 Owners Club classifieds", "url": "https://mx5oc.co.uk/advert-category/mk1-1989-1997/" }, { "name": "The MX5 Restorer (specialist, sorted cars ~£7k)", "url": "https://themx5restorer.co.uk/cars-for-sale/" }, { "name": "Autotrader UK (search Eunos too)", "url": "https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/used/mazda/eunos" } ], "conditionNote": "Rust is everything: sills, rear wheel arches and chassis rails rot from the inside — lift the carpet and probe the drain holes. Most UK Mk1s are Japanese-import Eunos Roadsters (fine, often better spec); a tired engine is irrelevant since it's coming out, so buy the shell, not the mechanicals." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 24, 42 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 80, 150 ], "note": "Electrogenic's 42kWh splits between the engine bay and the old fuel-tank bay in the rear subframe, preserving 50:50 balance and leaving the boot untouched, at ~+100kg on a ~1,100kg car; DIY Leaf builds typically run 24-40kWh in the same two spots." }, "sources": [ "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/mazda-mx-5-conversion-kit/", "https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/mazda/electrogenic-mx-5/", "https://www.electrive.com/2024/12/06/mazda-mx-5-becomes-an-electric-sports-car-thanks-to-conversion-kit/", "https://www.ossev.info/projects/mx5e/index.php", "https://resolve-ev.com/en-gb/" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/1994_Mazda_MX-5_Eunos_Roadster_1.8.jpg/1280px-1994_Mazda_MX-5_Eunos_Roadster_1.8.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 513, "creator": "Makizox", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61658890" } } }, { "id": "conv-volkswagen-karmann-ghia", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Volkswagen", "model": "Karmann Ghia", "body": "coupe", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1955–1974", "whyExciting": [ "Ghia's Italian couture body finally gets pace to match: swap the wheezy 34–60bhp flat-four for silent instant torque.", "The very first Vintage Voltage build (S1E1, 2020) — TV proved this exact car converts beautifully.", "Air-cooled simplicity means no radiator, no coolant plumbing, no power steering — motor bolts to the stock transaxle via an off-the-shelf adapter." ], "kit": "DIY salvage-pack build (Fellten (formerly Zero EV) components + EV West VW air-cooled adapter); Self-install kit (US import) (EV West — VW Beetle/air-cooled HyPer 9 kit)", "company": "Fellten (formerly Zero EV) components + EV West VW air-cooled adapter / EV West — VW Beetle / air-cooled HyPer 9 kit / Electric Classic Cars (Newtown", "sources": [ "https://thetvdb.com/series/vintage-voltage/seasons/official/1" ], "donorGBP": [ 10000, 30000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 12000, 110000 ], "totalGBP": [ 22000, 140000 ], "rangeMi": 120, "powerBhp": null, "difficulty": "moderate", "note": "No UK firm sells an off-the-shelf Karmann Ghia kit in 2026 — the bolt-in kits (EV West) and turnkey restomods (Zelectric) are American, so budget shipping plus ~10% duty and 20% VAT on top of US prices. UK specialists quote it as a bespoke air-cooled VW job.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Fellten (formerly Zero EV) components + EV West VW air-cooled adapter", "url": "https://shop.fellten.com/", "whatYouGet": "Source your own motor/inverter (e.g. Fellten's £8,580 Inetic unit or a used HyPer9), EV West's $1,395 VW air-cooled transmission adapter, and salvage Leaf/Tesla modules — you do all engineering, wiring and IVA paperwork.", "costGBP": [ 12000, 25000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Self-install kit (US import)", "company": "EV West — VW Beetle/air-cooled HyPer 9 kit", "url": "https://evwest.com/diy-kits", "whatYouGet": "Complete bolt-in NetGain HyPer 9 kit for 1956–77 air-cooled VW floorpan cars (EV West lists Karmann Ghia '58–71 fitment) with regen and battery packs, $22,415 — add trans-Atlantic freight, ~10% duty and 20% import VAT for a realistic UK landed cost.", "costGBP": [ 18000, 26000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "UK specialist fit", "company": "Electric Classic Cars (Newtown, Wales)", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/", "whatYouGet": "The Vintage Voltage shop converts your donor bespoke — their FAQ prices a small sub-100-mile-range car from ~£45k, rising with bigger packs and power (45–650bhp on offer), fully engineered and finished.", "costGBP": [ 45000, 90000 ], "difficulty": "easy" }, { "name": "Turnkey restomod (US)", "company": "Zelectric Motors (San Diego)", "url": "https://www.zelectricmotors.com/", "whatYouGet": "Fully restored-and-electrified Ghia with Tesla battery (~120-mile range), custom 2-speed gearbox and electric heating; pricing on application and built in California, so add shipping, duty and UK registration.", "costGBP": [ 70000, 110000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Vintage Voltage S1E1 Karmann Ghia", "builder": "Electric Classic Cars (Richard 'Moggy' Morgan)", "spec": "The series-opening build, aired 12 March 2020 on Quest/Discovery+ — the car that launched the show", "url": "https://thetvdb.com/series/vintage-voltage/seasons/official/1" }, { "title": "Zelectric Karmann Ghia", "builder": "Zelectric Motors", "spec": "1969 Ghia: Tesla battery pack, ~120-mile range, custom 2-speed gearbox, all-electric heating", "url": "https://www.zelectricmotors.com/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 10000, 30000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Classic Trader", "url": "https://www.classic-trader.com/uk/cars/search?fulltext=karmann+ghia" }, { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/" } ], "conditionNote": "Bodywork is everything — Ghia panels are hand-finished and expensive, so walk away from rot in the nose, heater channels, sills and battery tray; a tired engine is irrelevant since you're binning it. Many solid cars are LHD European/US imports (Classic Trader showed 21 live listings £11.9k–£55k; convertibles carry a big premium)." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 25, 40 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 90, 140 ], "note": "Modules split between the old engine bay at the rear and the front boot to keep the ~800kg car balanced; low-30s kWh is the sweet spot — Zelectric's Tesla-pack Ghia claims ~120 miles. Keep weight modest to preserve the standard torsion-bar suspension and brakes." }, "sources": [ "https://thetvdb.com/series/vintage-voltage/seasons/official/1", "https://evwest.com/diy-kits", "https://www.zelectricmotors.com/", "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/pages/faqs", "https://www.classic-trader.com/uk/cars/search?fulltext=karmann+ghia" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/VW_Typ_14_Karmann-Ghia_Coup%C3%A9.JPG", "width": 1024, "height": 652, "creator": "Thomas doerfer", "license": "CC BY-SA 3.0", "licenseUrl": "http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3498386" } } }, { "id": "conv-volvo-p1800", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Volvo", "model": "P1800", "body": "coupe", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1961–1973", "whyExciting": [ "Electrogenic's P1800 keeps the original 4-speed manual — clutch, lever and all — so it still drives like the Saint's car, only brisker.", "The B18/B20 four, carbs, exhaust and cooling all come out; a compact Hyper9 motor leaves the engine bay tidy and ends the oil-leak ritual.", "Famously over-engineered Swedish shell (the 3-million-mile Irv Gordon car was a P1800) shrugs off pack weight that would upset flimsier sixties coupes." ], "kit": "DIY component/salvage-pack build (Fellten shop (formerly Zero EV, UK) — motors, OEM battery modules, chargers); Specialist fit with recycled OEM parts (London Electric Cars)", "company": "Fellten shop (formerly Zero EV / UK) — motors / OEM battery modules / chargers", "sources": [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCwRIDhTzmI" ], "donorGBP": [ 9000, 35000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 15000, 150000 ], "totalGBP": [ 24000, 185000 ], "rangeMi": null, "powerBhp": null, "difficulty": "moderate", "note": "No off-the-shelf P1800 kit exists — every route is bespoke or component-based. Electrogenic has done the definitive UK build (manual gearbox retained) but publishes no price; the £70k–£150k band is an industry estimate, get a consultation quote. US-import donors are common and sensible for an EV build; budget roughly £2k–£4k for RoRo shipping, import duty/VAT (5% VAT at over-30-years historic rate) and UK registration.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY component/salvage-pack build", "company": "Fellten shop (formerly Zero EV, UK) — motors, OEM battery modules, chargers", "url": "https://shop.fellten.com/", "whatYouGet": "You engineer it yourself: an Inetic or Hyper9-class motor (~£8.6k motor/inverter/VCU), LG/Tesla salvage modules (~£830 each), charger and HV parts — budget engineering hours and IVA-grade wiring on top.", "costGBP": [ 15000, 30000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Specialist fit with recycled OEM parts", "company": "London Electric Cars", "url": "https://www.londonelectriccars.com/", "whatYouGet": "Bespoke fit of recycled Nissan Leaf/OEM drivetrains into your donor; their classic Mini conversions start from £25,000 (20 kWh, 60–70 mi) ex-donor — a P1800 is a comparable one-off commission.", "costGBP": [ 25000, 45000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey bespoke restomod", "company": "Electrogenic (Kidlington, Oxfordshire)", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/bespoke-conversion/", "whatYouGet": "The proven route for this exact car: 'nothing cut, nothing drilled' reversible conversion, Hyper9 motor mated to the original manual gearbox, tuned to your driving style; price on consultation — bespoke builds run well into six figures (band here is an estimate).", "costGBP": [ 70000, 150000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Electrogenic manual-gearbox Volvo P1800", "builder": "Electrogenic (UK)", "spec": "NetGain Hyper9 motor driving the original 4-speed manual; Electrogenic says it 'easily beats the original engine specs'", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCwRIDhTzmI" }, { "title": "Caresto Volvo P1800 EV", "builder": "Caresto (Leif Tufvesson, Sweden)", "spec": "Full strip-down electric rebuild keeping the sleek original body; praised for looks, criticised for limited range (2022)", "url": "https://grandtournation.com/cars/industry-news/volvo-p1800-ev-conversion-oozes-cool-but-fails-on-range/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 9000, 35000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/" }, { "name": "Classic Trader UK", "url": "https://www.classic-trader.com/uk/cars/search/volvo/p-1800" }, { "name": "PistonHeads classifieds", "url": "https://www.pistonheads.com/" } ], "conditionNote": "UK median sale is ~£21k (Classic Valuer: £1.8k projects to £35k+ for the best 1800E/S; the £350k outlier was Cyan's restomod). Rust is the killer — sills, floors, front wings, rear arches; early Jensen-built (1961–63) cars are the most valuable and the most rot-prone, Swedish-built 1800S onwards is better steel. Cheaper LHD US imports (dry-state cars) are plentiful and make ideal conversion donors since matching-numbers engines matter less for an EV." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 30, 45 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 100, 150 ], "note": "Split the pack: modules where the B18/B20 and fuel tank lived (engine bay + boot/spare-wheel well) to keep the ~1,150 kg kerb weight and 50/50-ish balance intact — the sturdy Swedish shell tolerates the extra mass, but keep it near-original for the standard drums/discs to cope. Range band is our estimate for a small, slippery coupe at this pack size." }, "sources": [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCwRIDhTzmI", "https://grandtournation.com/cars/industry-news/volvo-p1800-ev-conversion-oozes-cool-but-fails-on-range/", "https://www.theclassicvaluer.com/cars/volvo/p1800", "https://evpowered.co.uk/news/london-electric-cars-launches-brand-new-electric-classic-mini/", "https://shop.fellten.com/" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/Volvo_P1800_Amazon_%281966%29_-_Flickr_-_FaceMePLS.jpg", "width": 1024, "height": 680, "creator": "FaceMePLS from The Hague, The Netherlands", "license": "CC BY 2.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19310777" } } }, { "id": "conv-bmw-2002-02-series", "kind": "conversion", "make": "BMW", "model": "2002 / '02 Series", "body": "saloon", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1966–1977", "whyExciting": [ "At ~990kg with near-50/50 balance, a modest 30–45kWh pack keeps the '02 lighter than most hot hatches — the chassis needs no reinvention.", "One electric motor replaces the M10 engine, carbs, exhaust and fuel system — the parts that make 50-year-old '02s temperamental — while the EV West adapter keeps the original gearbox if you want it.", "There's real precedent: Electric Classic Cars turned a shell of a 1602 into an electric 2002 Turbo homage on Vintage Voltage, and Munich's Bavarian Econs now builds Tesla-motored 2002s as a product." ], "kit": "DIY salvage-pack build (EV West E10 adapter + used Leaf/Tesla modules); Self-sourced component kit (NetGain Hyper9 kit via EV West + Fellten battery pack)", "company": "EV West E10 adapter + used Leaf / Tesla modules / NetGain Hyper9 kit via EV West + Fellten battery pack / Electric Classic Cars (Wales)", "sources": [ "https://thetvdb.com/series/vintage-voltage/allseasons/official" ], "donorGBP": [ 8000, 25000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 12000, 130000 ], "totalGBP": [ 20000, 155000 ], "rangeMi": 124, "powerBhp": 178, "difficulty": "moderate", "note": "No full bolt-in UK kit exists yet — the ecosystem is a US-made E10 adapter plus universal components, one proven UK specialist build (ECC's Vintage Voltage 1602) and a German turnkey house (Bavarian Econs). Fitting historical footnote: BMW itself built electric 1602e support cars for the 1972 Munich Olympics, so an electric '02 has factory heritage.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "EV West E10 adapter + used Leaf/Tesla modules", "url": "https://evwest.com/evw-ta-e10-ev-west-bmw-e10-1602-2002-billet-aluminum-transmission-adapter-701", "whatYouGet": "You engineer it yourself around EV West's $1,495 billet BMW E10 1602/2002 transmission adapter (fits Hyper9/HPEVS/9-inch motors) plus salvage battery modules — the adapter ships from the US, so add ~20% UK import duty/VAT and freight.", "costGBP": [ 12000, 20000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Self-sourced component kit", "company": "NetGain Hyper9 kit via EV West + Fellten battery pack", "url": "https://evwest.com/diy-kits", "whatYouGet": "EV West's universal NetGain Hyper9 kit ($6,174–$6,434) mated through their E10 adapter, paired with a new UK-built Fellten universal battery pack (21–55kWh, shop.fellten.com) — new warrantied components, but integration, wiring and IVA-friendly install are on you or your local workshop.", "costGBP": [ 20000, 35000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "UK specialist fit", "company": "Electric Classic Cars (Wales)", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/", "whatYouGet": "The firm that built the Vintage Voltage BMW 1602 (S1E9) converts your donor professionally — motor, pack, charging and commissioning done for you; they no longer publish menu pricing, so budget on their bespoke-conversion scale and expect a waiting list.", "costGBP": [ 35000, 70000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey restomod", "company": "Bavarian Econs (Munich)", "url": "https://bavarianecons.com/models", "whatYouGet": "A commissioned, fully restored 2002te (133kW/33kWh/200km, 6.2s 0-100) or wide-body 2002 Turbo e (184kW/45kWh, 4.5s) — a finished German-built product; pricing is on-application and you're importing a complete car into the UK.", "costGBP": [ 70000, 130000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Vintage Voltage BMW 1602 (electric 2002 Turbo homage)", "builder": "Electric Classic Cars / Richard 'Moggy' Morgan", "spec": "Bare shell restored then converted on Quest TV's Vintage Voltage S1E9 as an EV homage to the 2002 Turbo", "url": "https://thetvdb.com/series/vintage-voltage/allseasons/official" }, { "title": "Bavarian Econs '2002te' (1972 BMW 2002, Golf Yellow)", "builder": "Bavarian Econs, Munich", "spec": "Tesla Model S motor 178bhp / 33kWh BMW i3 pack / ~124mi range / 0-62 in 6.2s at ~1,090kg; auctioned on Bring a Trailer Nov 2025", "url": "https://www.carscoops.com/2025/11/this-classic-bmw-coupe-swapped-its-soul-for-a-tesla-motor/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 8000, 25000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com/car/make/bmw/model/2002" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=bmw+2002" }, { "name": "PistonHeads classifieds", "url": "https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/bmw/2002" }, { "name": "The Classic Valuer (price reference)", "url": "https://www.theclassicvaluer.com/cars/bmw/2002" } ], "conditionNote": "Rust is the killer: check front wings, sills, rear shock towers, boot floor and around the fuel tank — a sound shell matters far more than the engine, which you're removing anyway. Median auction price is ~£18k with projects from well under £10k; dry-state US imports (LHD, often rust-free) are a smart EV-donor angle since matching-numbers originality stops mattering." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 30, 45 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 100, 140 ], "note": "Proven packaging (Bavarian Econs) splits a 33–45kWh pack between the engine bay and the boot/fuel-tank well, keeping the converted car around 1,100–1,200kg — only ~100–200kg over stock — so the '02's famous balance survives; bigger packs eat boot space and dull the chassis." }, "sources": [ "https://thetvdb.com/series/vintage-voltage/allseasons/official", "https://bavarianecons.com/models", "https://www.carscoops.com/2025/11/this-classic-bmw-coupe-swapped-its-soul-for-a-tesla-motor/", "https://evwest.com/evw-ta-e10-ev-west-bmw-e10-1602-2002-billet-aluminum-transmission-adapter-701", "https://www.theclassicvaluer.com/cars/bmw/2002" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/1972-BMW-2002.jpg/1280px-1972-BMW-2002.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 690, "creator": "Liftarn", "license": "CC BY-SA 3.0", "licenseUrl": "http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1014643" } } }, { "id": "conv-bentley-t-series-rolls-royce-silver-shadow", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Bentley", "model": "T-Series / Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow", "body": "saloon", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1965–1980", "whyExciting": [ "Rip out the 6.75-litre V8 and its maze of carbs and ancillaries — one silent motor finally delivers the total hush Crewe always chased.", "Cheapest ticket into Rolls/Bentley ownership: solid donors from ~£10k, while Halcyon proves the electric Shadow platform at £400k+.", "London Electric Cars built the world's first electric classic Bentley (a 1961 S2 Continental) on upcycled Nissan Leaf parts — waft for a fraction of restomod money." ], "kit": "DIY salvage-pack build (Second-hand Nissan Leaf/Tesla drivetrain + open-market EV components (e.g. Fellten parts)); Budget specialist fit (London Electric Cars)", "company": "Second-hand Nissan Leaf / Tesla drivetrain + open-market EV components (e.g. Fellten parts) / London Electric Cars / Electrogenic", "sources": [ "https://www.halcyon.works/cars" ], "donorGBP": [ 8000, 30000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 15000, 500000 ], "totalGBP": [ 23000, 530000 ], "rangeMi": 250, "powerBhp": 500, "difficulty": "hard", "note": "No off-the-shelf kit exists — every route is bespoke. Verify company health before paying deposits: Lunaz halted operations in March 2024 before restarting under a new structure, and London Electric Cars' website was unreachable in July 2026. Halcyon (GU3, Surrey) targets first Genesis Series deliveries in 2026; US-quoted $570k converts to roughly £445k, consistent with UK '£400k+' coverage.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "DIY salvage-pack build", "company": "Second-hand Nissan Leaf/Tesla drivetrain + open-market EV components (e.g. Fellten parts)", "url": "https://fellten.com", "whatYouGet": "A garage-built conversion using a breaker's-yard Leaf or Tesla motor and pack — the Shadow's cavernous engine bay helps, but you must keep its high-pressure brake hydraulics alive with an electric pump; no bolt-in kit exists for this car.", "costGBP": [ 15000, 35000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Budget specialist fit", "company": "London Electric Cars", "url": null, "whatYouGet": "The firm that built the first electric Bentley T2, using upcycled Nissan Leaf motors/batteries; smaller cars start ~£35k so budget more for a 2.1-tonne Shadow — website was unreachable in July 2026, so confirm trading status before commissioning.", "costGBP": [ 40000, 80000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Bespoke specialist conversion", "company": "Electrogenic", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/rolls-royce-silver-shadow/", "whatYouGet": "Oxford-based Electrogenic lists a bespoke Silver Shadow programme (160kW/470Nm motor, minimal-intervention brief, 'quietest Rolls-Royce in the UK'); price on application — large-car bespoke builds sit well into six figures of pence per mile saved.", "costGBP": [ 80000, 150000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey remastered EV", "company": "Halcyon (formerly Evice), Guildford; Lunaz (Silverstone) for other Crewe classics", "url": "https://www.halcyon.works/cars", "whatYouGet": "Halcyon's Genesis Series remasters the Silver Shadow, Bentley T-Series and Corniche with 800V architecture, up to 500hp and a claimed 250-mile range over a 5,000-hour build — ~£400k+ (US press quotes $570k); Lunaz quotes from £350k for electrified Rolls-Royces but paused and restructured in 2024.", "costGBP": [ 350000, 500000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "Halcyon Genesis Series Rolls-Royce (Silver Shadow/Corniche)", "builder": "Halcyon (formerly Evice Technologies), Surrey", "spec": "800V architecture, up to 500hp, ~250mi claimed, 77kWh reported, ~£400k+/$570k; 12–15 cars over four years, from £420k ex-donor (Auto Express), ex-F1 engineers", "url": "https://www.halcyon.works/cars" }, { "title": "First electric classic Bentley (1961 S2 Continental)", "builder": "London Electric Cars, London", "spec": "Upcycled Nissan Leaf motor and battery; seen charging in Belgrave Square and covered as a landmark budget-ethos conversion", "url": null }, { "title": "EV Europe Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow", "builder": "EV Europe (Netherlands)", "spec": "180kW Zonic powertrain, 350VDC system with CCS2 fast charging", "url": "https://eveurope.eu/en/ev-projecten/rolls-royce-silver-shadow/" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 8000, 30000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk" }, { "name": "Autotrader UK", "url": "https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/used/rolls-royce/silver-shadow" }, { "name": "Hanwells of London (Rolls/Bentley specialist)", "url": "https://hanwells.net" } ], "conditionNote": "UK market data shows £14k–£45k for running cars (median ~£20k); scruffy runners from ~£8k. Rust kills them: sills, rear subframe mounts, wheelarches, boot floor. The engine-driven high-pressure hydraulics (brakes + self-levelling) must be kept alive electrically post-conversion, so a healthy system is worth paying for. Bentley T-Series (~2,280 T2s built) carries a rarity premium over the identical Shadow. Plentiful RHD cars in the UK — no import needed." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 40, 77 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 120, 250 ], "note": "The void left by the 6.75L V8 and GM400 gearbox swallows most of the pack, with the balance under the boot floor. Kerb weight is already ~2.1 tonnes, so keep pack weight near the ~400kg of removed drivetrain; Halcyon's production car uses a reported 77kWh for a claimed 250 miles." }, "sources": [ "https://www.halcyon.works/cars", "https://www.drivingelectric.com/electric/1819/electric-classic-cars-costs-companies-and-conversions", "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/bespoke/car-conversions/rolls-royce-silver-shadow/", "https://impakter.com/london-electric-cars-converting-classic-cars-into-modern-evs/", "https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/rolls-royce/367691/his-masters-royce-music-stars-favourite-car-reborn-beautiful-ev" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/1980_Bentley_T2_Saloon_%2832711426730%29.jpg/1280px-1980_Bentley_T2_Saloon_%2832711426730%29.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 800, "creator": "Sicnag", "license": "CC BY 2.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64094126" } } }, { "id": "conv-volkswagen-golf-mk1", "kind": "conversion", "make": "Volkswagen", "model": "Golf Mk1", "body": "hatch", "featured": false, "conversion": { "era": "1974–1983", "whyExciting": [ "At roughly 850kg the Mk1 Golf is featherweight: even a modest 25-30kWh pack delivers GTI-humbling shove and genuinely usable range.", "Electrifying deletes the fiddliest Mk1 jobs — ageing carbs/K-Jetronic, points and exhausts — while the simple strut front end and huge parts supply stay untouched.", "The UK Mk1 scene is enormous, every panel is remade, and a UK restorer (Type 19 Limited) is launching a dedicated Mk1 Golf EV conversion service." ], "kit": "Self-install EU kit (import) (EV Evolution (Zagreb, Croatia)); DIY salvage-pack / component build (Fellten shop (formerly Zero EV, UK) + salvage Leaf/Tesla parts)", "company": "EV Evolution (Zagreb / Croatia) / Fellten shop (formerly Zero EV / UK) + salvage Leaf", "sources": [ "https://type19.co.uk/vw-mk1-golf-ev-electric-vehicle-conversion/" ], "donorGBP": [ 3500, 15000 ], "conversionGBP": [ 5200, 90000 ], "totalGBP": [ 8700, 105000 ], "rangeMi": 120, "powerBhp": null, "difficulty": "moderate", "note": "Type 19 Limited's dedicated Mk1 Golf EV service is real but still pre-launch: the page invites registrations of interest with pricing TBC, so the specialist-fit band is a market estimate. The only model-specific kit (EV Evolution) is Croatian — factor EU shipping, UK import VAT and IVA/DVLA re-registration. EUR prices converted at ~€1 = £0.86.", "detail": { "routes": [ { "name": "Self-install EU kit (import)", "company": "EV Evolution (Zagreb, Croatia)", "url": "https://ev-evolution.eu/solution/volkswagen-golf-ev-conversion-kit/", "whatYouGet": "A dedicated Golf conversion kit in three tiers — City (€5,999, 12kWh+ LiFePO4, ~60mi), Long Range (€7,499, 18kWh+, ~124mi) and Performance (€10,000+, up to 90kWh) — with motor, controller, battery, charger, mounts and a 1-year warranty; it's an EU product, so budget post-Brexit shipping, import VAT and a UK IVA/DVLA registration on top.", "costGBP": [ 5200, 12000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "DIY salvage-pack / component build", "company": "Fellten shop (formerly Zero EV, UK) + salvage Leaf/Tesla parts", "url": "https://shop.fellten.com/", "whatYouGet": "You engineer it yourself from UK-stocked components — e.g. IEV180 motor/inverter/VCU kits at £8,580, Tesla gearsets from £100, battery modules ~£833 each — plus salvage Nissan Leaf/Tesla modules from breakers; cheapest path to a proper OEM-cell build but you own all the fabrication, BMS and IVA work.", "costGBP": [ 8000, 18000 ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Specialist fit (dedicated Mk1 Golf service)", "company": "Type 19 Limited (Lancaster) / Retroelectrics (UK)", "url": "https://type19.co.uk/vw-mk1-golf-ev-electric-vehicle-conversion/", "whatYouGet": "Type 19, a Mk1/Mk2 Golf restoration house, is taking register-your-interest orders for its Mk1 Golf five-door EV conversion (pricing still TBC as of mid-2026); quote-based UK converters like Retroelectrics use Tesla batteries and cite ~150 miles for smaller cars — the band shown reflects typical UK specialist-fit money, not a published Type 19 price.", "costGBP": [ 30000, 50000 ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "Turnkey bespoke restomod", "company": "Electrogenic (UK)", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/", "whatYouGet": "A fully engineered one-off from Electrogenic's bespoke division at their UK HQ — they haven't showcased a Golf (portfolio is E-Types, Minis, DeLoreans, Land Rovers) and don't publish prices, so treat this as a quote-based commission at typical UK bespoke-restomod money.", "costGBP": [ 50000, 90000 ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "notableBuilds": [ { "title": "EV Evolution restored Mk1 Golf EV", "builder": "EV Evolution (Zagreb)", "spec": "Full restoration + in-house LiFePO4 kit conversion; their Long Range spec claims ~200km (124mi) from an 18kWh+ pack", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD5IGi-ylio" }, { "title": "Grandfather-built 1992 Golf Mk1 EV (Brix)", "builder": "Homebuilt (family build, documented on the Brix YouTube channel)", "spec": "Pioneer home conversion completed in 1992, preserved and bought back by the builder's family — proof of how long a well-done Mk1 EV lasts", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYRzF0L5fD4" } ], "donor": { "typicalGBP": [ 3500, 15000 ], "whereToBuy": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com" }, { "name": "eBay UK", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk" }, { "name": "Mk1 Golf Owners Club classifieds", "url": "https://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk" }, { "name": "PistonHeads classifieds", "url": "https://www.pistonheads.com" } ], "conditionNote": "Rust is the killer, not mechanicals (which you're binning anyway): check inner front wings up to the windscreen base, sills, arches and valances, and the under-dash fusebox for damp. Restoration-grade cars from ~£4k make ideal donors; don't convert a £26-32k show-condition GTI — buy a solid base 1.1/1.3/1.6 or tired GTI instead. LHD European imports widen the pool cheaply." }, "battery": { "suggestedKwh": [ 20, 32 ], "expectRangeMi": [ 80, 150 ], "note": "In an ~850kg hatch, efficiency is superb, so 20-32kWh does real work. Typical packaging splits the pack between the engine bay (over the motor) and the boot floor/spare-wheel well to keep near-stock weight balance; keep total pack weight modest or you'll spoil the Mk1's darty feel and need suspension uprating." }, "sources": [ "https://type19.co.uk/vw-mk1-golf-ev-electric-vehicle-conversion/", "https://ev-evolution.eu/solution/volkswagen-golf-ev-conversion-kit/", "https://www.classicandsportscar.com/features/buyers-guide-volkswagen-golf-gti-mk1", "https://shop.fellten.com/", "https://www.retroelectrics.co.uk/conversions" ] }, "image": { "src": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/Volkswagen_Golf_I_%281982%29_1X7A0128.jpg/1280px-Volkswagen_Golf_I_%281982%29_1X7A0128.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 801, "creator": "Alexander Migl", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "licenseUrl": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0", "sourcePage": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=117284918" } } } ] } ], "batteryGuide": { "answer": { "headline": "Yes — used Tesla modules have roughly halved: ~£84/kWh in the UK today (Second Life EV Batteries, £445 per 5.3kWh Model S module) vs ~£200-230/kWh in 2020-21; a ~30kWh conversion battery now runs ~£1,700 (salvage Leaf) to ~£13k (new warranted pack).", "detail": "Verified July 2026 numbers. UK dismantler-retail for used Tesla Model S 5.3kWh modules is £445 each (£84/kWh) at Second Life EV Batteries; EU classifieds run €380-650/module and €90-140/kWh in Germany/NL, €70-115 in Eastern EU (BMS-EV 2026 buyer's guide). Compare EV West (US), which still lists the same module at $1,380 (was $1,580) — ~$260/kWh, i.e. ~£200/kWh at ~$1.28/£ — close to what everyone paid in 2020-21, so the cheapening is a UK/EU salvage-supply story, and US import is now pointless: HazMat/UN3480 Class 9 freight, ADR-certified carriage only (€250-700 in-EU, fines €2,000-5,000 for skipping), plus UK VAT and duty erase any saving. Drivers of the fall: (1) salvage supply — the UK's biggest dismantlers have industrialised EV write-off processing (SYNETIQ/LKQ joint venture 2025, Altilium battery partnership; Charles Trent likewise), so packs that were rare in 2021 are commodity now; (2) new-cell price collapse — BNEF's Dec 2025 survey: average pack $108/kWh (-8% YoY), LFP packs averaging $81/kWh, stationary-storage packs $70/kWh, cheapest LFP cells $36/kWh — new LFP under ~£60/kWh caps what anyone will pay for tired second-hand NCA; (3) grid/home-storage demand, which propped up second-life prices in 2022-24, is now being served more cheaply by new LFP, pushing salvage values down further. Practical read for a classic conversion: budget route is a salvage Leaf/VW-ID pack (£40-75/kWh) if you can live with the CAN/BMS integration; used Tesla modules (£70-120/kWh) give the best energy density for small classics but are the most DIY-risky (NCA fire behaviour, no pack-level BMS, degradation fraud — demand cell-level voltage data, <50mV spread, capacity report); the warranted grown-up route is Fellten (new CALB-based modules from ~£101/kWh on clearance to ~£244/kWh, complete engineered packs POA, typically several hundred £/kWh built) or a full Electrogenic kit (£15k+VAT). Insurance and post-conversion IVA testing are materially easier with a documented, warranted pack than with eBay salvage. FX used: ~$1.28/£, ~€1.17/£.", "points": [ "Used Tesla Model S 5.3kWh modules are ~£445 each (£84/kWh) at Second Life EV Batteries UK — down from ~£210/kWh in 2020-21. EU classifieds run €90-140/kWh.", "Importing from the US is now pointless: EV West still lists the same module at ~£200/kWh, and HazMat/UN3480 freight plus UK VAT and duty erase any saving.", "Why prices fell: UK dismantlers industrialised EV write-off processing (SYNETIQ/LKQ, Charles Trent), so once-rare packs are commodity now.", "New cells collapsed too — BNEF Dec 2025: average new pack $108/kWh, LFP packs $81, cheapest LFP cells $36 — new LFP under ~£60/kWh caps what anyone pays for tired second-hand Tesla.", "Budget route: a salvage Nissan Leaf or VW-ID pack at £40-75/kWh if you can live with the CAN/BMS integration.", "Best density for small classics: used Tesla modules (£70-120/kWh) — but the most DIY-risky; the warranted grown-up route is Fellten or a full Electrogenic kit, and insurance/IVA are far easier with a documented pack." ] }, "routes": [ { "name": "Used Tesla modules (salvage, via UK dismantler-retailers)", "what": "Model S/X 5.3kWh 18650 NCA modules pulled from written-off cars, sold individually or in bundles; you build the box, BMS and cooling. £445/module (£84/kWh) verified at Second Life EV Batteries July 2026; EU classifieds €380-650/module (€90-140/kWh); US route (EV West $1,380/module ≈ £200/kWh + HazMat freight + VAT/duty) no longer makes sense.", "perKwhGBP": [ 70, 120 ], "packCostGBP": [ 2400, 3600 ], "bestFor": "Small classics where energy density and packaging matter (Mini, MG, Beetle) and the builder is HV-competent", "watchOut": "NCA chemistry burns hard; modules have no pack BMS (add EMUS/Orion + slave boards, ~£500-1,000 extra); degradation fraud is real — demand cell-level voltage data (<50mV spread) and a capacity report, reject under ~4.7kWh; UN3480 Class 9 transport rules apply; insurers and the IVA inspector will ask how it's fused, contactored and enclosed.", "suppliers": [ { "name": "Second Life EV Batteries Ltd (Christchurch, UK)", "url": "https://www.secondlife-evbatteries.com/collections/ev-battery/Module" }, { "name": "EV West (US — reference price, import impractical)", "url": "https://evwest.com/tesla-model-s-lithium-ion-battery-18650-ev-module-22-8-volt-5-3-kwh" }, { "name": "EU classifieds/dismantlers (per BMS-EV 2026 guide)", "url": "https://bms-ev.com/en/2026/05/08/source-used-tesla-battery-modules-europe-buyers-guide/" } ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Salvage OEM pack — Nissan Leaf / VW ID / i3 (budget route)", "what": "Complete donor pack or modules from a written-off EV: Leaf Gen4 modules run ~£72/kWh (about £1,700 for 24kWh bare) and VW ID modules ~£85/kWh at Second Life EV Batteries; whole packs also surface via breaker networks (1st Choice Spares) and salvage auctions (SYNETIQ/LKQ, Charles Trent).", "perKwhGBP": [ 40, 75 ], "packCostGBP": [ 1700, 2600 ], "bestFor": "Cheapest real-world route; Leaf packs are air-cooled, passively safe LMO/NMC and well documented by the conversion community", "watchOut": "Leaf packs degrade fast (no thermal management) — check SoH/bars before buying; retaining the OEM BMS means CAN reverse-engineering (open-source tools exist for Leaf); pack shapes rarely fit a classic floorpan without splitting the pack, which voids the 'keep OEM BMS' shortcut; buy from a dismantler with a returns policy, not a bare auction lot.", "suppliers": [ { "name": "Second Life EV Batteries Ltd", "url": "https://www.secondlife-evbatteries.com/collections/ev-battery/Module" }, { "name": "1st Choice Spares (UK breaker network)", "url": "https://www.1stchoice.co.uk/car-parts/nissan/leaf/battery" }, { "name": "SYNETIQ / LKQ SYNETIQ salvage auctions", "url": "https://www.synetiq.co.uk/electric-and-hybrid-salvage-vehicles/" }, { "name": "Charles Trent", "url": "https://www.trents.co.uk/" } ], "difficulty": "moderate" }, { "name": "New OEM-grade conversion pack/modules — Fellten (the warranted route)", "what": "New CALB LFP/NMC modules and fully engineered, enclosed conversion packs with BMS, contactors and HV wiring pre-built, designed for IVA-able classic conversions. Verified shop prices July 2026: CALB 8S2P 6.67kWh £675 (£101/kWh, clearance), 4S3P 2.55kWh £621 (£244/kWh), 6S2P 2.35kWh £542; complete packs quoted per project (POA) — budget several hundred £/kWh installed.", "perKwhGBP": [ 250, 450 ], "packCostGBP": [ 7500, 13500 ], "bestFor": "Anyone who wants a warranty, documentation for insurers/IVA, and a pack that was engineered rather than improvised — the professional-converter default", "watchOut": "3-5x the salvage price; complete-pack pricing is quote-only so the £/kWh band above blends verified module prices with typical built-pack costs — get a written quote; clearance module prices (£101/kWh) exclude enclosure, BMS integration and labour; 1-year limited warranty on Fellten kit components.", "suppliers": [ { "name": "Fellten (Bristol, UK) — shop", "url": "https://shop.fellten.com/shop/category/battery-pack-2" }, { "name": "Fellten — battery packs", "url": "https://www.fellten.com/battery-packs" } ], "difficulty": "easy" }, { "name": "New LFP cells (EVE/CATL prismatics via resellers) — DIY pack build", "what": "Grade-A EVE LF280K-class 3.2V/280Ah prismatic cells (0.9kWh each): $66-74/cell from EU-stock resellers (GobelPower) = ~£52-62/kWh at $1.28/£; UK resellers (Fogstar, Stafford) stock the same cells at a modest premium. You add BMS, compression, busbars, contactors, fusing and an enclosure.", "perKwhGBP": [ 55, 110 ], "packCostGBP": [ 2000, 3500 ], "bestFor": "Builders who want NEW cells with 6,000-8,000-cycle life at near-salvage prices and a low-voltage-per-cell, safer LFP chemistry", "watchOut": "Cell price is not pack price — BMS, boxing and HV bits add £500-1,500; LFP is ~40% bulkier/heavier per kWh than Tesla NCA, a real problem in a small classic; grade-B cells masquerading as grade-A are endemic — buy from resellers with QR-verifiable cells and returns; self-built pack means the IVA/insurance burden of proof is entirely on you.", "suppliers": [ { "name": "Fogstar (UK)", "url": "https://www.fogstar.co.uk/products/eve-lifepo4-280ah-prismatic-cell" }, { "name": "GobelPower (EU stock, prices verified)", "url": "https://www.gobelpower.com/ev-grade-a-eve-32v-280ah-rechargeable-lifepo4-battery-cell_p102.html" } ], "difficulty": "hard" }, { "name": "Turnkey kit with battery included (Electrogenic / Fellten kits)", "what": "Complete bolt-in conversion kit — motor, inverter, charger AND battery — e.g. Electrogenic's 20kWh Classic Mini kit at £21,500+VAT (~80mi). Per-kWh figures here are effective whole-kit numbers, not battery-only, since the battery is bundled with the entire drivetrain.", "perKwhGBP": [ 700, 1300 ], "packCostGBP": [ 21500, 26000 ], "bestFor": "First-time converters who value a supported, insurer-friendly, pre-engineered package over cost; resale values hold better with documented kits", "watchOut": "You're paying drivetrain + engineering + support, so £/kWh comparison flatters the other routes; kit batteries are typically 20-40kWh so range is modest; check exactly what's excluded (installation, IVA test fees, charging hardware) — quoted prices are ex-VAT and ex-fitting.", "suppliers": [ { "name": "Electrogenic (UK) — Classic Mini kit £15k+VAT", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/mini-kit/" }, { "name": "Fellten — Mini Cooper conversion system", "url": "https://fellten.com/mini/" } ], "difficulty": "easy" } ], "trend": { "thenPerKwh": 210, "nowPerKwh": 84, "thenYear": 2021, "note": "Same physical part: a used Tesla Model S 5.3kWh module was ~£210/kWh in 2020-21 and is ~£84/kWh in the UK now. New LFP under ~£60/kWh keeps pushing second-hand values down." }, "sources": [ "https://www.secondlife-evbatteries.com/collections/ev-battery/Module", "https://bms-ev.com/en/2026/05/08/source-used-tesla-battery-modules-europe-buyers-guide/", "https://evwest.com/tesla-model-s-lithium-ion-battery-18650-ev-module-22-8-volt-5-3-kwh", "https://about.bnef.com/insights/clean-transport/lithium-ion-battery-pack-prices-fall-to-108-per-kilowatt-hour-despite-rising-metal-prices-bloombergnef/", "https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/09/global-lithium-ion-battery-pack-prices-fall-to-108-kwh-says-bnef/", "https://shop.fellten.com/shop/category/battery-pack-2", "https://www.fellten.com/battery-packs", "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/kits/conversion-kits/mini-kit/", "https://theevpros.com/blog/nissan-leaf-battery-replacement-uk", "https://www.1stchoice.co.uk/car-parts/nissan/leaf/battery", "https://www.gobelpower.com/ev-grade-a-eve-32v-280ah-rechargeable-lifepo4-battery-cell_p102.html", "https://www.fogstar.co.uk/products/eve-lifepo4-280ah-prismatic-cell", "https://www.synetiq.co.uk/electric-and-hybrid-salvage-vehicles/", "https://www.trents.co.uk/", "https://autotechinsight.spglobal.com/news/5274422/altilium-partners-synetiq-to-establish-closed-loop-ev-battery-supply-chain-in-the-uk" ] }, "masterclass": { "chapters": [ { "slug": "donor", "title": "Choose your donor", "deck": "The shell is the car — pick one structurally sound, not mechanically perfect.", "points": [ "Pick a light, aerodynamic classic; range comes from low weight, not brute battery.", "Body and chassis condition matter most — the drivetrain is coming out anyway.", "Kit-supported donors: Mini, Beetle, E-Type, Defender, Porsche 356, DeLorean.", "Rust in the shell, not a tired engine, is the real hidden cost." ], "stats": [ { "label": "Off-the-shelf kit donors (Electrogenic)", "value": "6+ models" } ], "watchOut": "Keeping the original shell and chassis is what lets the car retain its identity and plate — avoid a rot-box." }, { "slug": "route", "title": "Pick your build route", "deck": "Four paths, from spanners-in-shed to hand-the-keys-to-a-specialist.", "points": [ "Full DIY: source every component yourself — cheapest, hardest, you own the safety sign-off.", "Component kit (NetGain Hyper9 plus controller) — proven parts, you do the install.", "Model-specific drop-in kit engineered for one car (Electrogenic), fitted at partner centres.", "Turnkey specialist: VCU software, safety architecture, warranty — highest cost, lowest risk.", "OEM EV drivetrains aren't designed for retrofit — expect bespoke mounts and control." ], "stats": [ { "label": "DIY entry cost (2021 reference)", "value": "from ~£6,000" }, { "label": "Hyper9 motor + controller kit (EV West)", "value": "$5,400" } ], "watchOut": "Cheap DIY quotes leave out the pricey bits — battery, charger, and safety sign-off." }, { "slug": "motor", "title": "Choose the drivetrain", "deck": "Keep the gearbox for simplicity, or fit a single-speed unit for elegance.", "points": [ "Keep the gearbox: motor bolts to the bellhousing, retaining clutch and existing ratios.", "Single-speed reduction with integrated diff — simpler and lighter (Swindon E-Transmission, Electrogenic helical reduction).", "NetGain Hyper9: popular bolt-in AC motor for lighter classics.", "Swindon HPDE crate powertrain packs a compact ~80 kW into a tidy install.", "Salvaged OEM drive units (e.g. Tesla) give big power but need custom mounts and control." ], "stats": [ { "label": "Swindon HPDE crate powertrain", "value": "~80 kW class" }, { "label": "Electrogenic motor voltage range", "value": "110–450 V" } ], "watchOut": "A single-speed unit is cleaner but needs the right final-drive ratio for your target speed." }, { "slug": "battery", "title": "Size the battery", "deck": "The heaviest, priciest part — it sets your range, weight, and balance.", "points": [ "Size kWh to target range against a weight budget; more cells means more mass.", "LiFePO4: safer with long cycle life; NMC/Li-ion: higher energy density.", "Split the pack — original engine bay plus boot or tunnel — to balance weight.", "Source modules from manufacturers; custom packs run roughly 21–61 kWh." ], "stats": [ { "label": "Custom pack capacity (Fellten)", "value": "21–61 kWh" }, { "label": "LiFePO4 vs lead-acid cycle life", "value": "3,000 vs 300" } ], "watchOut": "Decide pack location before buying — it dictates weight distribution and handling." }, { "slug": "assembly", "title": "Build the system", "deck": "Ten subsystems that must talk to each other safely at high voltage.", "points": [ "Core kit: pack, BMS, controller, motor, charger, DC-DC, contactor/HV box, throttle, cooling, harness.", "BMS monitors and balances every cell — the pack's brain and safety net.", "DC-DC converter replaces the alternator, feeding the 12 V systems.", "Thermal management, air or liquid, keeps motor and pack in range.", "HV wiring runs up to 450 V — correct fusing, contactors, and insulation are mandatory." ], "stats": [ { "label": "Core subsystems to integrate", "value": "10 systems" }, { "label": "Max system voltage (Electrogenic)", "value": "up to 450 V" } ], "watchOut": "HV work at 450 V DC is not hobby-grade — get qualified hands on the electrical build." }, { "slug": "legal", "title": "Make it road-legal", "deck": "Two countries, two approval regimes — get the paperwork right before you cut.", "points": [ "UK: notify DVLA of the propulsion change; the tax class updates to electric.", "UK: keeping the original bodyshell and chassis preserves the car's identity and registration.", "Conversions have historically cut road-tax and congestion-charge running costs.", "Spain: engine-to-electric is a major 'reforma' needing an engineer's technical project.", "Spain: an ITV pass then updates the ficha técnica before it's road-legal." ], "stats": [ { "label": "Separate approval regimes (UK + Spain)", "value": "2 regimes" } ], "watchOut": "Registration retention hinges on documentation and inspection — confirm the path before starting." } ], "suppliers": { "uk": { "kits": [ { "name": "Electrogenic", "url": "https://www.electrogenic.co.uk", "note": "Drop-in EV kits plus bespoke conversions; classic Mini, Jaguar E-Type, Land Rover, Porsche 356, DeLorean." }, { "name": "Electric Classic Cars", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk", "note": "Describes itself as the world's largest classic-to-EV converter; full builds plus conversion kits and parts shop." }, { "name": "Swindon Powertrain", "url": "https://swindonpowertrain.com", "note": "Swindon-based; UK-built electric crate powertrains for both new builds and classic conversions (e.g. E-Pagoda)." }, { "name": "Relik Electric", "url": "https://relikelectric.co.uk", "note": "Ashford, Kent; full classic EV conversions (Defender, 911, Fiat 500, VW), typically £30k+ over 2-6 months." } ], "batteries": [ { "name": "Fellten", "url": "https://fellten.com", "note": "UK-designed and built universal battery packs (UBP range) plus Charge Qube modular storage; new-cell packs for builds." }, { "name": "SYNETIQ", "url": "https://www.synetiq.co.uk", "note": "UK's largest dismantler/recycler; green (used) parts and dedicated electric/hybrid solutions - a salvage battery source." }, { "name": "Charles Trent", "url": "https://charlestrent.com", "note": "Long-established UK vehicle salvage and green-parts seller; source for breaker/salvage EV and donor components." } ], "donors": [ { "name": "Car & Classic", "url": "https://www.carandclassic.com", "note": "UK's largest classic-car marketplace - classified listings plus online auctions; strong for project/donor cars." }, { "name": "eBay UK (Cars)", "url": "https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Cars/9800", "note": "Huge used and classic car listings; good for cheaper project shells and donor vehicles." }, { "name": "Collecting Cars", "url": "https://collectingcars.com", "note": "UK-founded online classic and enthusiast car auction platform; curated donors and finished classics." } ], "registration": { "headline": "A converted classic keeps its identity and plate if the original shell/VIN is retained, but you must notify DVLA of the electric conversion.", "steps": [ "Keep the original bodyshell/chassis and VIN so the car retains its identity and avoids a 'Q' registration.", "Notify DVLA of the electric conversion on form V627/1, sent with the V5C to Kits & Rebuilds, DVLA Swansea - required even if no structural change is made.", "If you structurally modify the chassis or monocoque, DVLA applies its points-based identity check; too few original points can force a 'Q' plate.", "Pass an MOT for the modified vehicle (40-year-plus historics may be MOT-exempt, but the conversion must still be notified).", "Update to a specialist modified/EV classic insurance policy reflecting the new powertrain and agreed value." ], "cost": "DVLA V627/1 notification is free/low-cost; an IVA test (only if the build is radically/structurally altered) is roughly £450; DVLA processing typically takes several weeks to a few months." } }, "spain": { "kits": [ { "name": "QEV Technologies", "url": "https://www.qevtech.com", "note": "Barcelona/Sitges electric-mobility and EV powertrain engineering firm — high-end/one-off electric drivetrain work" }, { "name": "Electric Classic Cars", "url": "https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk", "note": "UK (Wales) — world's largest classic-to-EV converter; sells conversion kits and equipment, ships internationally to EU buyers" }, { "name": "Fellten", "url": "https://fellten.com", "note": "UK — modular 'Charge Qube' EV battery packs and classic-conversion components, supplies converters across Europe" } ], "batteries": [ { "name": "EV Europe", "url": "https://eveurope.eu", "note": "Netherlands EV-components webshop (battery modules, motors, controllers, chargers) shipping across the EU including Spain" }, { "name": "Fellten", "url": "https://fellten.com", "note": "UK — turnkey and modular lithium battery packs (Charge Qube) engineered for conversions, delivers to EU" }, { "name": "Recomotor", "url": "https://www.recomotor.com", "note": "Spanish salvage/desguace network with 25M+ used parts — source for donor mechanicals and used-EV components locally" } ], "donors": [ { "name": "Milanuncios", "url": "https://www.milanuncios.com/coches-clasicos/", "note": "Largest Spanish classifieds; dedicated classic-car section (~9,000 listings) — the go-to for private-seller donors" }, { "name": "Coches.net", "url": "https://www.coches.net", "note": "Major Spanish car marketplace with dealer and private listings, including older/classic vehicles" }, { "name": "Wallapop", "url": "https://es.wallapop.com", "note": "Spain's biggest peer-to-peer second-hand app — cheap local classics and project cars from private sellers" }, { "name": "AutoScout24.es", "url": "https://www.autoscout24.es", "note": "Pan-European marketplace's Spanish site — useful for cross-border classic donor sourcing within the EU" } ], "registration": { "headline": "An EV swap counts as a 'reforma de importancia' — it must be documented on the vehicle's ficha técnica via a technical project and an ITV inspection before it is road-legal.", "steps": [ "Have a competent ingeniero draft and sign a proyecto técnico for the electric conversion (per the Manual de Reformas de Vehículos / RD 866/2010)", "Get the work done and certified by a registered taller, which issues the certificado de taller / instalador", "Take the car with the project, certificate and paperwork to an authorised ITV station for a reforma inspection", "ITV records the change and issues the updated ficha técnica reformada (tarjeta ITV), then update the Permiso de Circulación with DGT/Tráfico" ], "cost": "Roughly €300-800 for the proyecto técnico + certificate, plus ~€50-120 ITV reforma fee; typically a few weeks once documentation is ready" } } } } }