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Choosing how to power your conversion is the most important decision you’ll make — it shapes the cost, the difficulty and the result. Broadly, you’re picking between a bolt-in crate engine, a component kit, or a salvaged OEM drivetrain. Here’s how the main options compare.
Quick comparison
| Option | Best for | Difficulty | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crate engine (Webb Motorworks) | V8 American classics & hot rods | Low | ~$50,000 |
| Crate engine (Electric GT) | Builders wanting a packaged unit | Low–Medium | Varies |
| Component kit | Platform-specific swaps | Medium | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Salvaged Tesla / Leaf | Budget DIY builders | High | $1,000–$7,000 |
1. Webb Motorworks Flathead E-Crate
The Webb Motorworks Flathead E-Crate is designed to drop into the original engine mounts of older US-built cars. The kit includes the motor/battery block, battery box, cables and wiring harness, base frame and straps, cooling radiators and coolant tanks. The block comes in six colors, you can prioritize horsepower vs. range, and it’s offered as an electric V8 or V12. Pricing starts around $50,000 and a reservation is $100. See our feature on the electric 1932 Ford hot rod it powered at SEMA.
2. Electric GT crate engine
Electric GT builds packaged “crate” systems that bundle the motor, batteries, power management and the supporting vehicle features into a single transplant-ready unit. A good route if you want a known, integrated package rather than sourcing parts piecemeal. Read our explainer on what an electric crate engine actually is.
3. Component kits
Several vendors sell motor + inverter + adapter-plate kits matched to popular platforms (classic VW, Land Rover, small British roadsters, etc.). You get engineering that fits your car without paying for a fully integrated crate unit. Expect $5,000–$15,000 plus your own battery.
4. Salvaged OEM drivetrains (the budget route)
The most cost-effective path is a used Tesla, Nissan Leaf or Chevy Bolt drive unit. A salvaged Tesla Model 3 rear unit can be found for around $1,000–$3,000. You take on the integration work — controller, cooling, mounting and battery — but the power-per-dollar is unbeatable.
Shop EV conversion parts on Amazon →Which should you choose?
- Want it simple and have the budget? A crate engine. Bolt-in, supported, predictable.
- Doing a specific well-known swap? A component kit for your platform.
- Builder on a budget who enjoys the engineering? Salvaged Tesla/Leaf parts.
Whichever route you pick, price it against our full conversion cost breakdown before committing.
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