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The cost of converting a classic car to electric ranges from roughly $8,000 for a bare-bones DIY build to $100,000+ for a turnkey professional restomod. Where you land depends on four things: your power source, your battery size, how much labor you outsource, and the condition of the donor car.

The four cost drivers

1. Power source

This is the biggest single variable.

  • Purpose-built crate engine — a bolt-in unit like a Webb Motorworks Flathead E-Crate starts around $50,000 and includes the motor, batteries, battery box, wiring harness, cooling and mounts. The premium buys simplicity.
  • Salvaged OEM motor — a used Tesla Model 3 rear drive unit runs roughly $1,000–$3,000 from salvage; new replacements are closer to $5,000–$7,000. The cheapest power per horsepower, but you engineer the integration.
  • Component kit — motor + inverter + adapter plate for a specific platform typically lands $5,000–$15,000.

2. Batteries

Batteries are the second-largest cost and scale with range:

Pack sizeApprox. rangeRough cost (new cells)
30 kWh~100 miles$6,000–$10,000
50 kWh~170 miles$10,000–$16,000
75 kWh~250 miles$15,000–$24,000

Salvaged packs from a wrecked EV can cut this substantially if you’re comfortable reconfiguring modules.

3. Labor

If you do the work yourself, this is your time. If you hire a shop, professional conversions commonly add $15,000–$40,000 in labor depending on complexity and how custom the fabrication is.

4. The donor car and the “hidden” extras

Don’t forget: a DC-DC converter, onboard charger, BMS, contactors, high-voltage cabling, instrumentation, and frequently suspension and brake upgrades to handle the extra weight and torque. Set aside $3,000–$8,000 for these.

Three realistic budgets

  • Budget DIY (~$8,000–$20,000): salvaged Tesla or Leaf motor, used battery modules, you do all the work.
  • Mid-range (~$30,000–$55,000): component kit or single crate unit, new mid-size battery, some shop help.
  • Turnkey restomod ($80,000–$159,000+): professional build with a refurbished body, custom interior and warranty — see the Kindred Motorworks Chevy 3100 at $159,000 as a benchmark.

Is it worth the money?

Once converted, the car costs only a few cents per mile to run and needs almost no maintenance — no carburetors, no ignition, no oil. Crate-engine prices are still high because the market is young, but starting from used Tesla parts can bring a capable build within reach of a serious home builder.

Next steps

Compare your hardware options in our best EV conversion kits guide, or start at the top with how to convert a classic car to electric.