What is an Electric Crate Engine?

An electric crate engine is a term used to describe a single housing that contains an electric motor, batteries, power management, and all other vehicle features required for a successful transplant.

Electric GT

Photo courtesy of Electric GT

Electric GT was one of the first companies to introduce an electric crate engine. The company has been operating out of California since 2013, and they are one of the most established players in the classic EV space. Electric GT systems mimic a traditional v-style engine block in terms of layout, and it is an all-inclusive way to go electric without cutting up your classic car. The Electric GT GTE Motor Block replaces the traditional gas engine under the hood and can be bolted to existing transmissions. In fact, the GTE system is intended to work specifically with manual gearboxes. The battery range for a typical installation is between 70 and 150 miles per charge, depending on the vehicle weight. Electric GT also offers extended-range batteries that can be installed alongside the GTE block. In June of 2020, a GTE package started in the low-$30,000.00 price range.

The Chevrolet Performance eCrate Package

Photo courtesy of Chevrolet

In November of 2020 Chevrolet started showcasing a 1977 Chevrolet K5 Blazer they had converted to all-electric propulsion. Known as the K5 Blazer-E, the car was a functional proof of concept of the upcoming Electric Connect and Cruise package Chevrolet Performance planned to sell in the second half of 2021. Shown at the SEMA360 the K5 Blazer-E retained as much of the stock Blazer as possible and approximately 90 percent of the new parts installed for the eCrate package were factory components from the Chevrolet Bolt EV. The Bolt EV electric motor delivered 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Chevrolet Performance electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The rest of the Blazer drivetrain remained untouched, including the transfer case, driveshaft, and axles.

The Ford Performance Eluminator Electric Crate Motors

Photo courtesy of Ford

In November of 2021, Ford unveiled their all-electric F-100 Eluminator concept, a zero-tailpipe-emissions, demonstration truck powered by the all-new Ford Performance Parts Eluminator electric crate motor. Based on a heritage 1978 Ford F-100 pickup, the F-100 Eluminator concept featured all-wheel-drive via two powerful electric motors shared with the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition. Two electric traction motors drove the front and rear wheels, packing a powerful 480 horsepower and 634 lb.-ft. of torque. Eluminator, the first e-crate motor from Ford Performance Parts, was based on the Mustang Mach-E GT’s traction motor and it was available to buy online from November of 2021. The retail price of the M-9000-Mache was $4,095.00 in February of 2022.

Webb Motorworks - Old School Electric Crate Motors

Photo courtesy of Webb Motorworks

Webb Motorworks builds electric crate motors that look like traditional gas engines. The idea originated with Emily Webb suggesting her father Chris Webb to electrify his 1936 Hayes logging truck that had been passed down from her great grandfather. Chris then came up with the idea to package the electric motor with a retro look to look vintage. Early in 2022, Webb Motorworks upcoming range of products included a small block Chevrolet engine, a Hemi, a big block Chevrolet engine, and a Flathead eCrate engine. The kit includes a block with motor/batteries, battery box, cables and wiring harness, battery box base frame and straps, cooling radiators, and coolant tanks. Instrumentation options and AC/Heater options are available. Everything you’ll need! The motor is a common EV motor produced by Borg Warner. It has been used in production cars. The motor core is packaged into a housing that is oil-filled for cooling and that oil is water cooled by a heat exchanger. The engines will bolt into your former engine and trans mounts, but you may need to make drive shaft modifications and alterations to the transmission tunnel. The engines cost between $50,000-$70,000 USD and you can reserve one through their website. There is a $100.00 reserve fee.