Converting Your Classic Car to an Electrical Vehicle

How much does it cost to convert a classic car to electric?

The cost depends on several factors. First of all what kind of electric motor are you buying? Are you going with a brand new electric crate engine? Or are you picking up an electric car at the junkyard that you will use the motor from? Batteries are another important factor. The more batteries, the longer range, and the higher cost. Also what kind of batteries? New or used? Some cars might require more work in order to be converted to electric, so the last major part of the cost depends on how much of the work you can do yourself? And how much you have to hire others to do.

If you have an older US-made auto running a V8 engine, you can order a Webb Motorworks E-Crate engine that will slip right into your original engine mounts.  The eCrates from Webb Motorworks starts at $50.000. It comes in a kit that 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. A replacement Tesla Model 3 engine cost somewhere between $5,000 and $7,000. You can also buy a used one from eBay, these start at approximately $1,000 USD. Click here to check Tesla engines for sale on eBay.

The price of the conversion depends on who is performing the job. Click here to check if there are any conversion shops in your area.

Is it worth converting your car to electric?

That depends on what you want with your car. In a time of rising gas prices and stricter emission regulations, converting a vehicle with an internal combustion engine to electric might actually expand its life. Powered by an electric engine, your car will only cost a few cents per mile to run. Many electric drive systems are also maintenance-free, so your old car will be more reliable and require much less maintenance than a conventional one. Fewer repairs and reduced repair costs will give you fewer worries and you might end up getting more fun and enjoyment out of your old car. When it comes to electrical crate engines, we are still in an early phase and the prices are fairly excessive, but if you start out with used Tesla parts, you might end up at a much lower cost.

Can you convert any car to electric?

Yes. Any car with an internal combustion engine can be converted to an EV by removing the engine, replacing it with one or more electric motors, a battery pack, high-voltage cables, and instrumentation.

What do you need for an EV conversion?

You need a donor car that you want to convert. For most conversions, the engine and fuel tank need to be removed and replaced with an electric motor, batteries and an inverter.