Do you love your classic car but worry about its negative effect on the ecosystem? Converting it into an electric auto may be your answer.
If you own a classic car that gets 15 miles per gallon and you drive it for only 1,000 miles a year, it produces a whopping 1,284 pounds of CO2 emissions. You would need to plant 27 trees a year to offset its carbon footprint.
Converting a classic car to an electric one is a growing trend. A recent study of 25,000 car enthusiasts from the U.S., U.K., and Canada found that about one percent had at least partially modified an older car to run on electric power.
Here’s what you need to know if you are looking to convert a car to electric.
How Do You Convert a Classic Car to Electric?
To convert a traditional gasoline or diesel-powered car to an electric vehicle, you remove the gas engine, associated pipes, hoses, transmission, gas tank, and exhaust system. You then replace those parts with an electric motor, controller, and battery pack. When converting a classic car, you must ensure the original chassis can support the added weight of the new equipment.
How Much Does It Cost?
Electric motor conversions for classic cars can be expensive undertakings. The cost depends on many factors, including the vehicle’s condition, the system you want to add, and the performance you want. Either way, a conversion doesn’t come cheap. Experts quote prices anywhere from $40,000 to more than $100,000. You also must hire a company specializing in converting old cars to electric.
Does It Reduce Your Carbon Footprint?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, almost one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation.
As mentioned above, converting your classic car to electric can reduce your carbon footprint. An electric vehicle produces no emissions. You will also save money when you no longer have to fill your tank with fuel.
Does Converting Increase Your Classic Auto’s Value?
According to recent research from the United Kingdom, converting a classic car from an internal combustion engine (ICE) to an EV (electric vehicle) can increase its value by more than 2,000 percent or 100,000 pounds, which is equal to about $120,000.
Do Electric Engines Improve Performance?
Converting a classic car to an electric vehicle can enhance its performance. The result is a more pleasant driving experience, faster and smoother acceleration, better agility, and improved reliability. Conversely, some people prefer the authenticity of driving a classic car with a gas engine.
Is an Electric Car Lower Maintenance?
Electric cars require less maintenance than gas-powered cars. According to Consumer Reports, in 2020, an electric car cost $300 less a year than a gas car to maintain. A vehicle with a gas engine requires maintenance for the brakes, suspension, drivetrain, and oil changes. Converting a classic car into an EV can also prolong its life, which is good news, especially if you plan to hold onto it for future generations.
Electric Cars and Driving Range
Electric cars have a shorter range than ICE cars. You won’t be able to take that long leisurely Sunday drive without planning a stop to charge the battery. For some drivers, this inconvenience outweighs the benefits.
Classic Auto Insurance – Specialists in Insuring Antique, Classic, and Vintage Cars
Indianapolis-based Classic Auto Insurance has provided reliable, thorough insurance coverage for antique, classic, and vintage cars for more than 20 years. Whether your classic car has its original gas-based engine or a new electric battery, we can develop a customized auto insurance plan to meet your needs. With features like nationwide roadside assistance with flatbed towing, inflation guard, and rollover miles, you know your classic is in good hands.
Learn more about what we insure by calling our insurance experts at 888-901-1338 or contact us for a quote.
