Turning classic cars into electric vehicles

Dive into the world of electrified classics:

• Almost any classic or modern classic car can be converted into an electric vehicle.
• Electric motors require less maintenance than combustion engines.
• Converted classics drop their “H” plate in exchange for “E” registration.
  

Germany is home to over half a million classic cars – vehicles that first hit the road at least 30 years ago. While a few collectors might have an electric-powered Golf I CitySTROMer tucked away in the garage, most classics still run on combustion engines. But if you love vintage cars and want to go electric, there’s no need to wait 30 years until your ID. model officially becomes a classic. Many companies now specialise in converting classic cars into electric vehicles. Strap yourself in for a vintage ride into a locally emission-free future!

For older cars in particular, a faulty engine or gearbox often means the end of the road, as replacement parts can be extremely expensive or even impossible to find. But there’s a smart alternative: switching to electric power. Almost any model can be upgraded – whether it’s a Beetle, Audi 80 or Golf – and classic car enthusiasts will even find fully restored Beetles and Campers on the market.

This electric makeover isn’t just happening in Germany. A growing number of companies around the world now specialise in giving classic cars an electric future. For example, one London-based specialist converts Beetles, Campers and similar classics into electric vehicles. 

Converting a classic isn’t just about going greener – it’s about unlocking a whole new driving experience. In their original form, models such as the Beetle, Karmann Ghia and many others are known more for pleasure than performance. An electric motor changes everything. You’ll get maximum torque as soon as you hit the pedal – without the need for high revs like in a combustion engine. And it doesn’t stop there. Modern electric motors are far less demanding when it comes to maintenance – especially compared to combustion engines that have been churning away for decades.

There are also many cars that don’t yet qualify for official classic status but still turn heads with their nostalgic charm. These modern classics are ideal candidates for an electric upgrade – especially when the engine or gearbox has reached the end of its life. The same goes for vehicles that have to give up their historic registration plate following certain modifications in line with strict eligibility criteria.

If a vehicle is over 30 years old and remains largely in its original condition or has been professionally restored, it may qualify for historic registration. This status recognises the vehicle’s cultural value and even comes with added perks, such as reduced road tax and insurance costs. 

But there’s a catch… While modifications don’t automatically stop a vehicle from keeping its historic plates, any changes must be “period-correct”, which means they were made – or could have been made – within ten years after the car was first registered. An electric upgrade doesn’t meet this requirement, so the vehicle has to give up its historic plates.

But there’s a silver lining… Converted vehicles qualify for electric registration – and this has its own benefits. For example, electric vehicles registered by 31 December 2030 will remain exempt from vehicle tax for up to ten years (capped at 31 December 2035). This typically also includes cars that have been converted to an all-electric drive within this period.

The exact cost of an electric upgrade depends on a variety of factors, such as the vehicle model and the desired performance and battery capacity. It’s also worth keeping in mind that older cars often need substantial restoration work – especially on the body or chassis – and this may add to the overall investment.

The first to benefit from electrification are, of course, the owners of classic and modern classic cars. They can enjoy their vehicles for longer – especially when the engine or gearbox is already on its last legs. An electric motor also creates a whole new driving experience, while restrictions on entering city centres are no longer an issue.

And the benefits don’t stop there. Turning classic cars into electric vehicles also helps to drive the wider adoption of electric mobility, inspiring more people to embrace the world of electric driving and making the shift towards a new era of mobility feel more real and accessible.