BRIGHT SPARKS

ECC says the future of classic cars lies in electric power

Electric Classic Cars (ECC) is claiming that more customers are being attracted to electric conversions because they aren’t confident enough to run a historic vehicle, but still want access to the style only a classic can offer.

ECC has just completed work on a full restoration and electric conversion of a 1979 Porsche 911, its seventh project completion since launching the business 18 months ago. ECC’s team of three has just started work on a 1974 BMW CSi restoration and conversion project and has four other projects on the go.

ECC owner Richard Morgan says that work has been consistent as more customers approach the business for work to access the classic car experience without the hassle of engine maintenance.

He says: ‘ We have two types of projects. We’ll get a commission that is very exact for the type of car they want, how they want it restored and specced. These are big projects that take a bit of time.

‘Then there are the straight conversions where customers are coming to us with a classic that is already in good condition to convert it to electric power.’

Morgan has been a classic car fan from an early age but switched to electric power after converting his 1964 VW Beetle. His previous job in renewable energy linked his passion for classics and electric power.

He launched the business after interest generated by his Beetle.

He says: ‘Our customers aren’t typical classic car owners because it can take a bit of persuading to leave that combustion engine behind. I was the same, but converting the Beetle renewed my love for classics. I feel that you get all the benefits of owning a classic and none of the negatives.’

There are performance-related benefits for some classics as a result too. ECC’s Beetle’s 0-60mph time jumped from around 30 seconds to just eight seconds, despite a 60kg weight gain as result of the batteries and electric motors.

Charging times vary between six hours on a standard mains plug and 30 minutes using a special fast charger. Ranges vary between 100 and 200 miles and ECC often upgrades a converted car’s brakes and suspension to cope with the additional power.

Kits start from around £10,000, with completed cars anywhere between £20k-50k.