HCVA establishes standards for EV conversions

In response to the increasing popularity of classic-based EVS, the Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) is introducing a list of minimum professional standards for conversions from internal combustion to electric power.

Electrification can often mean a second life for classics living in urban areas, but until now it has been relatively unregulated, with no official standards. The aim of the new documentation is to provide companies with a checklist of issues to address during the design and construction of these complicated systems, such as weight distribution, structural considerations, logic protocols and the training of workshop staff. The trade body hopes to work with the Department for Transport on any future regulations.

In a related matter, the HCVA has declared an early success in its battle with the DVLA – as part of the multi-party Historic Vehicle User Group – over concerns relating to chassis modification and subsequent Q-plate registrations. Referring to Jaguar E-type rebuilds, the DVLAʼS head of strategy and policy, Andrew Cude, confirmed that: “Replacement of the front frame assembly, including the picture frame, will no longer be considered a modification requiring allocation of a DVLA VIN and Q registration number.”

HCVA chair David Meek said: “We anticipate that this will be the first of a number of changes to previous assumptions that will be announced by the DVLA as it continues to review its approach to the complexities of the classic and historic vehicle sector.”