Classic cars on the charge after millennials’ electric conversions

MILLENNIALS conscious of the environment are leading a classic car resurgence by converting fuel-guzzling Minis, Fiat 500s and VW Beetles into electric vehicles.

Companies that refurbish vintage cars and give them a new lease of life with electric batteries have had increased enquiries from under-40s, who want “the perfect city car”.

Owning a classic car is traditionally a labour-intensive pursuit, mostly because the engines need constant care. But with the Government bringing in curbs on diesel and petrol cars, and Ultra Low Emission Zones in city centres, many motorists are converting their classic cars to electric.

Angus Barry, 27, a civil servant, from Gravesend, Kent, has always loved Minis and recently bought a cherry-red classic car and is saving to buy a conversion kit and give it electric power.

He estimates this will cost £10,000. “Classic Minis are basically the ultimate tinker car with a community to suit. Plus their go-carty handling make them suitable for electric,” he said.

Younger celebrities have been driving the trend. Dev Patel, the actor, is getting his petrol-blue Fiat 500 converted to electric, pictured right, and singer Ellie Goulding rode off in an electric Volkswagen campervan after her wedding. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also chose an electric classic Jaguar for their wedding car.

Professional companies charge £20,000-£80,000 to refurbish and electrify a car, depending on the size, which makes it an option out of the price range of many younger people. However, they warn that doing it yourself can be highly dangerous.

Alexander Bavage, who runs Oxfordshire-based Electrogenic, said he had converted a number of classic cars to electric.

He said that celebrities were bringing these models to a more mainstream audience, and younger city dwellers are increasingly interested in the revamped retro cars.

“We have definitely seen a new market developing with celebs making electric look cool and the infrastructure always improving, the market is seeing great growth,” he said. “In my personal opinion older cars’ styling looks a lot better, the cars are much sexier and have a character about them.

“So combining that with the latest 21st-century technology makes for an amazing car and experience.”

The Classic Mini has seen a particular resurgence, he said.

“Nippy and fast while looking cool and easily doing 100-plus miles on a charge makes it a very usable package that we will see gaining in popularity over the coming months. Although the conversion process can be expensive, money can be saved over time on fuel bills, road tax, congestion charges and on maintenance and servicing costs as electric drive systems are maintenance free.”

Mr Patel trusted his Fiat 500 with Jon Peck, who runs Electric Classic Cars in Powys, Wales.

Mr Peck is converting a Classic Mini, and said that electrification brings these cars to a new, urban audience because they can match a busy, urban life. He said he has had many urban cust tomers in their 30s.

He said: “We are seeing an increase i in enquiries due to the announcement by the Government of phasing out petrol and diesel cars. We get lots of e enquiries from London and if people w want to drive in ULEZ zones they will h have to change their car, so they are c converting it instead.”