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The Rise of electric classic cars in the UK

Electric Classic Cars

About a year ago, Classic cars seemed to be going obsolete. After the UK government shared their green thinking, the world of classic cars almost came to an ending. Surprisingly though, it is all the hype now. 

Over the last two years, the demand for classic cars has shot up by 400%. Even people that hated classic cars for their lack of safety and reliability are suddenly interested in the vintage beauty. And it is the EV tech we have to be thankful for. 

While it is the EV technology that is killing all the ICE (Internal Combustion Engines), ironically enough it is the same EV technology that turned out to be our saviour.

How is EV saving classic cars?

After the UK government shared their plans of banning all combustion engine sales by 2030 with the aim of reducing ICE cars to 54% only in order to meet their climate goals, it was pretty clear that a lot of cars will end up in the scrap pile. And most of them would be the old classics. 

The new emission norms also made it harder to own such classics, killing the public’s interest even further. However, with rising EV technology and adaptive thinking, classic cars are now being revived to their original glory. 

Businesses like Revival Auto are working towards restoring the British classics and future-proofing them by converting them into all-electric. By replacing the ICE with a set of electric motors and batteries, vintage classic cars are being brought back to life. 

These vintage electric cars are not only new at their heart, but everything from nuts and bolts is restored to their factory setting. So buying these electric classics is the same as buying a brand new EV with a lot more class and luxury. 

With a little premium, you can even have your own classic converted into an electric. If you need something fancy, you can explore Revival Auto’s inventory of electrified Austin Healey 100s. These converted electric classic sports cars are not only faster and more fun to ride, but they let you relive the ’60s joy. 

Why are electric classic cars getting famous?

However, reliving the past isn’t the only thing making these cars famous. You see, having an electric powerhouse solved a lot of other problems. Like having zero emissions means that you are not paying any taxes. There is no maintenance cost. You don’t have to worry about a half-century old engine suddenly going bust. You are not paying for special fuel and so on.

These vintage classics are also a lot better. Better in the sense of performance, drivability, and safety. 

The electric motors produce more power and better torque figures than the old high displacement engines. Having no gears makes for an effortless driving experience. There is no deafening engine sound to wake your neighbours or dark exhaust smoke to leave people coughing. 

Overall, the electrification of these cars has made them reliable, usable and very much sustainable to the point where you can daily drive these cars for years to come. 

It is these added benefits of electric classic cars that are attracting even the first-time car buyers. The hospitality industries are also showing interest in these old classics with the hopes of attracting high-profile customers. And they have a huge list to choose from.

What EV classic cars are available for sale in the UK?

The list of electric classic cars for sale across the UK is expanding. With over 1.2 million classic cars across the UK with most of them now being converted to electric, there is a huge list of options to choose from. 

Some of the famous choices from the list are VW Beetle, VW Kombi Camper, Mini Cooper, and Fiat 500. Whereas on the expensive side you get options like Austin Healey 100, Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, Rolls Royce Phantom, Bentley Continental, and Range Rover Classic. 

If the electrified classic car seems too expensive, you can buy an old classic and get it electrified. The market also has plenty of conversion kits to convert your normal cars into electric. However, even that won’t be much cheaper. 

What is the cost of buying electric classic cars in the UK?

While everything from a converted beetle to an electrified Aston Martin DB 6 is available across the UK streets. You need to have decent money to afford it. 

Apart from the fact that they are classics which already makes them expensive, the EV kits they use also don’t come cheap. The most expensive part of which is the batteries. 

Normally, a conversion kit can range from £5,000 to £20,000 depending on the specs of the kit. While getting a normal classic converted to electric can run up to £30,000 pounds. If restoration is added on top, depending on how premium the vehicle is, the cost can top £50,000. 

Whereas if you buy a luxury electric classic like the Rolls Royce Phantom, Bentley, or Austin Healey the price can range from  £90,000 to £150,000. Just like modern cars, the more special the car is the more costly it will be. Any added features, special leather or unique material will add to the bill.  

While spending this kind of money sounds stupid it is totally worth it. Owning such cars not only will add to your status and make you feel like royalty. You will be owning one special kind of beauty that will stay with you as your family.