London Electric Cars is a company set up for the purpose converting classic cars to electric vehicles (EVs).
The UK is trying to spread usage of EVs as the primary form of private transportation. The efforts are a part of a larger climate scheme to reach net zero emissions by 2050. However, there is a way for classic car lovers to preserve their vintage beauties, while keeping up with today’s changes.
London Electric Cars, started by Matthew Quitter in 2017, aims to maintain the look of a classic car but replace its fossil fuel motor with an electric one. Thus, preventing the old cars from being scrapped.
According to the BBC, these parts typically come from crashed EVs, such as Teslas and Nissan Leafs, that have been written off by insurance firms but have motors and batteries that are not damaged.
The firm currently charges a hefty fee of £20,000 per conversion. But the company says it aims to drive that cost down to £5,000 to make it affordable for more people.
While the UK government currently offers a grant of £2,500 towards the cost of buying a new EV, Mr Quitter says they should also consider introducing grants for conversions.
Practically, classic cars converted to electric do come with some financial incentives. Like all classic cars (currently classified in the UK as those built before 8 January 1981), they are exempt from road tax if not used for commercial purposes.
It may be in the government’s benefit to encourage converting old cars to electric. Because converting an old car to run on electric produces less carbon dioxide (CO2) than making a new electric car.
