Per Article by Stacey Philips June 20, 2023 for Wards Auto HERE
Electric GT, based in California, designs and manufactures turnkey crate EV systems for customers.
Eric Hutchison, Electric GT’s managing director, says the team has noticed an increased interest in electric conversions, especially for older vehicles with underpowered motors.
The company offers two flagship systems: the universal plug-and-play eGT-913 (for Porsche) and the “V-8 equivalent” eGT-413. The systems include the components needed for a complete and functional EV, including the motor, inverter, battery, battery management system, cooling system, charger and a vehicle control unit at a minimum.
“People want to swap over their old engines for more power, but things can get tricky,” says Hutchison. “With new regulations, it’s getting harder to register these vehicles and smog (test) them, especially in states like California.”
Hutchison says environmental trends are well aligned with increased performance desires as many older ICE vehicles likely will not be legal to drive in the future. In addition, BEV swaps are likely to become less expensive, more mainstream and offer more range and power with continuing technological progress.
Hutchison estimates that turnkey EV systems can range from $35,000-$105,000, plus the cost of installation, which can run $5,000-$45,000.
“Anybody who owns a classic vehicle knows how much maintenance and upkeep they are,” says Hutchison. “The best solution they’re going to have to keep driving and enjoying them is an electric conversion, which will keep automotive traditions alive and on the road for years to come.”