Over the past few years, the demand for electronic vehicles (EVs) has soared tremendously, with sales exceeding over 17 million globally in 2024 alone, according to the International Energy Agency. This year, electric cars are anticipated to surpass 20 million in sales, accounting for over a quarter of cars sold worldwide. As it seems, the appeal for this industry is fast and ever-growing.
But the numbers aside, what’s the real buzz around this modern machinery? Is it the distinct enhancements? Or the safety aspect?
Some might say it’s the reduced emissions, lower carbon footprint, performance benefits, or cost savings. Likewise, the true desire could be the aesthetic of the vehicle, with its minimalist look, sleek design, and smooth profile.
However, for major car lovers, the hype is not always about the latest models or cutting-edge features. Rather, some of the most exciting developments in the EV space involve the electronic conversion or redefining of classic cars, as one EV company likes to call it. More specifically, car brands are starting to preserve historic vehicles and transform them into electric pieces of art. At its core, instead of simply putting an electric engine in these cars, the idea is to work around the vehicle’s original character.
“Trust me when I say there’s a world of difference between converting a car and reimagining it,” says Justin Lunny, Founder & CEO of Everrati, a UK company that remodels classic cars to electric vehicles. “We’re not in the business of stripping out what made these vehicles iconic just to fit a battery where an engine used to be.”
While it is often believed that reinventing classic cars takes away from the historic value, car companies like Everrati have made it a point to keep that important feature intact. Also for these forward-thinking car businesses, they are ensuring that these cars hold tradition, all while still running with new and improved technology.
“Every decision we make is about honoring the soul of the car while giving it a new life for today’s roads. You can’t force history into a new shape, you have to work with it, understand it and build on it to make it better,” Lunny added.
Even for car enthusiasts, there is sometimes debate about changing the engine in classic cars, given it compromises their authenticity. A traditional car has soul, noise, and burned hydrocarbons, which might arguably be the key selling point for purchasing and owning these vehicles. Plus, old cars are sentimental and represent symbolic moments in time, making them simply irreplaceable.
Regardless of the controversy, auto manufacturers are prioritizing thoughtful preservation when turning older cars into EVs, and as a result, these vehicles can still feel familiar with a better and more long-term base. In this new invention, that also means increased sustainability, energy efficiency, and everything else a typical EV has to offer.
Well-known car models, like the Porsche 911 or the Land Rover Series IIA, are quickly making the transition to the electric-powered industry. And as the want for this industry grows, you can expect even more car brands to hop on this bandwagon soon.
Importantly, companies that are reinventing traditional cars remind us that progress doesn’t have to mean forgetting about the past. By respecting form and function and listening to the stories old cars tell, reimagining becomes an act of preservation and new beginnings.
Rest assured, car fans and connoisseurs alike can expect nothing but incredible advantages when it comes to turning a classic car into an electric model. Across the U.S., Europe, and beyond, this approach to cars is becoming the new normal everywhere, offering a positive era in the automobile field.
Even so, sometimes the best way to move forward is by remembering where they came from.
