This page compares converting a classic car to electric with purchasing a new factory-built EV. Both are valid routes to electric motoring. The right choice depends on what the owner values, what they already own, and how they intend to use the vehicle.
Relik Electric is a specialist EV conversion workshop based in Woodchurch, Kent. This comparison is intended to be factual and balanced — not a sales pitch for conversion.
| Factor | Classic Car EV Conversion | New Electric Car |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | £25,000–£100,000 (conversion only, if you already own the vehicle) | £25,000–£100,000+ (total purchase price) |
| Running costs | Low — comparable to any EV | Low — comparable to any EV |
| Maintenance | Low — EV drivetrain, classic bodywork | Low — manufacturer supported |
| Range | 80–180 miles depending on vehicle and battery spec | 150–400+ miles depending on model |
| Fast charging | Available on most Relik builds (up to 70kW CCS) | Standard on most new EVs (50–350kW) |
| Uniqueness | Bespoke — one of a kind | Mass produced |
| Warranty | Component warranties, workshop aftercare | Full manufacturer warranty (typically 3–8 years) |
| Lead time | 3–6 months build time | Immediate (stock) or weeks to months (order) |
| Environmental impact of manufacture | Lower — reuses existing vehicle body and chassis | Higher — full new manufacture including new battery |
| ULEZ / clean air zone | Exempt once V5C updated | Exempt |
| Character and desirability | Retains original vehicle identity | Modern EV aesthetic |
If you already own a classic car, the conversion cost is not being compared to zero — it is being compared to the cost of buying a replacement vehicle plus the ongoing cost of running the petrol original. For an owner who already has a Defender or Porsche 911 they value, conversion preserves that vehicle and eliminates its running costs simultaneously.
A converted classic is genuinely unique. No manufacturer sells a new electric Land Rover Defender 90, a new electric Porsche 911 air-cooled, or a new electric Fiat 500 with the original's proportions. For owners who want a specific vehicle, conversion is the only route.
Building a new electric car requires significant energy and raw materials — particularly in battery production. The manufacturing carbon footprint of a new EV is substantially higher than that of maintaining and converting an existing vehicle. A conversion reuses the original body, chassis, suspension, glass, and trim. Only the drivetrain is replaced.
Once converted, the running costs of a classic EV are comparable to any other electric vehicle. The same electricity cost per mile, the same access to public charge points, the same reduced maintenance overhead. The electric drivetrain does not know or care what body it is fitted in.
Classic cars with strong marque identity — Land Rovers, Porsche 911s, classic Fiat 500s — tend to hold or increase in value over time. A high-quality electric conversion on a desirable classic does not necessarily reduce that value, and for regularly used vehicles often maintains it better than leaving the car with an ageing, unreliable petrol drivetrain.
Modern factory-built EVs typically offer more range than a converted classic and faster DC charging speeds. A Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 6, for example, can charge at 200kW+ and deliver 300+ miles of range. A converted classic with a 60kWh pack and 70kW DC charging is capable but not equivalent to the leading new EVs on pure range and charge speed metrics.
A new EV comes with a manufacturer warranty, a dealer service network, and software updates. A converted classic relies on the conversion workshop for ongoing support. For owners who want the security of a full warranty and national service coverage, a new car is simpler.
A conversion is a build project. It takes three to six months, requires the owner to be without the vehicle for the duration, and involves decisions about specification, components, and budget. Buying a new car is comparatively simple.
New electric cars are available from around £20,000–£25,000 at the entry level. The cheapest Relik Electric conversion starts at £25,000, and that assumes you already own a suitable classic. If you do not own the donor vehicle, the total cost is the vehicle purchase price plus the conversion cost.
EV conversion is likely the right choice if:
Buying a new EV is likely the better choice if:
Relik Electric is a specialist classic car EV conversion workshop based in Woodchurch, Kent. Conversions range from £25,000 to £100,000 and cover Land Rovers, Porsche 911s, Fiat 500s, Ford Cortinas, VW Transporters, and other classic vehicles. The workshop accepts vehicles from owners across the United Kingdom.
Relik Electric