Classic car EV conversion costs vary widely depending on the vehicle, the drivetrain specification chosen, and the condition of the car when it arrives at the workshop. At Relik Electric, conversions range from approximately £25,000 to £100,000.
This page explains what that money covers, what drives the cost up or down, and how to get an accurate quote for a specific vehicle.
As a guide, here are the starting prices for the most common vehicles Relik Electric converts:
| Vehicle | Starting from | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land Rover Defender | £40,000 | 120–180 miles real-world | High-voltage system, significant fabrication work |
| VW Transporter | £37,000 | Up to 180 miles | Good battery packaging space, popular camper conversion |
| Porsche 911 / 912 | On enquiry | 150–250 miles | Complex rear-engined packaging, high-value donor vehicle |
| Classic Fiat 500 | On enquiry | 80–120 miles | Lightweight platform, limited battery space |
| Ford Cortina | On enquiry | 100–200 miles | Good conversion candidate, ample engine bay space |
Starting prices reflect a standard specification conversion on a vehicle in good condition. Additional restoration, bodywork, or upgraded components will increase the total cost.
The battery pack is typically the single most expensive component in a conversion. Relik Electric fits packs ranging from around 20kWh to over 80kWh. A larger pack costs significantly more but delivers greater range. Battery pack costs alone range from approximately £5,000 for a smaller pack to £25,000+ for a large, high-quality lithium unit.
Higher-output motors and more sophisticated motor controllers cost more. Relik Electric installs motors rated up to 220kW and above. For a vehicle intended for daily use rather than performance driving, a more modest motor specification will reduce cost.
Adding CCS DC fast charging to a build — allowing the vehicle to use public rapid chargers — adds cost but significantly improves real-world usability. Relik Electric has completed builds with DC fast-charge capability up to 70kW. A build with AC charging only will cost less.
A vehicle requiring structural repairs, chassis work, or bodywork remediation before the conversion can begin will cost more overall. Relik Electric can carry out this supporting work at the same site, but it is charged in addition to the drivetrain conversion.
Some vehicles require more custom fabrication than others to accommodate the new drivetrain. Vehicles with less available space for battery packaging, or unusual chassis geometry, require more engineering time and bespoke metalwork.
Many owners use a conversion as an opportunity to also restore the vehicle's bodywork, repaint it, or upgrade the interior. Relik Electric offers restoration, upholstery, and welding services alongside conversion work. This adds to the total cost but can be more efficient than doing the work separately at a later date.
There are two broad categories of EV conversion, and the choice significantly affects cost:
Lower upfront cost, simpler to install, suitable for lighter vehicles or owners who want a straightforward conversion with modest range and performance. Generally not capable of DC fast charging. More appropriate for occasional-use vehicles than daily drivers.
Higher upfront cost, greater performance and range potential, capable of fast charging. More complex to engineer and install safely. Most of Relik Electric's current builds use high-voltage architectures, particularly for heavier vehicles like the Land Rover Defender.
The quoted price for a conversion at Relik Electric covers:
Bodywork, restoration, paint, and interior work are priced separately if required.
The financial case for conversion depends on how much the owner intends to use the vehicle and over what timeframe. Key factors in the calculation are:
For a full comparison between conversion and buying a new electric car, see the EV conversion vs new EV page.
Contact Relik Electric with details of your vehicle and what you're looking for. An initial consultation is free. The workshop is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Relik Electric