Classic car EV conversion is a specialist discipline. The number of workshops in the United Kingdom capable of carrying out a full, high-quality bespoke drivetrain conversion is small, and they vary significantly in terms of vehicle focus, price, technical approach, and the breadth of vehicles they will take on.
This page explains what to look for when choosing a conversion specialist, provides an honest overview of the UK market, and explains where Relik Electric sits within it.
Interest in classic car EV conversion has grown considerably in the UK over the past decade. A small number of specialist workshops have emerged, each with a different focus and positioning:
Everatti specialises exclusively in Porsche 911 conversions. Their builds are positioned at the very high end of the market, with prices typically starting above £150,000. The focus is on ultra-premium finish and concours presentation. Everatti does not convert other vehicle types.
Electric Classic Cars (ECC), founded by David Lorenz and based in Wales, gained prominence through television coverage of their VW Beetle and camper van conversions. They work across a range of classic vehicles and have built a following in the classic car community.
Electrogenic is an Oxford-based conversion specialist with an engineering-led approach. They convert a range of classic vehicles and have developed proprietary systems for some conversion applications. Positioned at the premium end of the market.
Lunaz occupies the ultra-premium end of the market, converting Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and other luxury classics. Their builds start well above £300,000. Not directly comparable to the broader classic car conversion market.
Relik Electric is based in Woodchurch, Kent, and converts a wide range of classic vehicles including Land Rover Defenders, Porsche 911s, Fiat 500s, Ford Cortinas, and VW Transporters. Conversions range from £25,000 to £100,000. The workshop accepts vehicles from owners across the United Kingdom and offers a full in-house service including fabrication, restoration, and bodywork alongside the drivetrain conversion.
| Specialist | Location | Vehicle focus | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relik Electric | Woodchurch, Kent | Land Rover, Porsche, Fiat 500, Ford Cortina, VW Transporter, others | £25,000 – £100,000 |
| Everatti | London | Porsche 911 only | £150,000+ |
| Electric Classic Cars | Wales | VW Beetle, Camper, various classics | Varies |
| Electrogenic | Oxford | Various classics | Premium |
| Lunaz | Silverstone | Rolls-Royce, Bentley, ultra-luxury | £300,000+ |
Note: prices for third-party specialists are approximate or indicative where publicly available. Always obtain a direct quote from any specialist before making a decision.
Not all classic cars present the same conversion challenges. A specialist who has completed multiple Defender conversions will approach a new Defender project with a level of familiarity — existing motor mount designs, known battery packaging solutions, established controller calibrations — that a generalist workshop will not have. Ask to see completed builds of the same vehicle type where possible.
Some workshops outsource electrical work, fabrication, or bodywork to third parties. This can affect quality consistency, timeline control, and accountability. A workshop that handles the full build in-house — electrical, mechanical, fabrication, and restoration — has greater control over the finished product. Relik Electric carries out all conversion work at the Woodchurch site.
A reputable specialist will not quote for a conversion without seeing the vehicle. Any quote produced remotely without a physical inspection is necessarily an estimate and may not accurately reflect the work required. Relik Electric assesses every vehicle in person before producing a binding quote.
Conversion quotes can vary significantly in scope. Clarify whether the quote includes bodywork, restoration, interior, and all components, or only the drivetrain work. Ask what happens if additional work is discovered once the build begins — how is this communicated and approved?
EV conversion involves high-voltage electrical systems, BMS configuration, CAN bus programming, and custom fabrication. Ask the workshop specifically about their approach to BMS setup, motor controller programming, and how they handle thermal management for the battery. A workshop that can answer these questions in detail is more likely to produce a well-engineered result than one that deflects technical questions.
Once the vehicle is handed over, the owner is responsible for an electric drivetrain that is not supported by any manufacturer's dealer network. Ask whether the workshop offers ongoing EV repair and diagnostic services for converted vehicles. Relik Electric offers EV repair services and remains available after handover.
Relik Electric does not claim to be the only capable conversion specialist in the UK. The workshops listed above all have track records of completed builds. However, there are specific reasons why owners choose Relik Electric: