Relik Electric is a classic car EV conversion workshop based in Woodchurch, Kent. Although the workshop is physically located in the South East of England, it accepts vehicles from owners across the United Kingdom. Distance is not a barrier to starting a project.
Classic car EV conversion is a niche discipline. There are few workshops in the UK with the engineering capability to carry out a full bespoke drivetrain conversion — from battery pack specification through to CAN bus integration and fast-charge configuration. Owners from across England, and further afield, have used Relik Electric for this reason.
The market for classic car EV conversions in the United Kingdom is still developing. Many general garages and even specialist EV repairers do not carry out full drivetrain conversions on classic vehicles. The combination of skills required — automotive fabrication, high-voltage electrical engineering, BMS configuration, and an understanding of classic vehicle construction — is uncommon.
As a result, owners who want a properly engineered conversion often look beyond their local area. Relik Electric has worked with clients from across England on projects involving Land Rovers, Porsches, Fiat 500s, Ford Cortinas, and VW Transporters.
The process for owners outside Kent follows the same stages as a local build, with the addition of vehicle transport:
The cost of transporting the vehicle to and from Kent is arranged and covered by the owner, and is separate from the conversion quote. Relik Electric can suggest suitable enclosed transport companies if needed.
Relik Electric assesses each vehicle individually. The most common conversion requests received from UK-wide clients involve:
The starting criteria for any conversion are: a structurally sound chassis, a clear brief from the owner, and a vehicle that is mechanically suitable for the intended drivetrain specification.
The United Kingdom has a large population of classic and vintage vehicles, many of which are used infrequently due to the cost and inconvenience of running an ageing petrol drivetrain. EV conversion offers an alternative: retain the vehicle you already own, but replace the powertrain with a reliable, low-maintenance electric system.
A converted classic runs on electricity, has significantly fewer moving parts than the original petrol drivetrain, and can be charged at home or at public charge points depending on the system fitted. Running costs are considerably lower than a comparable petrol vehicle, and the conversion removes dependence on fossil fuels without requiring the owner to sell the vehicle they know and value.
From a regulatory standpoint, EV conversions are legal in the UK. The DVLA requires notification of a significant change to a vehicle's propulsion system, and the finished vehicle must meet relevant safety standards. Relik Electric builds to standards appropriate for UK road use.
Owners in the UK should be aware of the following when considering a conversion:
Relik Electric can advise on the documentation required at handover and what the owner needs to do to update the vehicle's records after conversion.
Owners from anywhere in the UK are welcome to get in touch to discuss a project. An initial conversation costs nothing and will give a clear indication of whether the vehicle and intended use are suitable for conversion.
Relik ElectricRelik Electric is based in England and the workshop is in Kent, but there is no restriction on where clients are based. The practical consideration is the cost and logistics of transporting the vehicle to the South East. For high-value or complex builds, owners from all parts of the UK have found this worthwhile.
Enclosed vehicle transport costs vary by distance and vehicle size. As a rough guide, transporting a car from the North of England to Kent typically costs between £150 and £400 each way using a professional transporter. Relik Electric can recommend suitable services on request.
Relik Electric does not currently offer a vehicle collection service. Owners arrange transport of the vehicle to the Woodchurch workshop independently. The workshop can advise on suitable enclosed transport providers.