Electric Classic Cars

Bespoke EV Conversions

Classic VW Beetle & Karmann Ghia Electric Conversion

VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia EV conversion

Air-cooled character. Electric confidence.

The VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia are loved for their shape, simplicity and easy-going charm. Our electric conversions keep that personality intact, then add smoother driving, cleaner power and a more usable classic for modern roads.

Bespoke VW EV conversion

Convert your VW Beetle or Karmann Ghia into a quietly brilliant electric classic.

This conversion is designed for owners who want to keep the charm of their classic VW, while making it easier to start, smoother to drive and more enjoyable to use. A cleaner, calmer classic without losing the reason you loved it in the first place.

  • Bespoke electric drivetrain package specified around your vehicle
  • Smooth, quiet electric driving with reduced maintenance
  • Ideal for Beetle, Karmann Ghia and similar air-cooled VW platforms
  • Options for restoration, interior upgrades and personal finishing
Estimated build guide From £25,000
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Final pricing depends on vehicle condition, battery specification, restoration requirements, charging setup and chosen finish.
Classic VW Beetle or Karmann Ghia electric conversion by Relik EV

VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia EV conversions

Why convert your classic VW?

A VW Beetle or Karmann Ghia is not just a car. It is charm, nostalgia and unmistakable character in a shape people instantly love. A Relik EV conversion keeps that easy-going personality alive, then makes it smoother, quieter and easier to enjoy.

Keep the charm

The Beetle and Karmann Ghia have a personality that should never be erased. We preserve the look, stance and feel while transforming the experience beneath it.

Air-cooled soul, electric ease

Use it more

Electric power removes the old hesitation: difficult starts, fuel smell, warm-up time and constant tinkering. It becomes the classic you actually want to take out more often.

More drives, fewer excuses

Built around you

Whether you want a clean Beetle cruiser, a beautifully finished Ghia or a full bespoke restoration, we shape the battery, motor and finish around your car.

A personal build, not a generic kit

Future-proof the icon

A Relik EV conversion gives your VW a cleaner, calmer future while keeping the simplicity, style and emotional value that made it worth saving.

Preserved for the next chapter

Questions

Classic EV conversion FAQs

A bespoke electric conversion is a serious commission. These answers cover the essentials, from cost and build time to range, value and how much of the original classic character is preserved.

A conversion replaces the combustion engine with an electric motor and battery system. We carefully preserve the car's original aesthetic and mechanical feel while integrating modern EV hardware, including custom battery fitment, motor installation, controllers and supporting systems for seamless operation.

In many cases, a carefully executed electric conversion can make a classic more desirable and more practical for modern use, especially as emissions rules continue to tighten. Where possible, we design conversions with preservation in mind, giving owners flexibility and protecting the character of the car.

Build time depends on the vehicle, specification, restoration work and current workshop schedule. As a guide, a full conversion typically takes around 2 to 6 months. We provide a realistic timeline before work begins and keep you updated along the way at every stage.

Range and performance depend on the battery, motor and vehicle package. Most builds can achieve around 100 to 200 miles per charge, with instant torque and stronger drivability than the original engine. Our aim is to improve usability while respecting the spirit of the classic.

Yes. Our conversions are designed to retain the classic charm of the car, with minimal visual changes wherever possible. We respect the unique character of each model and work carefully so the upgrades feel integrated, refined and appropriate to the vehicle.

Costs vary depending on the vehicle, battery size, motor choice, restoration requirements and level of finish. Most bespoke Relik EV conversions start from around £30,000 and can increase depending on specification. We provide a tailored quote after discussing your car and goals.

Electric classics are generally easier to maintain than petrol classics because there are fewer moving parts, no oil changes and no exhaust system to manage. We still recommend periodic checks for the battery, charging system and electrical components.

Yes. We offer different motor and battery options depending on the car, your range goals, performance expectations and budget. Whether you want maximum range, stronger performance or a balanced road-focused build, we help you choose the right components.

Relik EV Conversion Process

The process

How your conversion works

A bespoke EV conversion from our Kent workshop, built around your car, your vision and the way you want it to drive. From first conversation to final handover, every build is planned with engineering clarity and crafted with restraint.

£30k+ Bespoke builds
2-6 Month typical build
01

Free consultation

We talk through your car, your goals, and your budget. You'll get a clear outline of what's possible and a no-obligation quote based on your specific vehicle and spec.

Usually by phone or video call - no need to travel to us
02

Vehicle assessment & build plan

Your car comes to our Woodchurch workshop for a full assessment. We confirm the motor and battery specification, agree the conversion pack, and lock in your timeline.

Typical build time: 2-6 months depending on spec
03

Conversion & build

Our engineers remove the original drivetrain, fabricate the battery enclosure and motor mounts, and install all EV systems - motor controller, BMS, charging hardware, CAN-based instrumentation and cabin heating as standard.

You're updated along the way, at every stage
04

Testing & handover

Every conversion goes through a full road test and charging cycle before handover. You leave with everything you need to charge at home or at a public CCS rapid charger.

Ready to drive away the same day as handover

Start a conversation

Tell us about the car you want to reimagine.

Share the essentials and we will prepare your enquiry for WhatsApp, ready to send directly to Relik EV.

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Prefer to speak?

Give us a call or email

If you would rather speak directly, send us a message, call the workshop or email your vehicle details and we will guide you through the next step.

Contact Relik EV