EV Tech Gives Old Classics New Lease On Life

Prepare for the rise of the ‘ecrate’ conversion, where an old clunker can be transformed into a zero-emissions, near-silent 800nm weapon

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From kingswoods and Commodores, to 911s and Corvettes, keeping a classic car running could soon be easier as the aftermarket slowly turns its focus to electric motors.

While EV conversions have been more prevalent in recent years – many using battery packs and motors from expired or crashed Teslas – there’s a growing movement for high-quality conversions using bespoke brand-new components.

The growing artillery of options is being driven by the United States, where General Motors has flagged its intention to sell an ‘eCrate’ electric motor kit to enthusiasts considering an EV conversion.

While details of the production eCrate are yet to be revealed, GM has previously previewed a modular construction that can be tailored to budgets and performance expectations.

That modular set-up allowed for up to three electric motor packs to be added, with the under-bonnet shape similar to that of a V8 – albeit with more orange high-voltage cabling than any 1960s or ’70s muscle car engineer would have dreamt of.