The business of converting classic cars to electric powertrains is booming, with companies like Electrogenic leading the way. Originally focused on converting commercial vehicles to EV propulsion, Electrogenic quickly adapted its plans when the pandemic hit. Now, the company operates in four main areas: military work, partnerships with OEMs, pre-developed conversion kits, and bespoke conversions. Electrogenic considers itself an OEM, sourcing parts from tier one suppliers and manufacturing EV powertrains for various purposes.
One of Electrogenic’s recent projects involved converting a DeLorean DMC-12 to electric power. The goal was to retain as much of the original car’s character as possible while improving its efficiency and performance. The powertrain swap involved removing the original V6 engine and replacing it with a 215bhp, 229lb ft electric motor powered by a 42kWh battery. The converted DeLorean can achieve 0-60mph in just five seconds and has an estimated range of 150 miles.
Electrogenic’s expertise lies not only in hardware but also in software. The company has developed a common operating system that allows for seamless integration across all of its projects. Whether it’s a sports car or a military vehicle, the diagnostics screen provides the same information and functionality. Starting up the converted DeLorean is as simple as twisting the key and selecting “drive.”
The driving experience of the converted DeLorean is impressive. The throttle response is instant, and three different driving modes allow for varying levels of performance and power consumption. In Sport mode, the car truly feels like a proper sports car, delivering exhilarating acceleration. However, the handling of the original car remains unchanged, as Electrogenic focuses solely on the powertrain. While cornering can result in some lean and understeer, upgrading the suspension could transform the car into a high-performance machine.
Electrogenic’s use of technology, particularly its mastery of software integration, sets it apart in the industry. The company’s success in converting classic cars to electric powertrains has positioned the UK as a hub for this type of work. As technology continues to evolve, it’s exciting to imagine how far Electrogenic and other companies will push the boundaries of electric vehicle conversions in the future. For now, they have proven that it is possible to transform iconic cars like the DeLorean DMC-12 into desirable electric vehicles while preserving their original character.