Reviving Classics: Nomad Motors’ Electric Conversions Preserve Vintage Charm
Living in Midcoast Maine since 2010, I’ve grown accustomed to the local sights and sounds, from roadside blueberry stands in the summer to the never-ending presence of lobster boats. However, in terms of the automotive world, there isn’t much to see here. That is until I stumbled upon Nomad Motors, a hidden gem up the coast. Run by Keith Martin, this little shop specializes in converting classic vehicles into modern, reliable, and usable electric cars.
I had the opportunity to visit Nomad Motors and explore their creations, with a particular focus on their fully converted 1976 BMW 2002. Martin, who currently owns four classic cars, including the BMW, wanted to spend more time driving them and less time fixing them. With the help of industry veterans EV West and Electric GT, Nomad Motors was born.
While a typical conversion takes about three months, Martin’s BMW 2002 took closer to a year due to a full-body restoration before installing the electric drivetrain. The original stock 2.0-liter engine was replaced with a Netgain Hyper 9HV motor, delivering a substantial improvement in horsepower and torque. With 121 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, the car now achieves an impressive 0-60 mph time of just 8.5 seconds. What sets this conversion apart is the retention of the car’s four-speed manual transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience compared to most modern EVs.
To power the motor, Martin installed six liquid-cooled Tesla 18650 batteries wired in series, totaling 32 kWh and 144 volts in capacity. Safety was a top priority, with a sealed HV junction box containing switches, fuses, and service disconnects. A battery management system ensures the monitoring of voltage, temperatures, amperage, and the state of charge.
Converting a classic car into an electric vehicle requires careful consideration, especially concerning weight distribution and handling. Martin addressed these challenges by adding a cross-member on the subframe to support the motor’s added torque. Lowering the front end by 1.5 inches and installing upsized anti-sway bars and wider tires further enhanced the car’s stance and balance.
Despite the modifications, the BMW 2002 maintains its original charm and aesthetics. Watching it drive down the road, one would never suspect the level of work that went into electrifying it. The cost of such a conversion ranges from $20,000 to $40,000 for the components, with the complete car falling between $40,000 and $60,000, depending on the desired range, power, and options.
While critics argue that converting classic gas cars to electric is sacrilegious, there’s more to the story. Nomad Motors understands the desire to preserve the look and feel of these classic vehicles. With their conversions, they cater to classic car owners who simply want to enjoy their vehicles without the constant need for maintenance. The Land Rover Defender, for example, finds popularity among New Englanders as a summer coastal runabout, making it an ideal candidate for conversion.
Nomad Motors is still in its early stages, operating out of a small space on the coast. However, Martin has acquired land to establish a permanent home base for building, servicing, and storing customer vehicles. They offer conversions for several classic vehicle types, including the Porsche 356 and 912, BMW 2002, VW Beetle and Bus, and pre-1980 Land Rover Defenders.
As time goes on and parts for classic cars become scarcer and pricier, electric conversions like those offered by Nomad Motors will likely gain popularity. While some enthusiasts may resist this future, it could be the best way to keep these vintage vehicles on the road, where they truly belong.
