According to the UK government, almost half of all cars on British roads will need to be electric by 2030 if the country is to meet its climate targets. And, with the sale of new petrol and diesel cars set to be banned in the same year, it’s no surprise that the popularity of electric cars is on the rise.
In fact in the last year, as traditional car sales fell, the sale of electric vehicles rose by 40%. This has led to a new trend of converting classic cars to electric vehicles.
Good news for motoring enthusiasts who may be worried that their pride and joy is becoming unsustainable, businesses across the country are popping up offering to do these conversions for you.
The process involves removing the vehicle’s internal combustion engine, replacing it with an electric motor and a large bank of batteries.
Why you should consider converting your classic car
As well as the evident environmental benefits that converting a classic car to electric brings, there are a whole host of other positives to the process.
You may be surprised to know that many people think that classic cars actually drive better when they’ve been converted to electric.
While the purists may turn their noses up at this notion, many drivers cite faster acceleration, better handling and an overall quicker, more responsive car after the change has been made.
As well as this, converting to an electric vehicle significantly reduces the chance of breakdown. While they look great, classic cars are not the most reliable, so changing one to an electric vehicle will mean you’re less likely to have to call roadside recovery after taking your motor out for a spin.
Undoubtedly, having an electric car is better for the environment. But, what you might not know is that it’s greener to convert an existing car to electric than to buy one new. This is because new electric cars produce around 18 tonnes of CO2 in their life, with 46% of it coming from the manufacturing process. Additionally, converting the car means it doesn’t end up in landfill.
Another great benefit of converting classic cars to electric is that, if not being used for commercial purposes, they’re usually exempt from vehicle tax. Any vehicle built before 1981 is exempt from this tax, so if you’re thinking of using your classic car for day-to-day use rather than just to admire in your garage, converting to an electric vehicle is certainly worth thinking about.
The best ever British cars
Thinking of getting yourself a classic car to convert to an electric vehicle?
There’s plenty to choose from.
If you’re struggling to know what car to go for, why not opt for one of the best British cars of all time?
According to Auto Express, the top three classic British cars that would be perfect to convert to an electric vehicle are as follows:
What would your favourite classic car to convert to an electric vehicle be?
Whatever type of car you own, Treadfirst is here to help. Our team offers a wide range of automotive services to customers across East Anglia, including tyre-fitting, wheel alignment, servicing and repairs. You can book an MOT online with us, or to find out more about what we do, contact our team today.
