In sunny San Diego, California, there's a place where car enthusiasts are taking old classics and giving them a jolt of electricity. 🌞🚗 Welcome to the world of EV West, a hub for custom electric cars that's at the forefront of a global trend.
Imagine a 1976 BMW 2002, a joy to drive but lacking in power. Now, picture someone going all out, adding a 550-horsepower Tesla drive unit to it. 🏎️🔋 That's the kind of magic EV West specializes in. These guys are all about speed, horsepower, and making already fun cars even more exciting.
Across the globe, people are ditching their old gas-guzzlers for the efficiency of electric vehicles. 🌍🔌 In fact, electric car sales shot up by a whopping 55% in 2022! And it's not just new EVs; they're converting the classics too.
Take a 1977 Porsche 911, for instance. It's been transformed into a modern electric marvel, blending Tesla components with aftermarket wizardry. 🔧🔌 The interest in EVs is soaring, and regulatory mandates are pushing the transition even further.
California and several European countries are saying goodbye to gasoline-powered cars in the near future. 🚫🛢️ But with about 1.2 billion vehicles worldwide and the average U.S. car being 12 years old, there's still a long road ahead. EV conversions could be the solution, and the industry is booming to meet the demand.
Think of it as the 90s computer revolution, but with cars. 🖥️🚗 Michael Bream, the founder of EV West, started this journey as an experiment, building a race car with electric power. Now, they're converting classics and specialty cars left and right, with a waitlist that stretches for years.
They handle every aspect of the conversion, often using salvaged components from crashed EVs. 🛠️🔋 These folks are true pioneers, creating their own components and making EVs even better. And they're not alone; DIY enthusiasts are getting in on the action.
Meet Frances Farnham, a 14-year-old who's converting a 1976 Porsche 914 into an electric wonder. 🙋♀️🔌 She's documenting her journey on her YouTube channel, Tinkergineering, inspiring others to join the EV movement.
But it's not just about personal projects; the aftermarket industry is booming. 📈🚗 From Ford to GM, companies are offering EV conversion components, and SEMA, the automotive aftermarket giant, is leading the charge.
They even introduced a bill to provide incentives for gas car conversions in California. 🔌💰 The future is electric, and education is crucial. SEMA and others are now offering courses to teach the ins and outs of EVs.
While converting a classic car isn't cheap, costing around $40,000 to $60,000, it's a small price for preserving beloved classics and reducing emissions. 🌱💵 The future looks electrifying, and EV conversions are a key part of the journey.
So, whether you're a young tinkerer like Frances or a seasoned hot-rodder, the electric conversion movement is here to stay. 🚗⚡ It's a thrilling ride into the future, where sustainability meets speed and fun. 🌟🔌💨
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Q1: Why are people choosing to convert classic cars to electric instead of buying new EVs?
A1: Converting classic cars to electric allows enthusiasts to preserve beloved classics with sentimental value while also reducing emissions. It's a way to merge the charm of vintage cars with modern, sustainable technology.
Q2: What role is SEMA playing in promoting the electric conversion trend?
A2: SEMA is actively supporting the electric conversion movement by introducing bills for incentives, offering educational courses, and creating an EV-focused section at its trade shows. They're paving the way for more accessible and widespread conversions.
Q3: Are there any potential downsides to electric conversions?
A3: While electric conversions are exciting, they can be costly, ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 or more. Additionally, older vehicles may require custom engineering, making them less affordable and less efficient than purpose-built electric cars.
Q4: How are younger generations contributing to the electric conversion trend?
A4: Younger enthusiasts like Frances Farnham are getting involved in electric conversions, demonstrating that age and experience aren't barriers. They're using social media platforms to share their journeys, inspire others, and expand the DIY EV community.
Q5: What does the future hold for the electric conversion industry?
A5: The future looks promising, with more manufacturers entering the space, educational programs growing, and demand increasing. As the transition to sustainable fuels gains momentum, electric conversions will likely continue to evolve and become more accessible to a broader audience. 🌟🚗⚡