When most people think of electric vehicles (EVs), Tesla or Rivian might come to mind. But rewind to the 1900s, and you’d be surprised to learn that electric cars were already a thing. Not only were they a thing, but by 1900, electric vehicles made up nearly 38% of all U.S. automobiles.
Fast forward over a century, and the concept isn’t just back, it’s evolved. And one of the most fascinating trends today? Vintage electric cars. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, environmentalist, or just someone fascinated by old-school charm with a modern kick, this story has layers.
A Glimpse Back: When Electric Was the Future
Long before gasoline engines roared onto the scene, inventors were already tinkering with electric mobility. The earliest known electric carriage dates back to the 1830s, built by Robert Anderson in Scotland. But it wasn’t until the late 1800s and early 1900s that practical, rechargeable electric cars hit the roads.
By the 1890s, the lead-acid battery (thanks to Gaston Planté and later refined by Camille Faure) enabled reliable, rechargeable transportation. Names like Baker Electric and Detroit Electric soon became well-known. These cars were elegant, silent, and easy to drive, especially when compared to the gasoline vehicles that needed manual cranking and emitted foul-smelling fumes.
In New York and London, electric taxis (like Walter Bersey’s “hummingbirds”) ferried passengers around urban streets. By 1899, even the Akron Police Department rolled out the first electric police car. It was a sign of a cleaner, quieter urban future.
But progress doesn’t always follow a straight line.
The Fall: Cheap Oil and Model T
Electric cars had a lot going for them: low noise, ease of use, and no smelly exhaust. But they also had limitations. Batteries were heavy and had limited range. On the other hand, the internal combustion engine improved rapidly, especially after Charles Kettering invented the electric starter in 1912.
Then came the Ford Model T. At just $650, it was affordable, mass-produced, and reliable. In contrast, electric cars cost more than three times that.
Add the discovery of cheap petroleum and the build-out of gasoline infrastructure, and the electric dream quickly lost steam.
By the 1920s, gasoline cars had won.
The Comeback: Recharging the Past
Today, electric cars are back, this time with lithium-ion batteries, fast chargers, and zero tailpipe emissions. But here’s the twist: some of the most exciting EVs on the road today aren’t futuristic pods. They’re old-school classics, reborn with batteries.
Welcome to the world of vintage electric car conversions.
Several companies are leading this electric renaissance:
- Electric Classic Cars (UK): Founded by Richard Morgan in 2015, this firm has converted over 70 classics, including the world’s first Tesla-powered Mini. Their ethos? Daily-driveable classics with modern reliability.
- Everrati: Known for turning iconic vehicles like the Porsche 911 and Aston Martin DB6 into electric works of art. These conversions are bespoke, retaining the soul of the original while adding modern punch.
- Zelectric Motors: Focusing on classic Porsches and VWs, they aim for maximum driving fun while preserving vintage vibes.
- Charge Cars: Their electric 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback is a beast, with 0-60 mph in 3 seconds, AWD, and sleek design.
What’s Inside a Modern Electric Classic?
Conversion usually involves gutting the petrol engine and swapping in an electric motor and battery pack. But this isn’t some haphazard DIY operation. High-end shops carefully balance power, weight, and aesthetics.
Take the converted Aston Martin DB6: it offers 200 miles of range, 0-60 in 5.4 seconds, and 324 bhp without adding weight over the original gearbox. Or consider the Garage Italia Fiat 500 Jolly: a beach cruiser with 75 miles of range and a 53 mph top speed.
The best part? They’re easier to maintain. No oil changes. No timing belts. Just pure torque and instant throttle.
But that performance doesn’t come cheap. A converted Aston Martin DB model from Everrati starts at £144,950 plus VAT, and that’s before you even buy the base car. Hobbyists, however, can build their own for around $60,000 using donor cars and kits.
Is It Just for Show?
Not necessarily. While many conversions are parade-worthy showpieces, others are daily drivers. Improved battery technology has made it possible to use these electrified classics for regular commutes and weekend cruises. And with cities cracking down on emissions, converting vintage vehicles can be a smart way to keep them on the road legally.
Plus, there’s a cultural shift. People want to hold onto their heritage but live sustainably. Vintage electric cars tick both boxes.
And let’s be honest: pulling up in a 1965 Mustang that hums like a Tesla? That’s a flex.
Final Thoughts: Where Nostalgia Meets Innovation
Vintage electric cars are more than just something cool to look at; they’re here to stay. They’re a powerful blend of history and innovation. They bring back the craftsmanship and character of older vehicles while embracing the clean energy future. Whether you’re into preserving the past or building a sustainable future, or both, vintage EVs might be the perfect middle ground.
From Baker Electrics ferrying 1900s high society to Tesla-powered Beetles zipping down 2025 roads, the story has come full circle.
