This is heavy. A UK firm has developed a ‘plug and play’ conversion kit to create an electric DeLorean DMC-12.
The DeLorean EV conversion package uses Electrogenic’s proprietary EV powertrain technology to give the DMC-12 a boost from the present.
Electrogenic has engineered the electric powertrain solution to fit within the existing architecture of the car. The conversion features 43kWh of battery capacity split between a pack housed in the area up front where the fuel tank was and another above the motor in the rear.
It’s said the conversion leaves the original structure of the car ‘entirely preserved; nothing is cut, and all the modifications are entirely reversible’.
This energy is fed into a 160kW/310Nm rear motor and the conversion can be applied to both manual and automatic DMC-12s.
The EV DeLorean is claimed to weigh in just 40kg heavier than its petrol fired original. Given the motor output is more than the original (the 2.8-litre V6 making just 97kW and 205Nm) and there’s a launch control mode, the electric DeLorean is twice as quick with 0-100km/h taking just under five seconds. No word on how long it takes to reach 88mph though.
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There are different levels of regenerative braking and selectable drive modes. It’s said to have a 240km range, a CCS rapid charge takes an hour and it features a V2L function.
Electrogenic’s conversions are completed at its Oxford HQ in the UK. Its ‘drop-in’ kit range is offered internationally through a network of partner installers, though none are in NZ, yet.
Electrogenic says it has ‘built its reputation on sympathetically converting beautiful classic cars to all-electric drive’. Its other EV conversion kits include options for the Land Rover Defender, Jaguar E-type, classic Mini and Porsche 911.