We’ve insured our first electric conversion classic!

Electric vehicles are the hot topic of conversation at the moment and it’s certainly split the opinion of enthusiasts up and down the country as to whether they would convert their classic. At Lancaster, we can appreciate both sides of the wheel, so to speak, and can understand the pros and cons for both. We’re about offering choice to our customers, and whether you choose to keep your classic in its original condition or do in fact decide to change the engine to electric, we have a range of policies to suit you.

Here we speak to James, a Lancaster Insurance customer and proud owner of a Karmann Ghia which he has recently converted to electric, about the reasoning why.

“There are many reasons why I decided to go electric - mainly because it’s greener, cheaper to run and getting ahead of the game! I live, work and commute in London and the no emission zones are making it harder, and more expensive, to drive in the Capital.

I’ve always loved Karmann Ghias having owned my first over twenty years ago and I bought this one for the sole purpose to change the engine to electric. The guys at London Electric Cars did an amazing job converting it; where the engine used to be sits a Nissan LEAF motor and the battery is split, part being behind the rear seat and part up front where the fuel tank used to be (a rather better weight distribution than before, and no heavier overall). It gives me exactly what I need for city driving; good acceleration in low gear and the option for a high top speed in fourth. I can start and drive the car in any gear but mainly leave it in second for my travels across town. There is obviously no exhaust pipe, which gives away the fact it is electric, but if people are bothered by that they can always buy fake ones to put on.

Charging is no problem either. It has two charging points, one where the normal fuel filler cap used to be and a second for a more rapid charge, the entry point being hidden behind the rear number plate. ‘What about range anxiety’ is a common response when people realise it’s electric, but my response is that by 2030 the UK is to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars so pretty soon after the anxiety people will feel will be flipped. The worry won’t be around electric charging points in the future, it will be 'is there enough in the tank to get me to the next petrol station?'

If you are considering changing your classic to electric, I’d say go for it. If people are worried about the driving experience, for me, it is no different from when it was petrol – except for the roar of the engine. I couldn’t be happier with my choice!”

To speak to a member of the team at Lancaster about your classic car insurance needs for your electric car, call us on 01480 484836.