EV Conversion

We specialise in automotive law and dispute resolution involving rare and classic motor vehicles both in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Our experience and expertise extends to include not only the sale, purchase and restoration of luxury and performance cars, but also retromod and electric vehicle conversions. If you have a legal issue or dispute with a vehicle you have had converted to EV or have purchased an EV converted vehicle bought from a dealer, call the Car Lawyer.

Classic car EV conversion and the sale of restored and re-engineered electric classic cars ticks all the boxes, seemingly contributing to the net zero strategy with zero-emission cars, through recycling and repurposing vintage and classic cars. With the race to stop the sale of new internal combustion engines and the spread of ultra-low emission zones accelerating, so are the number of firms joining the classic car EV revolution for a share of the spoils.

The trouble is, classic car restoration is already a world shrouded in mystery, where quotations, timelines and deadlines do not exist in the lexicon of the restorer, who presides over your precious motor car as the sole arbiter of quality. Add to this is the problematic mix of the installation of bolt-in 21^st Century technology and components in order to electrify a classic car from an analogue era. These are often supplied by a third party, or modified from, for example, Tesla components, leading to safety issues, problems with registration with the DVLA, the potential for being ripped off and the ruination of your pride and joy.

EV Conversion: Engineering and Fabrication Challenge

The installation of the electric car conversion kit will likely require a number of engineering and fabrication modifications to the classic car, including the EV battery being secured,  electric motors and appropriate differentials being properly installed and the upgrading or replacement of suspension components, which may be required.

Failure to complete these modifications to the standard of a competent automotive engineer may result in risk of damage to the motor and/or differential and drive train, and overall safety. Find out more about automotive law, or more on motor industry lawyers.

EV Conversion: Wiring and Electrical Standards

The wiring must be carried out to the required standard, using unjointed continual wires where appropriate ensuring it is protected, weatherproof and secure with high voltage cables routed through apertures with appropriate grommets. The EV conversion should be subjected to rigorous post installation testing ensuring the battery management system is operating as it should and all safety critical applications are operational.

EV Conversion: DVLA Registration Process

Once the electric conversion is complete the vehicle should be registered with the DVLA. The DVLA utilise a points system to determine whether the vehicle requires an independent vehicle assessment and registered with a Q registration.

This will likely happen if the original chassis/monocoque has been modified, this may include the drilling of holds for fixing or routing and it is therefore imperative that the ev conversion is properly planned and executed.

EV Conversion: Restoration and Value Preservation

Poor planning and execution of electric conversions can result in significant damage to the value of the classic car both physically and financially if it cannot be re-registered with the DLVA and retain its registration number or at all.