GREEN PARTY

Electrogenic has developed a 'drop-in' kit to convert the classic 911 into an EV. Total 911 is among the first to drive it

- Tim Pitt

When we drove Everrati’s restomod 964 two years ago (Total 911, issue 207), the idea of an electrified 911 seemed deeply divisive. Since then, registrations of new electric cars have soared 54 per cent, numerous brands – from Ford to Bentley – have committed to going fully EV by 2030, and the Taycan has regularly been Porsche GB’s best-seller. Perhaps a battery-powered 911 is no longer quite so controversial?

“We’ve definitely seen a change,” says Vic Crofts, head of marketing at Electrogenic. “People used to ask us why you would convert a classic car to electric power. Now they ask us how to do it.” We’ll get to the why later, as it remains a valid question. But first, let’s focus on the how, because Electrogenic’s new drop-in EV conversion kit is the real story here.

Much like for the Neunelfer itself, it all begins with the Volkswagen Beetle. Back in 2017, Electrogenic co-founder Steve Drummond decided to electrify his classic VW. Three years later, I drove the company’s first customer car: a lovingly restored 1963 Beetle with Tesla battery modules, fast charging capability and a range of 140 miles. ‘Bertie’ felt like a curio at the time, but he was the start of something much bigger.

Today, Electrogenic’s workshop – located near Oxford and led by senior mechanic Oli Cook, formerly of Theon Design – converts around 12-15 classic cars a year. All its hardware (and software) is now bespoke. One of Oli’s notable innovations has been to combine an electric motor with a traditional manual gearbox, best exemplified by the four-speed Porsche 356C Coupe that appeared in the press and at various car shows last summer.