Welcome to the site of eV machina. Located in the Byron Bay area of NSW, Australia, eV machina provide clients with a full customised conversion service for their classic vehicles. Using the latest in electric vehicle component technology we create high performance, long range design enhancing reliability and usability. Explore our site below to find out more information and read the FAQs, or simply get in touch with us today.
Full conversion service
Classic electric cars into the future
Why an electric classic car?
Electric Vehicle (EV) technology is developing at a fast pace and it's a very exciting time to be part of the transition to better transport, energy storage and lower emissions. There now exists desirable opportunities to convert a variety of pre 1980's vehicles to a high standard using vastly improved components and technology to enhance the value of classic cars into the future.
Here at eV machina the focus is on sourcing class leading components that integrate to create increased performance, enhanced safety and reliability. The experience of driving a classic car that has been converted to electric is rich and exhilarating. Much of the character of a classic car is retained and at the same time the driving experience is improved beyond imagination. Performance of the electric motor, braking, sound, smell. All senses engage in a whole new world and it's incredible.
Great design and integration
An eV machina conversion requires extensive design work in electrical and mechanical engineering. The design philosophy is to create an enhanced user experience both aesthetically and in motion. Elements of the original vehicle design are retained or enhanced as much as possible with an aim to bring classic automotive art in sync with the very latest electric vehicle technology.
Complex electrical networks and other functional components are neatly out of sight allowing the beauty of the original design to merge with the technology for a simple and striking effect. Function, reliability, safety and aesthetic design are all at the forefront of each conversion project creating electrifying driving experiences and objects of art you can use every day.
Finished projects
Conversion of the Southern Cross University Kombi was completed in 2020 and the client has been happy with the outcome driving it regularly between the Gold Coast and Lismore campuses.
The 1976 late bay Kombi is powered by a high efficiency PMAC motor using the same technology as used in the Tesla model 3.
The Tesla 53 kW battery pack enables a usable range of up to 250 km. The 120 hp electric motor represents a doubling in performance for incredibly smooth powerful acceleration in any conditions.
Interested in how our services can help you?
Current project
A restored 1959 Porshe 356. Currently the original transmission is being fully rebuilt with a strengthened gear set to enable it to handle the extra torque of the electric motor which has been effectively more than doubled. Final testing and certification is expected by the end of 2023.
FAQS Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an eV machina conversion cost?
A full conversion for a mechanically sound pre-1980's classic, to full engineering certification starts at $60K Cost depends on battery size and any extras such as electric power steering.
The SCU Kombi with the 50kWh battery pack, electric power steering and upgrades to the drivetrain and gear linkage, etc. was about $80K.
70% of the conversion cost is the huge array of quality components most of which have to be shipped in from the US.
What sort of range and charging times can I expect?
The range has many variables depending on vehicle size, weight and aerodynamic efficiency. For example the Kombi with its 50 kWh battery can drive around town at speeds up to 80 kph all day with a range up to 300 km. However on the highway, due to massive aerodynamic drag, the range falls to around 200 km.
The smaller Porsche weighs a full 1000kg
less than the Kombi and the battery pack is half the size, however the range will be relatively better on a kWh per km basis.
Highway range I expect to be 160 to 180km and around town 220 to 250km.
On board twin chargers in parallel let the battery charge at up to 7000W on a Type 2 fast charge. The Kombi usually charges up in 4-5 hours however with the 240V wall unit the charge rate falls to about 3000W so that's an overnight charge 8-10 hours.
There is no provision for DC fast charging at such a relatively low pack voltage (120V).
How long does an eV machina conversion take to complete.
The usual conversion time is about 12 months, however if any other restoration work is required along the way this can extend the build time. The Porsche transmission has taken 6 months to rebuild so that is added to the conversion time. As I'm doing one-offs mostly single-handedly and part-time, the process can be lengthy, however the work is done properly and over-engineered for safety beyond the current requirements. There are alot of bespoke elements and customised fabrication that takes most of the work time.
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