According to Chris Harris – and many other enthusiasts – petrol cars should die a dignified death. “I’d rather have that than turn them into creepy silent cyborgs,” he said earlier. A lot of people seem to disagree with that. Lunaz, the company that converts classics into electric cars, is fully booked until 2024. And that while the EV conversions of classics are on the pricey side.
The English company has already had to double production, but that is not enough. Lunaz says even with production doubling from 55 cars a year in 2020 to 110 a year now, and with more than 120 employees, orders are piling up faster than tired Bentleys, Jaguars, Aston Martins, Range Rovers and Rolls-Royces can revive.
The EV conversions of classics are hot in the US and Asia
Demand comes not only from the home country, but also from the US and from Asian customers. Lunaz says it’s mostly wealthy millennials who want a reliable classic without the carbon footprint. That is why the restoration goes beyond ‘engine out and battery in’. For example, the restored interiors will have carpets woven from discarded fishing nets.
Apparently there are also a lot of catering establishments interested in electric Bentleys and Rolls-Royces to drive their guests. Do you also want a car from Lunaz? Then you can deposit 350,000 euros (excluding taxes) for, for example, a restored and electrified Range Rover Classic.
What do other Lunaz models cost?
For a Rolls Silver Cloud or Bentley you need 420,000 euros, or 450,000 euros for a Jag. With the Rolls Phantoms you get a nice bill of 660,000 euros. The top model is the Aston Martin DB6, which costs a mighty 1.1 million euros. All prices are therefore without taxes for imports to here (although you will not have to pay BPM, that makes a difference). You will then save a few tens a year on the oil change.
#conversions #classics #big #business #Convertor #Lunaz #large #queue