Aston Martin Electrifies Classic Cars
Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. has developed a conversion kit to retrofit its classic cars with electric powertrains.
#hybrid
Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. has developed a conversion kit to retrofit its classic cars with electric powertrains.
The program is expected to launch next year under the Heritage EV name, starting with an electrified 1970 DB6 MkII Volante (pictured). Pricing and specifications will be announced later.
The electric “cassette” package contains the battery, electric motor, controllers and necessary cabling. The system can be bolted into existing Aston Martin models in place of the piston engine and 12-volt battery.
Aston Martin says the process also can be reversed if owners want to return their vehicle to its original form. Other changes include adding a small cockpit screen that displays information about the battery and motor.
Components will be borrowed from the upcoming Rapid E electric supercar. The carmaker’s Aston Martin Works classic car unit will complete the conversion process at its facility in Newport Pagnell, England, facility.
In August, Jaguar Land Rover Ltd. announced similar plans to electrify some of its classic nameplates. The E-Type roadster will be the first model to get the treatment, which includes a 295-hp electric motor and 40-kWh lithium-ion battery that is expected to provide a 170-mile driving range.
RELATED CONTENT
-
On Ford Maverick, Toyota Tundra Hybrid, and GM's Factory Footprint
GM is transforming its approach to the auto market—and its factories. Ford builds a small truck for the urban market. Toyota builds a full-size pickup and uses a hybrid instead of a diesel. And Faurecia thinks that hydrogen is where the industry is going.
-
GM Develops a New Electrical Platform
GM engineers create a better electrical architecture that can handle the ever-increasing needs of vehicle systems
-
Report Predicts Limited Impact of Autonomous Tech on Professional Drivers
A new study says autonomous vehicles will displace some taxi drivers but have only a modest impact on the number of truck driver jobs over the next 10 years.