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Aston Martin Will Make Old Cars Electric So They Don't Get Banned From Cities (theverge.com)
Aston Martin announced this week that it's starting a "Heritage EV" program where owners of classic Aston Martins can have their cars converted to an all-electric powertrain. The British automaker said they are starting this program so that classic cars don't get banned from cities that are moving to shun internal combustion engines in favor of boosting air quality for residents. The Verge reports: Aston Martin says the technology for these conversions will be built on "key components" being used to develop the Rapide E, a super-limited all-electric sports car due late next year. The Rapide E will use an 800-volt, 65kWh battery, offer "over 200 miles" of range, and feature a sub-4-second 0-60 mph time, as well as a top speed of 155 miles per hour. Only 155 of them will be sold, too. So the best way to get a taste of Aston Martin's electric future might actually be one of these EV conversions.
The automaker says the first car it will develop a conversion plan for is the 1970 DB6 MkII Volante. Aston Martin will build Rapide E-inspired "cassettes" that can essentially slide in where the original engine and gearbox used to be, and will even be attached to the same mountings. A new screen will be fitted in the car's interior, but otherwise, little else is changed. This also means that, should an owner change their mind, and also have the money (which, come on, of course they do), they should be able to change it back if they so desire.
The automaker says the first car it will develop a conversion plan for is the 1970 DB6 MkII Volante. Aston Martin will build Rapide E-inspired "cassettes" that can essentially slide in where the original engine and gearbox used to be, and will even be attached to the same mountings. A new screen will be fitted in the car's interior, but otherwise, little else is changed. This also means that, should an owner change their mind, and also have the money (which, come on, of course they do), they should be able to change it back if they so desire.
The thing is, nobody sane takes an antique Aston Martin on a 4 hour trip. You take one out for 30-40 minutes and then have a rest. Or, you are using the car in an actual multi-day race, in which case you would obviously not undergo an electric conversion.
I expect very few classic car owners would both cruise in the town for fun, and also race with the same car.
Take off every 'sig' !!
Sports cars are the ideal vehicles to convert. Even newer ones tend to have longitudinal engines which means lots of room in the engine bay, so no weird engineering problems trying to fit stuff into the vehicle. The only big problem is the battery. For older vehicles it's not much of a problem, but newer ones often have oddly-shaped fuel tanks for packaging reasons.
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
The thing is, nobody sane takes an antique Aston Martin.. and BUTCHERS it eviscerating its heritage and history.
These aren't collectibles insomuch as "choppers".
Life is not for the lazy.