CLASSIC CAR SITTING UNUSED? GET AN ELECTRIC CONVERSION.
Peace Vans electric conversions give your CLASSIC CAR a new lease on life.
We love classic cars–from the timeless designs to the driving experience, each vehicle holds a unique charm and allows you to be part of a passionate community. As fond as we are of old cars, we can’t deny that they can come with a set of challenges: maintenance issues, sourcing parts, restoration costs, and more.
Keeping your classic car stock is super cool–given the vehicle's uniqueness, we understand wanting to keep it in its original condition. However, we often encounter folks who wish there was a way to make their classic car driveable and reliable–and now there is! About a year ago, we launched Peace Vans Electric, a new business that takes your air-cooled Volkswagen vehicle and converts it to electric.
We know this project isn’t for everyone, but you're in the right place if you have a vintage Volkswagen in your garage that you’d love to start taking on adventures. Continue reading to learn the benefits of this project and determine if it's the right fit for you.
Experienced team
At Peace Vans, our team is the heart of our company. We are proud to have a dedicated team of experienced and talented engineers leading our electric conversion projects. You can learn more about our newest engineering hire here.
An electric conversion is no easy feat–a lot of time and energy goes into it. From inspections to sourcing parts to removing all internal combustion components and installing electric power, this is a complex project that requires specialist mechanical and high-voltage electrical knowledge. Luckily, our mechanics and engineers have years of experience doing these projects and are ready to tackle yours. When converting your vehicle, finding a credible company and team is vital to ensure the job is done right.
Personalized to your needs
These projects have many options tailored to your preferences. You’ll choose the battery size and range that best fits your needs.
The range on your converted vehicle will vary greatly depending on the vehicle and battery pack you select. If you only need a short range to get around the city, your project will be cheaper and vice versa. The most basic conversions will see a range of about 60-70 miles, and the more expensive projects on lighter vehicles can see up to 160 miles. While 60-70 miles may seem small to some, it’s the perfect range for folks who just want a reliable vehicle to drive around the city and play with.
It’s important to note that every project and vehicle is unique, and what works for one car may not be realistic for another. Click the button below to fill out an interest form and tell us about your vehicle so we can give you a better range estimate. We are currently only converting vintage, air-cooled Volkswagens, and owners of those vehicles should fill out the form. However, we expect to expand our reach and start working on the entire universe of classic cars in the coming years.
Cheaper to maintain
It’s no secret that electric conversions are not cheap. They require a lot of time and sourcing of costly parts. Our standard package starts at $49,995 but can vary depending on your select battery pack, charging speed, and a whole other range of options.
With all that being said, once done, electric vehicles have much cheaper operating costs than gasoline vehicles–with the rising gas cost, this is a significant perk. Electric vehicles also have fewer moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance costs over time. Our mechanics are also happy to take a look if you encounter any issues with your converted vehicle.
Environmental benefits
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, especially on the West Coast. Washington and Oregon expect to see a large increase in EVs over the next few years, as the sale of new gas-powered vehicles will be banned in 2035. This means electric vehicle charging stations will be more prevalent and accessible.
Much of this has to do with the environmental benefits, as EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce air pollution and contributing to a cleaner environment. We’re excited to get ahead of the curve and offer these electric conversions now!
Enjoy your classic car to the fullest
These conversions aren’t designed to support full-blown road trips because of the current battery range options. However, most folks interested in these conversions aren’t looking to go on road trips. Peace Vans has a fully converted electric Volkswagen bus we call “Frida,” and we like to take it on trips around the city. These projects will allow you to run errands, visit friends, and attend car shows and rallies without the stress of having mechanical issues.
As we head further into the future, we find that it’s increasingly harder to own and maintain a vintage Volkswagen. There are fewer and fewer mechanics, parts are harder to come by, and quality is declining over time. You can elect to do your own mechanical work, but it can be hard to find the time. If you want to continue driving your VW bus in a safe environment, an electric conversion is the perfect solution.
I’m interested–how can I get started on a project?
We have an interest form on our main electric page where you can tell us about your vehicle, and we’ll get back to you with a plan. To learn more about what exactly is included in your project, click here.
Ready to take the plunge and convert your air-cooled Volkswagen to electric?
