Electrogenic dumps the eighties icon’s wheezy V6 for a rapid-charging battery and a punchy EV motor
Electrogenic has revealed a ‘plug and play’ conversion package for the DeLorean DMC-12, swapping the 1980s film star’s much-maligned V6 for a quicker and quieter EV set-up.
The Oxfordshire firm, which has previously produced electric conversions of the Citroën DS, Land Rover Defender and Jaguar E-Type, now offers a ‘drop-in’ EV conversion kit for the DeLorean which is fully reversible, and is said to turn it into a “true sports car” with more power and far punchier performance specs.
The powertrain has been engineered to preserve the car’s original structure, with the “OEM-grade” 43kWh battery fitted in place of the rear-mounted fuel tank and the EV motor integrated into the rear axle.
The motor sends 215bhp and 229lb ft through a fixed-ratio gearbox, resulting in a 0-62mph time twice as quick as the original car, at 5.0sec. It is the first Electrogenic model to feature launch control.
The conversion can be fitted to original DMC-12s – with a manual or automatic gearbox – and adds just 40kg to the weight of the donor car.
Electrogenic CEO Alex Drummond said: “With its sci-fi design – still jaw-dropping over 40 years on – and underwhelming engine, (the DeLorean DMC-12) really is the perfect candidate for conversion to electric drive.
“We’re now delighted to reveal our ‘plug and play’ conversion package to the world. Developed entirely in-house using our proprietary technology, it gives the DMC-12 the sporting performance its futuristic shape always deserved.”
The battery pack gives the DMC-12 EV an 150-mile range, and is chargable via regenerative brakes which adjust according to either of the two driving modes: Eco and Sport, the latter of which sharpens up throttle response and adds weight to the steering. The battery can be fully charged on a CCS rapid charger in “under an hour”, though Electrogenic does not quote a maximum charge speed.
Drummond said the project “generates interest and excitement like nothing else”, and is “blown away” by the response the company has received from the public.
Customers can specify their electric DeLorean with modern features including Apple CarPlay, an uprated air conditioning system and a bespoke virtual dashboard with displays for the drive modes, battery usage and charge status.
While prices depend on the condition of the donor car, Electrogenic says it will cost between £65,000 and £85,000 plus local taxes.
