Electrifying a Classic Porsche

Developing a modern electric drivetrain for a classic car

The task was daunting. Unlike modern electric cars, where every component is designed for a battery-powered system, classic cars were never meant to house an electric motor. No manuals existed, no blueprints guided the way - this was uncharted territory. But the team was determined. If they could crack this, they wouldn't just convert a single car - they would create a blueprint for the future of classic car electrification.

Their first challenge was the Tesla electric motor. It was heavier and bulkier than the Porsche’s original engine and the existing drivetrain and chassis were not built to accommodate its immense torque. The engineers designed and fabricated a new support cradle from scratch, strong enough to hold the motor in place while maintaining the balance of the vehicle. But every modification led to new challenges.

The driveshafts weren’t strong enough to handle the increased power output, so they had to be redesigned and reinforced. The flanges that connected the powertrain had to be built from the ground up, with each prototype refined through an extensive testing process.

Innovating battery placement and weight distribution

To achieve their goal of a 300-mile range, the team needed a battery array that could store enough energy without compromising the car’s weight distribution. It wasn’t as simple as placing a battery pack where the fuel tank had been - the physical and spatial limitations of the Porsche forced the team to rethink everything.

They developed multiple prototypes of battery boxes, testing how different configurations affected handling and efficiency.

At the same time, the suspension had to be completely re-engineered to compensate for the additional weight. Spring tensions were adjusted, the car’s centre of gravity was recalibrated and through trial and error, the perfect balance was achieved.