THE DeLorean DMC-12 remains very much a dream machine for car fans able to see past the Dunmurry-made vehicle’s mediocre performance.
Over the years, many DeLorean owners have successfully upgraded their car’s staid stock PRV V6 with something that actually unlocks the kind of performance suggested by its low-slung stance and fat rear tires: everything from Corvette-derived V8s to Tesla-sourced electric motors.
Now, Oxfordshire-based ‘drop-in EV conversion’ specialists Electrogenic are offering the first ever fully reversible ‘plug and play’ electric conversion kit specifically designed to be seamlessly integrated with the DMC-12′s existing internal structure “with no cutting, welding or drilling required”.
@electrogenicrev ⚡️Electric DeLorean!⚡️ Charging up for a road test in our latest conversion, an electric DeLorean - we’ll be calling in to see our partners Bespoke Off Road at the Churchill Car Show today - come & say hello 👋⚡️ #ElectricDeLorean #PoweredByElectrogenic #Electrogenic #DeLorean #EVConversion #EVSwap #EVKits #ElectricClassicCars #CoolCars #BackToTheFuture
♬ original sound - Aidan Rowley
“Since founding Electrogenic in 2018, we’ve seen a great deal of interest from around the world in the prospect of a DeLorean EV conversion,” explains Steve Drummond, Electrogenic CEO.
“With its sci-fi design and underwhelming engine, it really is the perfect candidate for conversion to electric drive.
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“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.”
Electrogenic’s DeLorean package is powered by 43kWh-rated battery packs fitted in place of the car’s original fuel tank under the front luggage compartment, and above the motor in the rear.
The stock structure of the DeLorean remains entirely intact, and all the required electric modifications are entirely reversible.
The batteries feed a motor sending 215hp and 155lb ft of torque into a fixed ratio gearbox and transaxle, delivering 2,360 lb ft to the rear the wheels. Thus, while the original 130hp V6-powered DeLorean had a sluggish 0-60mph time of just over 10 seconds, the EV version hits 60 in just under five.
Regenerative braking can be adjusted depending on the owner’s preferences, along with selectable drive profiles to suit different scenarios - from a range-enhancing ‘Eco’ mode to a ‘Sport’ setting for maximum performance.
Launch control functionality is also included, which Electrogenic say will give electric DeLorean drivers “the edge in the traffic light grand prix”.
When fully installed, the Electrogenic modified DeLorean weighs just 40kg more than the original petrol-powered version and, according to the firm, the electrified car is capable of over 150 miles of real world driving range.
The kit enables CCS rapid charging from zero to full capacity in one hour, plus vehicle-to-load capability.
Drummond says: “Our ‘plug and play’ DeLorean EV conversion package transforms the DMC-12 from an American cruiser into a true sports car, with performance that perfectly matches its timeless space-age visuals.
“When John DeLorean set out to make the DMC-12 over 40 years ago, he was determined to create a sports car that was sustainable and would stand the test of time. An EV conversion therefore makes total sense and feels in keeping with the ethos of the original project.
“I can also attest that the car’s original, Lotus-engineered, suspension is more than up to the task of handling the new-found torque; the car is fabulous to drive.
“During the DeLorean’s road-testing and calibration programme for over the past few months, our engineering team has been blown away by the response it gets from the public; it generates interest and excitement like nothing else.
“You’re constantly being stopped by DeLorean fans asking for pictures or wanting to take a closer look at the car, so it’s clear that the DMC-12 holds a special place in the hearts of many.
“We hope that, through our EV conversion kit, we’ll be able to help preserve this true cultural icon for future generations to enjoy.”
Of course, such power and convenience doesn’t come cheap: the cost of the DeLorean EV conversion kit starts at around £65,000 including fitting – and excluding the cost of the actual ‘donor’ car.
More information at electrogenic.co.uk