News

DVLA should reclassify electrified classic cars, say drivers

New research finds the majority of car enthusiasts want to see classic EV conversions reclassified by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). 

Specialist insurance broker Footman James surveyed more than 1,300 people about their views on converting classic cars to electric power. 

Nearly 70 percent of those questioned agreed with the idea of creating a new classification for converted classic EVs.

The rise of electric classics

At present, only brand new EVs are classified as an electric car on a DVLA V5C registration document. 

This means that, after converting a classic car to electric power, the details of the original internal combustion engine remain upon the V5C.

However, the increasing popularity of electrified classics suggests that a new approach could be needed. Footman James highlights that an average of between £20,000 and £40,000 is now spent on classic EV conversions.

Companies such as Lunaz and Everrati have seen substantial demand for electric classic cars, with the wider marketplace covering everything from Land Rovers to Porsches.

David Beckham recently presented his son with an EV-converted Jaguar XK140 as a wedding gift.

The need for official recognition

Managing director of Footman James, David Bond, said: “Electric power is a small but growing sector. This is spilling out to classic owners who are also choosing to swap from petrol to battery power.

“Classic cars by their nature are increasingly restored, modified and upgraded, but interestingly, from the majority of our responders, converting from the internal combustion engine to electric requires more official recognition.

“From the results of this poll, it looks like our audience want there to be a change and move to recognise EV-converted classic cars by the DVLA on the V5 – and look at the green marking on the registration plates to show they are powered by electricity.”

ALSO READ:

Praise the Ford: stunning Mk1 Escort RS1600 up for auction

1966 Fiat 500 review: Retro Road Test

Great Motoring Disasters: Caterham 21

John Redfern

Share
Published by
John Redfern

Recent Posts

Race and rally Ford icons head to auction this month

The Iconic Auctioneers NEC Classic sale features an array of legendary Ford performance cars, including…

1 day ago

Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS replica review: Retro Road Test

This 'backdated' Porsche 911 imitates the legendary Carrera 2.7 RS for a fraction of the…

4 days ago

1966 Fiat 500 review: Retro Road Test

The iconic Fiat 500 got Italy moving after the Second World War and inspired today's…

2 weeks ago

Daihatsu Cuore Avanzato TR-XX R4 review: Retro Road Test

The Daihatsu Cuore Avanzato TR-XX R4 is as bonkers as its name suggests. We recall…

3 weeks ago

1988 Land Rover 90 review: Retro Road Test

This Land Rover 90 is an exceptionally rare special edition. But the qualities that make…

3 weeks ago

Great Motoring Disasters: Sinclair C5

Sir Clive Sinclair's revolutionary electric trike for the masses wasn't quite the success he hoped…

3 weeks ago

This website uses cookies.