Electric Swaps: An Evolution in Tuning
Last year around this time, we made a gloomy prediction about what car enthusiasm may look like in the future. As we saw electric cars becoming more mainstream, we wondered if all the modifications and mechanics that car enthusiasts have taken for granted may become more and more niche. However, a year later, we’re willing to admit we may have been hasty to predict the end of the aftermarket.
Electric motor swaps are becoming more and more popular, and it seems as though car enthusiasts are eager to learn more about the process of electrifying beloved car models. Retrofitters like Electric GT and Zelectric Motors have done incredible (and complicated) work on models like the 1966 VW Beetle, 1969 Porsche 912, and the 1982 Fiat 124 Spider. But will this level of electric supertuning ever be accessible to plebs like us?
Perhaps. But first, there needs to be a culture shift around EVs in general.
Addressing the Electric Skeptics
Most car enthusiasts are (at best) skeptical of electric cars.
Too many people have had their eyes burned out of their sockets after staring too long at a Prius, while not enough people have noticed that there are in fact a few EV charging stations nearby.
Scott was himself an electric skeptic. As a graduate of Detroit’s accredited College of Creative Studies, Scott knows a thing or two about what makes a car worth driving. He just wasn’t convinced electric cars could compete with the feeling you get sitting behind the wheel of his Trans Am. But then he drove a Tesla Model S. “It’s just pure performance,” Scott said, “You’re thrown back in your seat. What more could you want from a driving experience?”
Fortunately, people like Ken Block are doing us all a favor and giving electric cars some much-needed sex appeal. Block was gifted a custom-built electric car by Audi called the “Hoonitron,” which Scott accurately (and a little wryly) described as “Audi doing a tribute to its own heritage.” This incredible car will feature in his much-anticipated sequel, referred to broadly as Electrikhana.
Boundary-pushing EV companies like Rimac and Lucid Motors are also seeking to transform car consumer culture. They’re making stunning luxury cars that are not only environmentally friendly, but badass to boot. No one would make fun of a person for choosing a Nevera over a Mustang. I think we can all respect that decision.
For now, electric motor swaps are pretty niche. But we predict that as the perception of electric cars shifts, more and more car enthusiasts will be interested in learning how the process works. Here that, SEMA? We hope you’re here for it.
What do you think of electric motor swaps?
Let us know on LinkedIn, Facebook, or you can always contact our studio directly. You can also read more of our blog and check out our design process. Don’t forget to check out our buddy Scott Stevens at Pop Design.