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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.

Date

2023

Sector

Engineering

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.

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The results: A fully electric Porsche with groundbreaking modifications

After months of meticulous engineering and testing, the 1988 Porsche Carrera Coupe rolled onto the road - silent, powerful and entirely electric. It was a triumph, not just for this car, but for the future of classic vehicles. The knowledge gained was immediately applied to the electrification of a Jaguar, proving that with the right expertise, any classic car could be given a new lease of life in the electric era.

The role of R&D tax credits

Pioneering projects like this require investment. That’s where QLC came in, ensuring that every step of this groundbreaking work qualified for R&D tax credits. This financial support allowed our client to continue pushing boundaries, bringing innovation to an industry that cherishes tradition.

For those who believe classic cars and cutting-edge technology don’t mix, this project proved otherwise. The future of vintage motoring isn’t just about preserving the past - it’s about reinventing it for a new era.

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