First, some basics.

Zelectric. That’s “electric!”
with your best Austrian accent.

We respect (and frankly adore) midcentury Austro-German automotive design.

We’re not out to change anything, just to make it work better. Invisibly.
Tech evolved, design preserved . . . essentially the best of both.

Frequent Questions:

You “zelectrify” Porsches and VWs only? Yes. We’re marque specific. Retrofit options vary by model.

Porsche
356 including top-tier replicas. 911– early years 1965-73, G-series 1974-89, and 964 1989-94. 912 1965-69 and 76.

Volkswagen
1950s–70s Beetle, Microbus, Karmann Ghia, Thing, Notchback. German factory-originals only.

Do you ever have turnkey Zelectric vehicles available? Rarely. Once in a Blue Moon. Check here to see what might be available at the moment. Basically we build to order, starting with cars that are already client-owned.

If I don’t already own it, can you find it for me?
Yes! If it’s not parked in your garage yet, we can locate your ideal air-cooled Porsche or VW model. It’s our specialty. We find exceptional candidates. Although we locate it for a flat finder’s fee, your actual purchase of the vehicle will be a separate transaction directly with its seller.

Do you have a waiting list? We do. Currently, new projects are generally scheduled for about 24 months out from the time a reservation is placed. Then we spend another 3-4 months re-engineering and testing prior to delivery. That time can vary depending on the work required, the build options selected, and other factors that are sometimes beyond our control.

How do I book my project build with Zelectric? After reviewing your interests, we’ll put an initial estimate and working agreement together for your review and approval. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place on the production calendar. Please email Bonnie for details.

What’s the difference between the Zelectric retrofit and a basic conversion? More than just the conversion from internal combustion to electric propulsion, each Zelectric retrofit incorporates a proprietary mix of select upgrades and modifications tailored to the specific model. We address the entire vehicle to achieve the optimum result and ensure a dramatically improved driving experience.

Do you permanently alter or change anything?
Never! We respect each vehicle’s design legacy. We don’t cut or weld these classics. While maintaining all the original stock design aesthetics, we add significant performance upgrades to operating systems. Zelectric re-engineering is 100% reversible, though no one has yet chosen to reverse it.

What’s a typical project cost when I already own the car?
The estimated rate for retrofitting your Beetle, Karmann Ghia or Porsche starts at $78,000 USD. The Tesla-powered Zelectric modified Porsche 911/912 starts at $98,000. VW Microbus at $85,000, or Tesla motor-powered Zelectric Microbus at $113,000.

Other than its engine, your vehicle should be in “investment-worthy” condition. Shipping is your responsibility, but we can help arrange and coordinate it. All work takes place here in our San Diego shop.

What’s the budget if I don’t already own the car?
For a ballpark estimate on your whole project, start with a general current market value of the "core" vehicle you have in mind. Costs will vary widely by model, year and condition. Your basic budget should cover vehicle purchase, Zelectric retrofit, any additional options selected and all shipping required.

Do you restore cars? No. We can arrange for touch ups and cosmetic enhancements, but true restoration is a very different discipline. It’s an art in itself, and can take years when done correctly. So we stick with what we know and do best. Other than engine condition, your vehicle should be in very good shape prior to its Zelectric rebuild. If major restoration or cosmetic fixes are needed, best that they’re addressed beforehand.

Do you sell parts or kits for DIY projects?
Nope. Each Zelectric retrofit includes the entire vehicle, with over 300 hours of skilled craftsmanship logged into transformation, conversion and upgrades. Various ingredients and proprietary steps are involved. Individual components used vary from one build to another.

What's the range?
Are you planning on driving your classic car on that long road trip? Probably not. Current mileage ranges are ideal for daily driving. Just plug in at night, then start up the next morning 100% juiced up – it’s as easy as charging your phone. No special installation needed.

The basic Zelectric Bug delivers around 100 miles per full charge. Less aerodynamic models (Microbus and Thing) can be less. But their range can also be extended with the use of additional batteries. Porsche, Ghia, Single/Double Cab, or Microbus builds can offer greater ranges–from 140 to 180+ miles on a charge.

Why is range currently less than Teslas or other new production EVs? In order to preserve their design legacy and value, we never cut or weld vehicles. When determining placement for battery modules, we balance weight distribution using only the “found space” within the original stock design. As battery technology progresses, available ranges will extend, and batteries can be swapped out.

Where to charge up, and how long does that take?
Recharge to full in as little as 3 hours after a typical 50-mile drive. Zelectrics can charge at home with the supplied portable level-1 (110v) charge cord, a level-2 (220v) charge cord or plug into any of thousands of public chargers found in parking lots everywhere. Charge overnight, then start the next day with a “full tank.” ⚡️

Top Speed?  
Every model retrofitted Zelectric is capable of 100+ mph. But of course stock-designed Microbuses aren’t aerodynamically suited for land-speed records. Horsepower is always more than doubled, sometimes tripled+. Instant selectable torque means fast always feels faster. 

What about service or maintenance?
For the classic vehicles themselves, there are experts who specialize in servicing vintage Volkswagens and Porsches almost everywhere. With any component concern related to the retrofit installation, the vehicle can be serviced by shops specializing in automotive electric systems, hybrid systems, luxury golf cart or neighborhood vehicles (NEVs.) A complete wiring diagram of the Zelectric build is included with every retrofit. We’re a phone call away to help troubleshoot if anything ever comes up.

Warranties?
Most of the electrical components we use have individual warranties from their respective manufacturers. The rest of the car, like every classic, is sold on an "as is" basis, but thoroughly field tested, subject to our verified 100+ checkpoints first, to ensure that all systems are in top-flight working order prior to delivery. We use only proven components from world-class suppliers.

What about exporting? If I'm outside the US, is that a problem?
Regulations concerning the import and registration of a vintage electric-converted vehicle vary by country. So that would be up to you to determine what’s required. We can't take responsibility for compliance, but will adapt the build to suit your requirements within the scope of our capabilities. We’ll be happy to work with your customs import specialist and coordinate delivery with the transportation services you select. 

Got credentials?
In addition to a number of awards along the way, Jay Leno on the Zelectric-modified Porsche 912: “This is the best electric car I’ve ever driven.” - (5/21/21)

Zelectric Motors offers the finest re-configuration and electric propulsion of vintage VWs and Porsches available today. Our engineering design began in 2012 with the winning team that built the record-setting fastest street-legal electric (BMW M3) at Pike's Peak Hill Climb. Award-winning Zelectrics have been featured at a number of Concours d'Elegance events and reviewed internationally by worldwide media - from the Wall Street Journal and CNN to Robb Report.

We invite you to rediscover the primal joy of driving! Zelectric offers these beloved classics a new life: 21st century reborn, meticulously hand-rebuilt to order. Drivetrain conversion from fossil fuel is the hallmark of the Zelectric rebuild–but in addition, select upgrades and modifications ensure a spirited driving experience.

If your Zelectric-modified vehicle should someday become available, we will invite you to allow us to serve as a commissioned seller’s agent on your behalf. We will set a resale price in keeping with the vehicle’s current market value. The asking price will be based on comparable sales of Zelectrics, which have historically been dramatically higher than the cost of each vehicle itself along with its retrofit modifications. 

Ok. What's the next step?
Please review all the info on the “Order a Zelectric” page.