The subject of electrifying classic cars is a difficult one. It threatens to change their very essence, but many people will argue that it gives them vigor and allows us to enjoy them for many years. Restomods, or electrified cars are a lucrative business for many firms. This explains why there is a healthy demand. Jason Momoa converted his vintage Rolls-Royce in the same way. The conversion was carried out by UK-based Ekectrogenic. It is interesting to note that it does not fall under the restomod category, as it uses only an EV engine while retaining its other characteristics.
Electric power is probably the best option for a Rolls-Royce. Here, a motor has replaced the 7.7l OHV pushrod engine. The large battery pack, 93kWh in size, replaces the engine block and transmission. The battery has also been tailored specifically to the model in question; housed within the car’s original architecture with no modifications being made to the structure itself. The batteries are now feeding an electric engine mounted between the chassis rails through a single-speed custom direct drive transmission. The fixed reduction gear delivers 1,000Nm and 150kW of torque.
Despite this, some modern features have been added. These include Bluetooth audio system and CCS rapid charging. The original driver’s controls have been repurposed to select the different drive modes, and a “regen” control has also been included. The interior of the car is unchanged and the gauges display driver information in a period-correct manner. Electrogenic developed the software in-house. Jason and Electrogenic wished to maintain the original appearance, while there are now hand-crafted panel, 1060 rivets that were hand-pressed, and hand polishing.
There were challenges in regards to integrating an EV drivetrain amongst its original mechanical persona, especially with the entirely mechanical, ‘through-flow’ chassis lubrication system plus the brakes. The original cable operated braking system was repositioned, and now the brakes are controlled by a brand new pedal. Braking power is amplified with the help of a hydraulic system that has been installed between the pedals and original cable actuators. As with many new EVs the brakes are also equipped with a regen function.
This electric Rolls-Royce car is what Henry Royce would’ve envisioned today, with the advent and development of electric vehicles. The car is also easy to operate and maintain without the usual pitfalls of owning a vintage or classic car.