A new survey by Heritage Classic Car Insurance reveals that 82% of classic car owners are not open to converting their classics to electric, despite growing pressure from government regulations.
With the research also finding that 65% of owners believe stricter electric vehicle regulations are threatening the long-term survival of classic car ownership, the classic car community could be at a crossroads.
To better understand where owners and classic car enthusiasts stand, we surveyed 845 classic car owners on their attitude towards the rising trend of electric conversions and the impact of evolving electric vehicle regulations on the classic car community.
We also asked Heritage customers, partners and newsletter subscribers for their opinions too.
Preserving heritage amidst the rise of electric vehicle conversions
Most classic car owners believe that converting their cars to electric would significantly compromise both the historical integrity and the unique character that define these vehicles. They argue that the essence of a classic car lies in its original design, engineering, and the distinctive driving experience it offers, all of which are closely tied to its combustion engine.
Ron Turner, based in Aberdeenshire, has owned a range of classic cars for over 40 years. He believes the character of these vehicles is linked to their original engines: “The individual character of all these cars is to a considerable extent based upon their power plants. The electric motor on my Dyson vacuum does a reasonably good job which I’m fine with, but let’s leave classic cars as they are for future generations to marvel at, a time when cars had real character.”
Richard Perry, 64 years old from Kent and owner of three classic cars, expresses concern over the loss of authenticity.
He comments: “Converting to electric destroys the sound, feel, driving experience, and even the smell of a classic. If you spend a huge amount of money converting, it should not be classified as a classic anymore. The whole point is to retain the age and history, not to mess with it. I don’t know of anyone in the trade who would want to do this.”
David Tunstall, a passionate classic car enthusiast from Staffordshire, strongly opposes the idea of converting classics to electric, highlighting the importance of preserving both their historical value and the freedom of ownership. “The whole point of classic cars is that they were designed for the years they were manufactured. Converting to electric destroys the essence of that era and what classic cars—and history—are all about.”
He adds a cautionary note to policymakers: “Any government authority that tries to limit the presence of classic cars will not only anger thousands of owners but also conflict with millions who enjoy them.”
Regulatory challenges when converting a classic car to electric
Many classic car owners are concerned that the modifications required for electric conversions could lead to a reclassification of their vehicles, fundamentally altering their legal status.
Under current DVLA regulations, significant changes to a vehicle’s drivetrain, suspension, or other key components may result in the loss of its historic or classic classification. This reclassification would not only affect the vehicle’s eligibility for tax exemptions, but also subject it to modern MOT standards.
Owners fear this could increase running costs, reduce the car’s value, and diminish its status within the classic car community.
Dave Anscombe, West Midlands Regional Organiser of the Morgan Three Wheeler Club, underscores the complex implications of modifying a classic car: “Electric conversions inevitably result in increased weight and performance, which require substantial changes to a vehicle’s suspension, steering, and brakes. Without these changes, the car becomes a major insurance risk. However, making these modifications qualifies as a ‘significant modification’ under DVLA rules, meaning the car would no longer be recognised as a historic vehicle and would become subject to modern MOT testing and excise duty.”
Further highlighting the broader regulatory and classification challenges, making many owners hesitant to proceed to converting, Dorset-based Michael Garnish raises concerns about how the DVLA defines classic and historic vehicles. He explains that the DVLA currently classifies classic cars as those over 40 years old and “not substantially modified.” Garnish emphasises the bureaucratic difficulties that arise when converting classics to electric, noting that even minor changes to components can disqualify a car from historic status.
