Yes. We’re marque specific.

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

The iconic 911– early years 1965-73, G-series 1974-89, the 964 from1989-94. And the 912 1965-69 and 76. The 356, including top-tier replicas.

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

Rarely. But sometimes we help our clients re-home their Zelectrified models. Check here to see what (if anything) might be currently available. Basically we build to order, starting with cars that are already client-owned. 

Yes! If that Porsche or VW isn’t parked in your garage yet, we can locate the best available air-cooled model based on your personal preferences. It’s our specialty.

We do. Currently, new projects are generally scheduled for about 18-24 months out from the time a reservation is placed. Then we spend another +/- 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. 

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 our production calendar. Please email Bonnie for details.

In addition to pure electric conversion, 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. 

Never! We respect each vehicle’s design legacy. While maintaining all the original stock design aesthetics, we add significant performance upgrades to operating systems.

Current retrofit estimates for the Beetle, Karmann Ghia or Porsche start at $86,000. The longer range Tesla-powered Zelectric Porsche 911/912 begins at $124,000. VW Microbus runs $96,000 to $134,000. 

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

Sourcing: Determine the current market value for the model you envision. Check Bring a Trailer, then search for that model. Any investment-worthy vehicle will usually sell at the higher end of typical range. Costs vary widely by model, year and condition. 

For a ballpark estimate on your whole project, start with that market value of the "core" vehicle. Your basic budget should cover vehicle purchase, insurance, Zelectric retrofit, any additional options selected and all shipping required. 

Current Zelectric retrofit estimates for the Beetle, Karmann Ghia or Porsche start at $86,000. The longer range Tesla-powered Zelectric Porsche 911/912 begins at $124,000. VW Microbus runs $96,000 to $134,000. 

No. We can arrange for touch ups and cosmetic upgrades, but true restoration is a different discipline, and can take years when done correctly. So we stick with what we know and do best. If restoration or cosmetic fixes are needed, best that they’re addressed beforehand.

Nope. Each Zelectric retrofit includes the entire vehicle. Various ingredients and proprietary steps are involved. Over 300 hours of skilled craftsmanship transform, convert and upgrade each vehicle.

Mileage ranges always vary by vehicle model and driving style. Most basic retrofits will start at around 100 miles per charge. Less aerodynamic models can be slightly less. But in many cases range can be extended with additional batteries. Extended range options are available or coming up for many models.

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 older batteries can be swapped out for newer ones. 

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.

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. 

For the classic vehicles themselves, there are experts who specialize in servicing vintage Volkswagens and Porsches almost everywhere. Any component concern related to the retrofit installation, the vehicle can be serviced by shops specializing in automotive electric systems, hybrid systems 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. 

Most of the electrical components have individual warranties from their respective manufacturers. A limited one year warranty will also cover any faults arising from improper installation or errors in the conversion process itself. The car is returned to owner after being thoroughly field tested, and subject to our verified 100+ checkpoints to ensure that all systems are in top-flight working order prior to delivery. 

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. 

In addition to a number of awards along the way, when ultimate car-guy Jay Leno drove our Zelectric-modified Porsche 912 he said, “This is the best electric car I’ve ever driven.”  - (5/21/21)