How much does it cost to convert a classic car to electric?

The short answer

Most professional classic EV conversions in 2026 cost between $16,000 and $140,000 in parts, plus 70 to 400 hours of skilled labor. The spread is driven by three things: battery capacity, battery source, and how much chassis work the platform demands.

Batteries are the biggest line item

Battery modules typically represent 35 to 50 percent of the parts budget. Tested salvage modules from OEM vehicles can cost roughly half as much per kWh as new modules, but require careful capacity testing and documentation.

Every additional 10 kWh also adds weight, which pushes brake, spring, and tire upgrades. Range targets should be realistic for how the car is actually used.

Motor, inverter, and controls

A matched motor and inverter set ranges from roughly $6,000 for a compact unit to more than $20,000 for a high output drive unit. Add a battery management system, DC to DC converter, onboard charger, and contactors, and the control system often totals another $5,000 to $9,000.

Fabrication and labor

This is where shops lose the most money: designing mounts, adapter plates, and battery boxes from scratch can consume 60 or more hours per car. Using a verified Fitment Pack eliminates most of that design time and reduces rework.

Budget by platform

A Volkswagen Beetle is the most affordable starting point. A C10 or Miata sits in the middle. Early Broncos and Porsche 911s are at the top due to vehicle value, packaging difficulty, and owner expectations.