Ever seen a classic Chevy humming down the street, and thought, “Wait a second, it’s humming?!” You’re not alone—and most of the time that first question is quickly followed up with a second, “How much did that cost?”

You’re about to find out how much it might cost to bring your own classic car to the point where it can compete. If you’re intrigued—or maybe a bit intimidated—by the unknown price tag, you’re in the right spot. Below, we’ll break down the EV conversion cost from real parts to labor, referencing the details straight from our own shops and network. Let’s go through the numbers together so you can decide if it’s a viable route for you, your wallet, and your ride.

Pre-Configured Systems & Custom Kits

Converting starts with a core kit—motor, controller, charger, battery, and a battery management system (BMS). Kits can range from budget commuter sets to high-powered performance bundles, typically costing $14,000–$17,000 for a standard kit (with a 120V–144V motor delivering ~120hp and a range of 50–130 miles for vehicles under 3,000 lbs.), not including your donor car.

It’s worth noting that kit quality and performance specs vary widely. A commuter-friendly kit might cost less but come with modest range and acceleration. We have four cost-effective kits available here, while the more performance-oriented kits push the envelope—and your wallet—further, $25,000-$67,990.

Drop-in kits

They start around $33,000 (e.g., our Fiat 500 drop-in kit) but can climb to $75,000 (e.g., the eGT913 EV System – Porsche 911|912 from 1966–1989). Convenience and brand support come at a premium.

Pre-configured systems are ideal if you want the best possible assurance that everything clicks right out of the box. They also typically come with dedicated support channels, which can save countless hours (and nerves) during installation and calibration.

EV Conversion Profile Examples

If you’re still trying to picture the nuts and bolts of EV conversion cost, let’s consider a few hypothetical builds to show how different choices add up. These examples aren’t exact quotes but should help you see how each component drives the bottom line.

1. Basic City Commuter

• Driver Profile: Short daily trips (under 80 miles round-trip), mostly urban driving.
• Kit: Standard commuter package (smaller Li-ion or repurposed battery pack) totals $13,681–$18,935, typically around 15–20 kWh and moderate torque — for vehicles under 3,000 lbs, aiming 50–130 miles range (i.e., the low-range Hyper 9 21.2 kWh kit).
• Labor: Starts at $25,000 if you’re going pro install.
• Total Estimate: $13,681–$18,935 for the kit alone (no labor, but with documentation, electrical schematics, support and warranty). Add labor, and you might land at $50,000+.

Why It Works: You don’t need triple-digit range for city errands, so a modest battery plus a simpler kit keeps things affordable. It’s a direct path to gas-free long-term savings without breaking the bank upfront.

2. Midrange Family Crossover

• Driver Profile: Suburban runs, occasional highway trips, aiming for 150+ miles of range.
• Kit: For a heavier vehicle, you’ll want a more robust system with higher voltage. The best kit you can get for the price is our Tesla Swap Package: it’s all the parts you need (including a Tesla motor and 85 kWh battery pack) plus unlimited tech support and personalized assistance—professionals keeping track of your specific car, build progress, and even fielding your late-night calls. For a setup like this, you’re looking at about $25,000–$35,000, although final costs can shift depending on performance goals and your final choice of kit.
• Labor: $40,000–$60,000 if you need front/rear/four-wheel drive or additional complexity.
• Total Estimate: $65,000–$85,000+

Why It Works: If you need to cart the family around on weekends or run errands without constant recharging, a mid-tier setup strikes a balance. It might be pricier, but you get a comfortable daily driver.

3. High-Performance Build

• Driver Profile: Enthusiast seeking track-day capability or show-stopping torque.
• Kit: Performance kit (anywhere from $49,190–$67,990), like the Revolt Systems setups, typically includes an 85 kWh (or larger) battery pack for serious juice. Think insane torque!
• Labor: $40,000–$100,000 if you want a custom, top-of-the-line approach—particularly if you’re chasing big torque, complex builds, special cooling, or custom fabrication.
• Total Estimate: $90,000–$150,000+

Why It Works: You’re paying for thrills—hence the advanced hardware and unique craftsmanship. This approach suits drivers who want to turn heads at a car meet or demolish the 0–60 bracket.

4. All-In-One Preconfigured System

• Driver Profile: Wants fun, not fuss. Has a premium budget, and a desire for professional backing from day one.
• Preconfigured System: $33,000–$75,000 depending on the donor car.
• Labor: ~$7,000–$10,000 if it’s truly drop-in. Assume it’ll take between three days and two weeks of work at the rate of around $100-200 per hour.
• Total Estimate: $40k–$100k

Why It Works: You pay extra for convenience and brand confidence. This route often gives you the strongest support channels, fewer technical headaches, and a system built to function in harmony out of the box—fully protected by manufacturer warranties, including configuration and programming.

The Point: Your final number always depends on your vehicle, performance goals, and how much legwork you’re willing (or able) to do yourself. If you only need a bare-bones commuter setup, you can stay on the lower end near $18–$20k total.

 

If you’re craving more range or power, you’ll watch the invoice climb. The key is matching your real driving needs and budget to the right components—and knowing there’s an option for almost every scenario in between.

 

 

www.fuel2electric.com