Classic vehicle undergoing a considered electric conversion

Classic and specialist vehicles

EV conversions, engineered around the whole vehicle.

From classic Defenders to compact Minis, VASS brings drivetrain, battery, charging and vehicle controls together. Start with a free project review.
Discuss an EV conversion

Planning your project

What does a specialist EV conversion involve?

A properly engineered conversion is a whole-vehicle project. It combines mechanical installation, battery packaging, high-voltage protection, thermal management, charging, low-voltage wiring, CAN controls, instrumentation and staged commissioning.

Who this is for

Focused support at the right project stage

For private clients, workshops and specialist builders planning a classic conversion, developing a repeatable package or needing expert support for selected parts of a build.

What VASS can help with

Defined engineering scope

  • Initial feasibility, component and packaging review
  • Drivetrain, battery and charging integration
  • HV architecture, wiring, controls and instrumentation
  • Commissioning, diagnostics and support for existing builds

Common problems solved

From uncertainty to a clear next step

  • Components selected before vehicle packaging has been resolved
  • Mechanical and electrical work developed as separate projects
  • Range, payload or charging expectations that need balancing
  • Part-built conversions without a clear route to completion

Inside the projects

The engineering, in practice.

Explore the starting point, the work VASS carried out and the outcome recorded for each project.

Electric Land Rover Defender 90 soft top with 83 kWh Jaguar I-Pace battery pack and Tesla Model 3 motor

EV conversion / show car / development mule

Defender 90 EV Show Car with 83 kWh Jaguar I-Pace Battery

The briefBuild a more capable Defender EV development car than the first prototype, with a larger battery, more available power, fast charging and a show-ready specification that could also be used for road testing and events.

The finished vehicle delivered around 300 hp capability from the motor package, used faster CCS charging than the first prototype and became a practical development and show vehicle. It helped validate higher-power Defender EV packaging, fast charging and split battery layouts.

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1970 classic Mini EV conversion with Tesla Small Drive Unit and 35 kWh battery pack

Classic car EV conversion / full restoration support

Tesla Small Drive Unit Classic Mini EV Conversion

The Mini became a very fast and characterful EV restomod. Early testing showed that even a limited power output could overwhelm the original wheels and chassis setup, so the car was progressively upgraded with better brakes, wider tyres, drivetrain improvements and smoother torque delivery. The final setup offered a usable eco mode for normal driving and a stronger sport mode for more aggressive performance.

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Working with VASS

A clear route from enquiry to engineering.

Share the vehicle, its current build stage and the outcome you need. The initial project review is free; any further diagnostic or engineering work is scoped and agreed before it starts.

  1. Tell us what you have

    Describe the vehicle, the work already completed and what you want to achieve. Existing components, photos and documentation help establish the starting point.

  2. Review the next step

    The free initial review helps identify the questions to resolve and whether VASS is the right fit. Further investigation may be needed before a specification or quotation can be agreed.

  3. Agree the scope

    Define the work, responsibilities and expected outputs. Any further assessment, diagnostic or engineering work is agreed before it begins.

  4. Develop and test

    Engineering and testing follow the agreed scope, with the vehicle systems considered together. The project determines the commissioning work and handover information required.

How the free project review works

Frequently asked questions

Useful answers before an enquiry

A few clear answers to help you decide whether VASS is the right fit before getting in touch.

What information is needed before quoting an EV conversion?

VASS needs the vehicle model and condition, intended use, range and performance aims, preferred charging, components already owned, required finish and current project stage. Photos and existing drawings are useful.

Can VASS support only part of a conversion?

Yes. Work can be scoped around battery integration, high-voltage systems, wiring, controls, diagnostics or commissioning rather than a complete build.

Does every classic suit an EV conversion?

No. Vehicle condition, space, mass, intended use, budget and regulatory implications should be assessed before committing to a specification.

Start a conversation

Discuss an EV conversion

Tell us about the vehicle, the work already completed and the outcome you need. VASS will suggest a practical next step.

Discuss an EV conversion