We love them because as Neem they are cleaning up an industry using classic design, brought up to date with clean, green technology. Something that will stand the test of time.
They are based on Kidlington, Oxfordshire and convert classic cars such as E types and Morris Minors electric and also modern classics such as defenders.
We adore what Steve is doing so wanted to learn a bit more about the business and the engineering brain behind the business.
Tell us a little about your history
I started off as a nuclear systems design engineer, was at the centre of restructuring the UK power industry through privatisation and worked my way through the design, financing and construction of most forms renewable energy generation. I have also been a Corporate Finance Partner of PwC and I also created a “dot com” and launched the world’s first online carbon trading platform, helped design aspects of the European Emissions Trading Scheme helped fund carbon-reducing projects worldwide.
Tell us about Electrogenic
Electrogenic designs and manufactures EV powertrains for small car manufacturers for Defence and for the conversion of classic cars to all-electric drive. Our classic car conversion “drop-in kits” are installed by our worldwide partner network. We also undertake a small number of customer EV conversions at our headquarters just outside Oxford.
Why did you set up Electrogenic
Because I had an old car and I wanted to make it electric! And then I got hooked...
What’s holding up the move towards EVs
Like most green products, they have a higher up-front costs and lower operating costs, so there is an affordability issue re adoption. People worry about charging infrastructure, though it’s actually much easier than people think (unless you live in a terraced house!). Also, the government keeps changing its mind. But most importantly, it’s because most people haven’t driven one yet!
How do you ensure a Jaguar E type EV drives differently to a Defender EV
We keep the cars about the same weight as the original, so it has the same suspension and handling, and we keep everything that the gearbox used to turn, unchanged. Then we “tune” the motor response to ensure the car drives smoothly and retains it original character. So you get a car that is a bit more responsive, a bit more nimble on its feet, but still recognisably the same car.
What policy changes would you like to see to direct a faster change towards EV’s
The government should decide if the cut-off for new car sales is 2030 or 2035, they need to help speed charging infrastructure and they need to educate. The biggest barrier is people thinking they need a car with 300 miles range (which is then big and heavy and expensive), when in reality the median journey in the UK in under a mile.
Give me 3 reasons why I should convert a classic car to an EV
1. It’s reliable, so you don't spend all your time wondering if it will start and if it will get you home again
2. It’s joyful - it’s accessible, easy to drive and so much more relaxing and enjoyable
3. You will drive it every day - because it’s so lovely - so you can sell your “second” car and take an extra holiday
What has been your favourite conversion to date
The DeLorean - it has such presence on the road, and thanks to us it’s trice as fast and can really put the excellent Lotus-designed suspension through its paces. The RWMIKs - four tonne electric armoured Army Land Rovers were amazing offroad though...
With hindsight what would you have done 10 years ago
Started Electrogenic?
How do you think the EV Market will change in the next 5 years
Smaller, cheaper EVs, faster charging and I would like to think we will see the first autonomous vehicles on the roads.
John Pearson
Brilliant post!!