Classic EV conversion: Rolls-Royce goes electric

Rolls-Royce has long talked of its desire to produce a battery electric vehicle, but an aftermarket supplier has beaten the British luxury brand to the punch.

British-based electric car conversion specialist Lunaz has transformed a 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V into a near-silent EV with better performance and refinement than standard.

The company says it can convert the four-door limousine or two-door coupe and drophead coupe to an EV.

“No car in the world matches a Phantom for presence, style and significance,” says Lunaz founder David Lorenz. “Through electrification we proudly further the legacy of the ‘best car in the world’, making Rolls-Royce ownership a relevant choice for a new generation.”

Lunaz says the electric conversion amplified the Rolls-Royce attributes, including whisper-quiet running and effortless torque.

With a 120kWh battery pack it also promises almost 500km of electric running between charges – perfect for daily chauffeur duties. AC and fast-charging DC are provided for.

Lunaz has created a name for itself in top-shelf EV conversions of some of Britain’s most sought-after luxury cars. It claims to “preserve the beauty and transform the vehicles to provide both high performance and stress-free driving experience”.

The company starts with a full restoration of the rest of the car to ensure it is in as-new condition. Each example is taken back to bare metal and 3D scanned to locate and address imperfections as part of that process.

The V8 engine is removed and an electric motor and battery pack fitted.

The charger and DC converter “are sensitively integrated into the existing design of the car, utilising the fuel filler cap for charging and adapting dials to an appropriate readout for the electrical powertrain”.

Modern touches are included on some of the interior trim, including a satin treatment for the wood and gold inlays, as well as a “subtle shade of pink is referenced as an unexpected detail feature on the inside of the grab-handles”.

The company also fits a more powerful air-conditioning system and modern infotainment complete with satellite-navigation and wifi connectivity.

Those in the rear have their own TV screens and a built-in bar “to perfectly fit the owner’s favourite brand of tequila”. Customers can even specify the dimensions of the bar to their drink preferences.

Of course, a restoration and transformation like this is not particularly cheap.

A 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom with a Lunaz EV conversion costs £500,000, or $915,000 – then you can add taxes on top of that.

That’s more expensive than a brand new Rolls-Royce Phantom ($902,000), complete with a V12 engine and most of the taxes already included in the price.

Those on more of a budget can have a Rolls-Royce Cloud converted by Lunaz for as little as £350,000 ($640,000), plus taxes.

Lunaz design director Jen Holloway says the EV transformation of classic models is all about giving “new purpose to some of the most beautiful objects ever created”.

“My approach to design is defined by Sir Henry Royce’s philosophy that ‘small things make perfection and perfection is no small thing’,” she said. “Together with our clients we work to create relevant expressions of the most significant cars in history.”

Lunaz already has some very nice classic cars converted to electricity, including the Jaguar XK120, Rolls-Royce Cloud and Bentley S2 Flying Spur.

Each undergoes the same meticulous conversion from petrol power to electric motors.

Lorenz says creating the company Lunaz was partly inspired by his daughter.

“For Luna, my daughter, not to have access to a car like the Mercedes-Benz 190SL when she is of driving age would be a tragedy,” he said. “Without building Lunaz, this is the reality she faces.”

He says it was also about allowing classic cars to stay on the road for decades to come.

“I wanted a car like a 1953 Jaguar to be my daily driver, Lunaz takes a history we all love and gives it a bright future. We are innovating to create cars that are usable, dynamic and stand as the ultimate drivers’ classics.”