Across Australia, a small but growing number of classic car enthusiasts are converting ageing petrol vehicles into electric cars, extending their lifespan while responding to rising fuel costs and broader interest in electric mobility.

In Sydney, Dr Adrian Cohen has completed a high-profile conversion of a 1990 Mercedes-Benz G-Class military-style wagon, transforming it into a fully electric vehicle.

The project, carried out in a specialised workshop, took just over a year and cost around $200,000, involving extensive replacement of mechanical and electrical components.

The trend remains niche due to high costs, technical complexity, and regulatory considerations, but workshops report increasing demand from owners who are emotionally attached to their vehicles.

Many see conversions as a way to preserve sentimental cars—often inherited from family members—while also avoiding maintenance issues associated with ageing combustion engines and scarce spare parts.Industry operators say electrification can also “future-proof” classic vehicles for later generations.However, the movement is not without controversy.

Some enthusiasts argue that removing original engines reduces authenticity and heritage value, and modified vehicles may face complications with insurance and compliance.

Despite these concerns, businesses specialising in EV conversions in western Sydney report a steady pipeline of projects, including high-value restorations such as classic Porsche models and Volkswagen Kombis.Broader market data shows strong growth in electric vehicle adoption in Australia, with EVs accounting for 16.4 per cent of new car sales in April.The used EV market is also expanding as consumers seek lower running costs amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

While experts expect demand to eventually stabilise, the combination of affordability concerns, technological advancement, and environmental awareness continues to drive interest in both new and converted electric vehicles.