The concept sounds simple: Take an iconic car, invest a lot of money, and convert it into a one-of-a-kind electric car. In short, this is what Everrati Automotive in the UK does. Founded in 2019 by a former technical director, the company combines process and engineering know-how to provide customized electric conversions to wealthy car enthusiasts.
Take Steve Rimmer as an example. The Seattle-based businessman hired Everrati to convert his Porsche 911 (Model 964) RSR into a high-performance EV, a project he hopes will carry the classic sports car for many years to come. Limmer said it was his wife and daughter’s passion for the environment that prompted him to spend nearly half a million dollars to turn German engineering idols into 21st century cars.
“964 is a work of art in itself, but Everrati’s team managed to make it better than before,” Rimmer told Observer. Aviation executives are now one of Everrati’s earliest customers and now drive a car to and from get off work a few times a week. “The performance is very compelling,” he said with a smile. (In the case of Porsche, Porsche has invested heavily in electric vehicles in recent years, especially its Taycan model. Still, most of Porsche’s lineup is powered by natural gas.)
Rimmer is perfect for Everrati’s customer profile: “People who love technology and clean energy, but also want something attractive and classic,” Everrati CEO Justin Lunny told Observer.
Royal Weddings Raise Business Ideas
Prior to founding Everrati, Lunny spent most of his career in fintech and education. Inspiration for launching a company that turns classic cars into electric cars? Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding. (Yes, really.)
“The vehicle they drove from their wedding was the E-Java. But in fact, the Rimac has made it completely electric [the Croatian carmaker]so this is the E-type Rimac powertrain. ” Lunny recalls.
That moment and the public’s enthusiastic reaction to the electric E-type convinced Lunny that there might be a market to bring “future life” to classic cars. He worked with former Daimler and Volkswagen executive Nick Williams and launched Everrati. The name combines “Forever” and “Rati”, a Hindu goddess of love, passion and desire. “It really describes the whole spirit,” Lennie said. “We didn’t ruin it.” [those iconic cars]. They are a lot of art we hope to see on the road of generations to come. ”
Located in the heart of the UK’s “Racing Valley” and home to several Formula 1 teams on the court, Everrati has made a series of exciting transformations, including several Porsche 911 variants, a Land Rover Series IIA and the Ford GT40 MK2. With less than 50 employees, this is still a small and very hands-on operation. But Lunny was thinking bigger. “We certainly think there is a market that produces hundreds of cars a year … people love a very customized journey,” he said.
A growing US market
The market is mainly overseas. About 80% of Everrati’s sales come from the U.S., “We’re preparing to ship cars to a very high-profile financier in Hampton. We’re building a car for a family in Nantucket. So that’s exactly what you’d expect,” Lenny said.
To meet demand, the company has moved some of its production in the United States. Now all its Porsche-based buildings are now completed in Irvine, California.
Most stores that convert gasoline-powered classics to electric cars are small moms and popular operations. Everrati is working to differentiate itself by curating a unique brand and customer base. “What people are doing when they work with us is buying our expertise, buying our supply chain, buying people we do in business,” he said.
For Rimmer, from initial consultation to delivery and premium experiences costing close to $450,000, including the price of the Porsche 911 (Type 964) donor. The high cost reflects the top-level components used in labor-intensive processes and Everrati builds.
“The motors we use are used for formula E. They are used for the Aston Martin Valkyrie of hybrid power. They are used for the Lotus Evija,” Lunny explained. “They are the largest electric motors in the world. We use silicon carbide inverters found in some of the best supercars in the world.”
From Porsche to Lamborghini,
Everrati recently accepted one of the most ambitious projects to date: the conversion of the Lamborghini LM002, a large, Hummer-like off-road vehicle built between 1986 and 1993 by the iconic Italian brand.
“If someone said, ‘Build me an XYZ’, we’d definitely consider it, but it’s often a very custom plan,” Lennie said. “In terms of Lamborghini, that would be hundreds of them.” [of thousands]and maybe even a million dollars to develop. ”
While the company is still focused on customization transformation, Lunny does not rule out building original electric vehicles in the future. He said that, despite this, the greater opportunity may lie in business-to-business partnerships.
“A company may be developing a brand new electric sports car, electric boat, any electric, and we will be the first choice partner in developing and providing electric vehicles,” he said.
