Aston Martin to offer EV powertrain for classic models

Aston Martin will soon offer its owners of some of its most valuable classic models the chance to convert them to run on pure-electric power.

The thinking behind a zero-emissions classic, Aston claims, is it will effectively 'future-proof' them, allowing for them to be driven and enjoyed in cities that are proposing banning petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.

Claiming to harness the know-how accrued from developing the forthcoming Rapide E limousine, the British car-maker says the beauty of its conversion is its "cassette" EV powertrain design that sees both the battery cells and electric motor slot into the same place as a conventional engine and transmission.

This, claims the car-maker, means the original engine and transmission can be easily re-installed, preserving the car's value.

The first classic to have undergone the open-heart surgery to swap its traditional internal combustion engine for an electric motor and battery pack is a 1970 Mk2 DB6 Vantage Volante.

Proving the cleverness of the installation, the new powertrain uses exactly the same engine and gearbox mounts while engineers have also developed an electrical architecture that plugs into the DB6's original electrical system.

Inside, designers have been careful to hide any additional switchgear needed to operate the EV, including hiding a small screen that's required to control and monitor the power management.

Aston Martin hasn't announced full specification for the new pure-electric powertrain but it's unlikely to match the performance of a standard DB6 Vantage that, when powered by its original 242kW 4.0-litre straight-six cylinder, could hit 100km/h in less than six seconds -- even back in 1970.

The Aston factory's offer to convert any of its classic models to pure-electric power follows Jaguar's similar decision to electrify E-types from 2020, should an owner wish.

Despite being powered by a modest 40kWh battery, Jaguar claims a range of around 275km for the pure-electric E-type, and acceleration quicker than an original S1 roadster.

Ironically, it's thought that many European governments that are planning city-wide diesel or petrol vehicle bans are likely to offer owners of cherished classic cars specific exemptions to drive their vehicles without facing penalties on account of the minimal annual mileage they accrue.