Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 2024 Review
The cult classic DeLorean finally goes Back to the Future with an all-electric conversion kitThis might just be the perfect classic car EV swap. The Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 ditches the original’s lethargic V6 engine and amps it up with battery power instead. As Doc Brown once said: “This sucker’s electrical” – and the DeLorean’s performance is transformed by the process to become one of the most enjoyable electric cars of all time. Finally, the dramatic good looks of the DMC-12 are backed up by its powertrain to create a real dream machine.
How much does the Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 cost?
The conversion for the 2024 Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 comes in kit form, but it’s definitely not a DIY job.
You will need to provide your own car to begin with, and those run to at least $90,000 these days.
Then you can contact Electrogenic’s Australian partner, Finch Restorations in Mount Barker, South Australia, for a quote.
Putting an exact price on the Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 is tricky as it will depend on how you specify the car and what state your donor vehicle is in, but expect to pay in the ballpark of $120,000 to $150,000.
The conversion is completely reversible so if, in the future, you want to switch back to combustion – or maybe fit a Mr Fusion system – that’s quite possible.
What equipment comes with the Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12?
The starting point is a 40-year-old car, so the standard equipment on the 2024 Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 isn’t exactly state of the art.
However, you do get show-stopping gullwing doors fitted with electric windows – although the opening area is pretty small.
There’s space for a standard DIN-size head unit and Electrogenic’s test car was fitted with a unit that had a pop-out screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, so streaming ‘Back in Time’ by Huey Lewis and the News is easy enough.
The car’s rev counter is repurposed to show power and regenerative braking, while the customer specified an additional small screen, neatly enclosed in the instrument cluster, that displays state of charge and drive modes.
An electric air-conditioning and heating system was also installed and there’s potential to add electric power steering if you want it.
The light-up Flux Capacitor between the seats of this test car is a one-off, but who wouldn’t want that as well?
How safe is the Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12?
Back in its day, the DeLorean seemed to survive smashing through a barn quite well, but modern safety features are noticeably absent.
You won’t find any airbags in the 2024 Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12, there’s no anti-lock system for the brakes, no traction control, lane departure warnings or blind spot monitoring, for example.
Despite the modern powertrain, it’s very much a classic car.
What technology does the Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 feature?
The electric powertrain and its control systems are the 2024 Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12’s standout features and they’ve been carefully integrated into the car without detracting from its originality.
The optional small screen in the dashboard is clear to read and provides key information about the battery and which drive mode you’ve selected.
There are three to choose from: Eco, Normal and Sport, with different settings for power and regeneration, and there’s even launch control.
CCS fast-charging is included and the socket is neatly hidden behind the rear number plate.
The Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 also comes with a V2L (vehicle-to-load) feature, which means it can supply 240 volts at up to 3kW to any external device – plenty to power a projector for an impromptu drive-in movie.
What powers the Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12?
Instead of an asthmatic 97kW 2.9-litre Renault V6 driving through a sluggish three-speed automatic or recalcitrant five-speed manual gearbox, the 2024 Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 is powered by a rear-mounted 160kW electric motor (sorry to disappoint if you were hoping for 1.21 gigawatts).
Torque output is 310Nm, but with a single-speed gearbox feeding the transaxle there’s a mighty 3200Nm at the rear wheels which means the Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in five seconds.
Top speed is definitely above 88mph but hasn’t yet been tested.
How far can the Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 go on a charge?
There’s a 43kWh battery pack in the 2024 Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12, distributed between the engine bay and the space up front where the fuel tank used to be.
Electrogenic claims the range is over 240km on a full charge.
On a suitable DC fast-charger, Electrogenic says it will take an hour to replenish, or just over six hours on a 7kW AC home charger.
Getting struck by lightning won’t top-up the battery.
What is the Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 like to drive?
Great Scott! This is quite possibly the most fun we’ve ever had in an EV.
Even in Eco mode, the 2024 Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 delivers a joyful surge of acceleration. There’s no regenerative braking in this setting, allowing the car to coast along to preserve battery life.
Switch over to Normal and the electric motor now acts as a brake, delivering charge back into the battery and slowing the car almost to a stop when you lift off the accelerator. It’s quite aggressive, but does permit one-pedal driving.
Then there’s Sport mode, which lets rip full power and a blend of mechanical and regenerative brakes to slow down. In this setting the acceleration is tremendous, the scenery blurring by like a sped-up movie as you’re pushed back into the seat.
It’ll light up a rear tyre with ease, and, if you apply power a little too early on the exit of a corner, you’ll need to be quick with a steering correction. Thankfully, our test drive was on a small circuit where such shenanigans had plenty of room to play out.
On the road, you’d definitely want to be pointing in a straight line before punching it.
Although Electrogenic hasn’t touched the DeLorean’s suspension or brakes, both are surprisingly competent – helped by the involvement of Lotus in the original design, no doubt.
The ride is a little floaty at times, but the unassisted steering has plenty of feel. “Heavy” as Marty McFly might say? Not really, as long as you’re moving. With regeneration feeding into the braking system, there’s decent stopping power as well.
It’s playful, yet not overpowered like some EVs, and although it weighs 40kg more than before the conversion, it really doesn’t feel the worse for it.
What is the Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 like inside?
Whether you’re a fan of ‘Back to the Future’ or not, there’s something deeply emotive about swinging open a gullwing door and folding yourself into the cockpit of the 2024 Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12.
It just feels exotic, exciting, a childhood dream made real.
The experience gets even better when you pull that door down, settle into the long-armed driving position and look around.
It’s a glorious throwback to a time before touch-screens, where a big instrument binnacle dominates the dashboard and clear analogue instruments deliver information.
It’s not roomy, mind, and you’ll soon be on quite intimate terms with your co-driver.
Aside from the small glove box, there’s no storage, nowhere for your Pepsi Free or Tab to go, but also nothing to distract from the sheer delight of driving.
Should I buy an Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12?
Converting a classic car from internal combustion to electric power can be quite controversial, but the 2024 Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 is an example that all enthusiasts can get behind.
Electrogenic has made the DeLorean demonstrably better.
It’s now got the drive to match its iconic looks and brings a pure child-like joy to all who encounter it.
Doc Brown would approve.
Images: Alex Penfold
2024 Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 at a glance:
Price: $120,000-$150,000 plus donor car
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 160kW/310Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 43kWh lithium-ion
Range: 240km-plus (claimed)
Energy consumption: Not provided
Safety rating: Unrated
- Opening those gullwing doors and cos-playing Marty McFly – it’s still a DeLorean, after all
- Grin-inducing acceleration and entertaining handling
- Eco-friendly powertrain and near-silent running
- A total lack of modern safety features
- Can be tricky to get in and out with any elegance
- It’s very expensive
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