Electrifying the Past: Modular EV Retrofit Systems for Classic Cars

The rapid expansion of electric vehicle (EV) technology highlights the urgent need for sustainable transportation solutions while raising questions about the future of classic cars. This issue addresses the cultural significance of classic automobiles alongside their environmentally outdated nature. This paper investigates the research question: How can modular EV technology preserve classic cars while promoting sustainability? The hypothesis guiding this study is that a modular EV retrofit system can extend the life of classic vehicles, enabling them to remain viable for future generations. Drawing on current literature and existing retrofit initiatives, the paper examines both the promise of electrifying classic cars and the limitations of current approaches, which are often costly, bespoke, and lacking modularity. By analyzing trends in EV adoption, cultural heritage preservation, and retrofit technologies, the study identifies modularity as a key factor for scalability. Initial research suggests that a standardized, modular retrofit system could reduce conversion costs, simplify upgrades, and enable wider doption without compromising the aesthetic and historical value of classic cars. The study concludes that modular EV retrofits represent a viable pathway to align sustainability goals with cultural preservation, offering a bridge between automotive heritage and the future of sustainable mobility.