Jay Leno drives a Porsche 912 electric car manufactured by Zelectric.

Posted on September 29, 2021
Modified
Jay Leno drives a Porsche 912 electric car manufactured by Zelectric.

Converting classic cars to run on electricity has grown in popularity in recent years as a way to future-proof vehicles in a potentially sparse fossil fuel world.

California-based Zelectric has been in the business longer than most, starting with the conversion of a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle in 2012. Now, he brought in his latest conversion, a 1968 Porsche 912, for evaluation by Jay Leno at his famous garage.

For readers unfamiliar with the 912, it was introduced by Porsche in the 1960s as a more affordable alternative to the 911. It was powered by the flat four engine that had been used in the Porsche 356 up to that point, and although it only produced about 90 hp, the car was lighter and more fun to drive.

Zelectric managed to maintain its lightweight philosophy by electrifying the 912 with a 32-kilowatt-hour battery and a 536-horsepower Tesla motor. According to the company, the overall weight is 2,505 pounds, only 130 pounds heavier than the stock car. And then there is the rear trunk.

The battery is small, and Zelectric promises a maximum range of 145 miles in moderate driving, and only 120 miles when you put your foot down. But that should be more than enough for a fun drive, and Zelectric is working on increasing the battery size.

Because Zelectric understands the need to preserve history, the company is designing the conversion so that the car can be easily returned to stock. According to the company, no welding or metal cutting is involved in the conversion process.

You may also like

GM to discontinue UltraCruise brand and integrate technology into SuperCruise.
GM to discontinue UltraCruise brand and integrate technology into SuperCruise.

General Motors has abandoned plans to introduce a new "Ultra Cruise" brand, a further evolution of the "Super Cruise" automated driving assist feature...

Jan 24

Rivian Receives Patent for Roof Rail Lighting System
Rivian Receives Patent for Roof Rail Lighting System

Rivian has filed two patent applications for integrated lighting on the roof rails of electric pickup trucks and SUVs.The two applications show slight...

Jan 28

1983 Lotus Esprit Turbo with prototype active suspension goes to auction
1983 Lotus Esprit Turbo with prototype active suspension goes to auction

In the 1980s, Lotus was developing active suspension for both race and road cars. One of its prototype road cars is being offered at the Anglia Car Au...

Jan 26

Trending

2025 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Update Revealed
2025 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Update Revealed

Porsche's latest 911 GT3 Touring has just been introduced as a 2022 model, but an updated version has been spotted testing.The update appears to be a ...

Jan 26

U.S. Postal Service to Purchase Six Canoe Electric Delivery Vans
U.S. Postal Service to Purchase Six Canoe Electric Delivery Vans

Canoo announced Thursday that it will sell six electric delivery vans to the U.S. Postal Service.The vans, which will be delivered to the Postal Servi...

Jan 25

Rivian Receives Patent for Roof Rail Lighting System
Rivian Receives Patent for Roof Rail Lighting System

Rivian has filed two patent applications for integrated lighting on the roof rails of electric pickup trucks and SUVs.The two applications show slight...

Jan 28