Chevrolet to offer kit to convert gasoline classic cars into EVs

General Motors will soon offer an electric crate-motor package to allow people to replace gasoline-powered engines with fully electric propulsion systems in classic cars.

It’s dubbed the Electric Connect and Cruise eCrate Package and it is seen as a “future business opportunity,” Chevrolet Vice President Scott Bell told the Detroit Free Press recently.

The eCrate is a motor and a package of components for use on vintage GM vehicles. But GM is not yet specifying which vehicles will be compatible with the eCrate.

Ford Motor Co. launched its EV crate version late last year.

Converting to an EV costs about $6,000 in parts and about $1,000 to $3,000 for batteries and installation.

Jamie L. LaReau