Interest in electric vehicles (EVs) is indeed surging, with a 55% increase in sales of new EVs in 2022 compared to the previous year. However, the majority of vehicles on the road still run on gasoline, and this is where the emerging industry of converting internal combustion vehicles to electric is gaining traction.
Companies and the aftermarket community are flourishing to meet the growing demand for electric conversions. EV West, led by founder and CEO Michael Bream in San Diego, California, is one such pioneer in the field. Their shop specializes in converting vehicles to electric powertrains.
For example, a customer brought in a 1976 BMW 2002, a fun-to-drive car but lacking in power. They opted for a full conversion with a 550 horsepower Tesla drive unit, referred to as “the whole hog.” The popularity of EV West’s conversions has led to a significant waiting list, currently lasting four to five years.
Bream compares the current state of electric vehicles to the computer industry in the 1990s. As more people embrace the transition to sustainable transportation, he believes it should be an enjoyable and exciting experience for car enthusiasts and those passionate about automobile culture.