Aston's EV conversion preserves heritage (and the planet)

Friday, 7 December 2018

Let's say for a minute that you rather fancy the idea of going more environmentally-friendly by driving an EV, but have an inescapable obsession with classic Aston Martins. What do you do?

You could go all out and have a classic Aston converted to an EV, but could you live with yourself for forever ruining the history and heritage of a low-volume classic car? If you said 'yes', then shame on you.

But now there is another largely non-invasive option - a fully reversible EV conversion created by Aston Martin itself for its appreciating classics.

Now this would totally confuse that inevitable Nissan Leaf owner at the local fast charger.

Conceived as an integral part of the company's wider EV strategy, the Heritage electrification concept has been led by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell. Developed around a so-called 'cassette' EV powertrain, the objective is to mitigate any future legislation to restrict the use of classic cars by offering a zero emissions conversion.

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The power control screen located 'discretely' inside the cabin. So discretely you can't even see it here.

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Aston Martin says it has used knowledge acquired during the final phase development of the Rapide E and future planning of the all-new range of Lagondas to develop the Heritage EV conversion and that production versions of the revolutionary EV cassette will include key components from the Rapide E programme.

The first car to receive the new EV powertrain is an original 1970 DB6 MkII Volante.

Similar to Jaguar's 'reversible EV' solution revealed in the royal wedding E-Type earlier this year, the Aston's 'cassette' fits in the engine bay, replacing the original engine and sitting on the original engine and gearbox mountings. It is enclosed within its own self-contained cell, with 'umbilical cords' from the power unit then feeding the car's electrical systems. Power management is operated via a dedicated screen, which is 'discreetly fitted' in the car's interior.

Given the historical significance of a lot of classic collectors cars Aston Martin says it is vital any EV conversion is 'sympathetic to the integrity of the original car' and that the cassette system offers the perfect solution - offering owners the 'reassurance of knowing their car is future-proofed and socially responsible', yet still with the ability to reinstate the original powertrain if desired.

'We are very aware of the environmental and social pressures that threaten to restrict the use of classic cars in the years to come,' said Aston Martin head Andy Palmer.

'Our Second Century Plan not only encompasses our new and future models, but also protects our treasured heritage. I believe this not only makes Aston Martin unique, but a truly forward-thinking leader in this field.'

Having handled the initial concept evaluation and build of the proof-of-concept DB6 Volante, Aston Martin Works will also be responsible for completing customer Heritage EV conversions.

'We have been looking for some time to find a way of protecting our customers' long-term enjoyment of their cars,' said Paul Spires, president of Aston Martin Works.

'Driving a classic Aston Martin on pure EV power is a unique experience and one that will no doubt be extremely attractive to many owners, especially those who live in city centres. We also foresee collectors adding another dimension to their collection by commissioning EV-converted heritage cars.'

Aston Martin expects the first conversions to commence in 2019. While there was no official word on the costs involved, we would confidently predict it to be a number with LOTS of zeros in it.