Electrogenic has applied its electric drive conversion magic to the iconic DeLorean DMC-12, the car star of the Back to the Future movie franchise. The Oxford, UK-based firm has developed a “plug-and-play” conversion kit as a “drop-in” package via the company’s global installer network, which includes numerous partners serving the U.S. The entirely reversible conversion package uses proprietary EV powertrain technology to transform the DMC-12 driving experience with smooth, effortless, electric performance.
“Since founding Electrogenic in 2018, we’ve seen a great deal of interest from around the world in the prospect of a DeLorean EV conversion,” said Steve Drummond, Electrogenic CEO. “With its sci-fi design—still jaw-dropping over 40 years on—and underwhelming engine, it really is the perfect candidate for conversion to electric drive. Developed entirely in-house using our proprietary technology, it gives the DMC-12 the sporting performance its futuristic shape always deserved.”
The DeLorean package adds to the company’s growing range of EV conversion kits for classics like the Land Rover Defender, Jaguar E-type, Mini, and Porsche 911—and custom conversions like the recent 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II electrified project for Jason Momoa.
The DMC-12 was conceived by former General Motors executive John DeLorean in the late 1970s and designed by legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro. The gullwing-door car used a pioneering combination of composites and stainless-steel panels “to last forever,” with three-quarters of those produced still on the roads today. DeLorean turned to Lotus to engineer his vision before setting up shop in the late 1970s in Belfast after receiving significant investment from the UK government.
The car’s original team worked at an unprecedented pace, battling challenges along the way—from extreme financial and time pressures to the fire-bombing of the factory during flare-ups in sectarian violence. Despite all this, the DMC-12 was designed, built, and certified for sale in the U.S. in just 28 months, a record that would stand for some time.
Certain compromises were made, with the V6 engine sourced from PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) cited by many as a particularly weak point. After being modified to satisfy U.S. emission regulations, it produced just 130 hp. Nevertheless, after going on sale in mid-1981, the DMC-12 was initially a success before the economy faltered in the recession of the early 1980s and sales slowed. Over 9000 cars were produced before the DeLorean business eventually folded at the end of 1982.
Electrogenic has now transformed the DMC-12 with a state-of-the-art electric powertrain developed by its team of engineers, programmers, and fabricators to fit within the existing architecture of the car, using CAD (computer-aided design) and modeling for clever packaging to maximize the available space. As with all Electrogenic conversions, the original structure of the car is preserved, nothing is cut, and all the modifications are reversible. It can be applied to both manual and automatic cars.
“When John DeLorean set out to make the DMC-12 over forty years ago, he was determined to create a sports car that was sustainable and would stand the test of time,” added Drummond. “An EV conversion therefore makes total sense and feels in keeping with the ethos of the original project. I can also attest that the car’s original, Lotus-engineered, suspension is more than up to the task of handling the new-found torque; the car is fabulous to drive.”
Designed to be straightforward to install, the conversion features 43 kW·h of new OEM-grade batteries fitted in place of the fuel tank under the front luggage compartment and above the motor in the rear. The design uses the company’s proprietary, ultra-efficient, battery packaging system for optimal energy density.
The batteries feed a motor sending 160 kW and 310 N·m (229 lb·ft) to a fixed-ratio gearbox and transaxle, delivering 3200 N·m (2360 lb·ft) to the rear wheels. Thanks to enhanced power and instant torque, the electrified DMC-12, which weighs only 40 kg (88 lb) more than the original ICE (internal combustion engine) version, is said to be transformed from a cruiser into a sports car.
The DMC-12 kit also features launch control—a first for an Electrogenic conversion. Company engineers dialed in configurability into the driving experience with a series of selectable drive modes, from a range-enhancing Eco mode to a Sport setting for maximum performance.
The new powertrain halves the original car’s 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration time, from just over 10 s to just under 5 s. Regenerative braking, which can be adjusted depending on an owner’s preferences, helps extend range to over 150 mi (240 km) in real-world driving.
The conversion delivers 6.6-kW AC charging and a CCS rapid charge in an hour. As with all Electrogenic EV conversions, the DMC-12 is also capable of a V2L (vehicle-to-load) supply of 3 kW of 240-V AC to power a laptop, refrigerator, or another car.
The first customer DMC-12 is fitted with custom features including Apple Car Play, enhanced air conditioning, and a virtual dashboard displaying drive modes, battery usage, and charge status.
Electrogenic’s conversions, developed at its Oxford HQ and workshop, use in-house technology created by a research and development team comprised of automotive engineers, programmers, and electrical experts. The basic Electrogenic electric car conversion process is to remove the vehicle engine and fuel tank and replace them with batteries and one or more electric motors, the key being in the detailed design integration.
The company says the key to conversion success is a drivetrain controlled by its own VCU software and a series of stacked and redundant safety systems. It can use any motor and battery module to specify a drivetrain that meets a customer’s requirements.
Electrogenic uses a range of motor systems having nominal operating voltages ranging from 110 to 392 V, with a maximum of 450 V. The company says that a “crucial” component is its own range of reduction gearboxes, with or without a differential, to optimize vehicle acceleration, top speed, and efficiency.
The company has access to battery modules and technologies from their manufacturers, with proprietary battery box construction systems and electrical architecture to ensure safe motoring and maintenance. These are supported with distributed battery management systems and charging systems—some OEM and some designed in-house.
The company has a range of proprietary dashboard options, from electronics that repurpose the car’s existing gauges, to touch screens and virtual dashboards.
