We’re brand-exclusive: Zelectric retrofits vintage Volkswagens and Porsche models from the 356 thru 964.
Zelectrics are built to order. We work with client-owned vehicles. If you already own it, your iconic classic can be transformed into a radically fun daily driver. If it’s not already in your garage, we can find the best available candidate for you, help facilitate your purchase, then retrofit it. We do have a waiting list. If you’d prefer to skip that, we may have turnkey-ready or build-commission-ready vehicles available. <—-
Below: some samples of Zelectric retrofits. Not for sale, they’re all already client-owned. Here’s a smattering of our current projects in progress and some all-time favorites completed and delivered.
1968 Porsche 912 soft window Targa. (client-owned) Outlaw build includes Tesla Drive Unit (motor), larger wheel & brake setup, and 120mi range LG Chem battery pack. (client owned) TikTok video
1970 Dove Blue VW Karmann Ghia convertible: Zelectric Sourced and Retrofitted. Custom interior, motor bay and full front trunk. Build includes 102hp AC motor & center mounted Tesla battery pack. (client owned) YouTube video
In progress: 1962 Porsche 356
Our first Porsche 356 build will feature a 115 mile estimated range Tesla battery pack, Porsche gearbox & 120hp motor. (client owned)
In progress: Beautifully restored 1956 Lowlight VW Karmann Ghia.
This one will be celebrating its 70th birthday with all-electric candles next year! (client owned)
1964 Beetle – Complete restoration & Zelectrification. (client-owned)
Family-owned California car since 1964. Instagram video
In the works: 3 Tesla motor powered VW Microbuses each with full Tesla Model S battery packs. Estimate range of 160mi. (all client owned) L-R: ‘67 custom Doka, ‘66 21-window, ‘63 23-window
In progress: restored 1957 oval-window sunroof VW Beetle. (client owned)
1973 Volkswagen THING
Beautifully restored and upgraded all-electric VW Thing aka Type 181. This build features twin motors with 195hp combined. Range estimated between 120–140 miles.
Click for Photos & Tech-specs-walk-around video email david@zelectric.com for more info
Original owner 1979 Super Beetle Convertible. After its failed (non-Zelectric) electric rebuild 11 years ago, its owner has finally realized her dream of running it on solar power. 80 mi range Tesla battery pack. (client-owned)
TikTok video
Shown fresh from its appearance at the 2022 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, this LWB ‘69 Porsche was from the Petersen Automotive Museum’s “Vault,” a 1-owner California car Zelectric retrofitted with a 300HP Tesla motor and 120+ mile range battery pack. Now living happily in Hawaii. Check out our “build page” for the many custom features on this car. More photos here.
Zelectric Sourced and Retrofitted: 1963 Volkswagen Double Cab. This build includes a 120hp HyPer9 motor and the custom 10-module Tesla battery pack provides about 130 mile range. Many options, including all-electric cabin heat, heated leather seats, killer sound system and front & rear painted frame safari windows. (client owned)
TikTok video
“Irish Green” 1968 Porsche 912 with Tesla S motor & 120mi range LG Chem battery pack. On May 22, 2021, Jay Leno took it out for a test drive. His verdict? He told us: “This is the best electric car I’ve ever driven.” Check out our new Zelectric episode on Jay Leno’s Garage featuring this one of a kind 912 in action. photos
1965 Polar White Beetle Convertible: Zelectric Sourced and Retrofitted. 102hp motor, 4-speed transmission & 90-100 mile range, Tesla battery pack.
Featured in MotorTrend as “one of the most comprehensive and well-engineered EV conversions ever” - this is hands-down the most excellent Zelectric Beetle yet. photos
Original-Owner 1973 Super Beetle Convertible - fully zelectrified!
After 48 years, (1) repaint, and (3) ICE engines, it was time for a major upgrade. We installed 102hp electric horses, rebuilt brakes and transmission…and replaced all front suspension and steering components. Gone is the dreaded “super shimmy” common with these Beetles. Like that luscious color? It’s “Bright Orange” in the US, “Brilliant Orange” elsewhere. Paint code L20B. 🍊
Completed: 2nd-owner 1971 euro spec Super Beetle Instagram videos
photo: Evan Klein, evankleinfilms.com
1979 Orange Hi-Top Camper
This client-owned and dearly loved “Hi-Top” received an extensive Zelectric restoration and retrofit. Now powered by a 120hp HyPer9 motor, custom 10-module Tesla battery configuration- our first retrofit build to leave the US.
BELOW: Completed, restored: original owner 1965 Ruby Red Honeymoon Bug. It was the ultimate wedding gift back in the sixties. Bride and groom took off in their shiny new Beetle to see the world. Many years and hundreds of thousands of miles later, this little Bug eventually slowed down and came to rest in their driveway. Fourteen years passed.
But this is a story with a temporary ending and a fresh new beginning. Restoration on this original-owner 1965 Ruby Red was recently completed with a full Zelectric retrofit including 100-mile range, Tesla battery pack, and more than twice its original horsepower with top speed 100+mph. Now reborn electric, it’s designed to be driven, and happily out of the driveway and back on the road again.
(client owned) build photos
1960 Black Ragtop Beetle with 100 mile range Tesla battery pack (client owned) photos on Instagram
Recently featured on “CBS Innovation Nation with Mo Rocca.”
1966 Velvet Green Microbus, Zelectric-sourced and retrofitted with 80-mile range Tesla battery pack. Photos on Instagram
1964 Sea Blue Beetle, Zelectric-sourced and retrofitted. Pan-off restored a few years ago, and still showroom perfect. Complete with electric heater and Alpine/Focal sound system. 80 mile range.
Story and photos at Petrolicious.
photo: Andrew Golseth, Petrolicious.com
photo: Tony Matthews, superfly-autos.com
1973 Porsche 911 with dual motors
and larger 54kWh Tesla Model S battery pack - 150–180 mile range (client owned) video
1969 Karmann Ghia with a custom 2-speed gearbox, now with true sportscar hp, torque
and larger Tesla battery pack 130–150 mile range (client owned) build photos video
Sweet Turkis 1964 walk-through Microbus with ultra-rare (almost unheard of) factory sunroof & sliding door. (yes we own that and are keeping it for now!) video
Automobile Magazine: story and photos More photos on Flickr Featured on Wheeler Dealers
The "Discovery Bug" racy factory-original Ragtop, 1959 Mercury Silver. (now client-owned)
Featured in WSJ Magazine. Yes, that’s our Basset Hound tucked in the back, field-testing the comfort level of the back seat. 4 paws up. Watch this Bug rip around Laguna Seca.
Pristine 1960 white-on-white convertible. Rare. Concours quality. This one has a new home, but if you like it, we'll produce another one custom built for you. (now client-owned)
For a full list of candidates for the Zelectric retrofit click here. If you already own one of these in good condition, a Zelectric retrofit is possible. The base price for the client-owned Beetle, Karmann Ghia or Porsche retrofit is $78,000. Microbus starts at $85,000. The Tesla motor powered Zelectric Porsche 911/912 starts at $98,000 and $113,000 for the Tesla motor powered Zelectric Microbus. If you don't already have the VW or Porsche you've always wanted, we will find it.
About Beetles: from an investment perspective, the best candidates are models built from 1958 through 1967. These years represent the sweet spot - where Beetles offer the best combination of charm, collectibility and drivability. Parts are easily available. And because stock appearance is never compromised, their values continue to climb over time.
More to come. If you're interested in a specific model that's already sold, we can find and rebuild one for you. Zelectric Beetle, Porsche 356, 911, 912, 914, Microbus, Karmann Ghia, or Thing, or others lesser seen: Squarebacks, Notchbacks, etc... whichever model you have in mind, let us know. Email Bonnie, resident Zelectric RetroFuturist.