Can you power your home with nostalgia? The case for classic car EV conversions.

Picture this; You're taking a leisurely Sunday drive in your beautifully restored 1971 BMW 2002. The sun is shining, the wind is teasing your hair, and you're not just indulging in your nostalgia but making a real-world impact on sustainability. You're not just driving a classic car, but a mobile battery that could power your home. It sounds straight out of a sci-fi movie but, according to Chris Mander and Scott Anderson, my recent guests on the podcast 'Manufacturing Tech Australia', this could be the future.

Let's roll back a little, shall we?

Chris and Scott, the brains behind an innovative startup Revival EV, are in the process of converting a classic 1971 BMW 2002 into an electric vehicle. This isn't a whim; it's a strategic blend of nostalgia, sustainability, and energy efficiency. "A classic could make the perfect home battery", Chris said, hinting at a future where our beloved vintage wheels don't just give us the joy of a retro ride, but also power our homes.

Before you dismiss this as another pie-in-the-sky idea, take a pause. Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology isn't some far-off tech dream. It's here, it's real, and it's changing the way we think about power, cars, and perhaps even classic beauties.

The Reality of Vehicle-to-Home Technology

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are not just modes of transport; they're essentially mobile energy storage units. A report from drive.com.au reveals that the Ford F150 EV is capable of powering a typical-sized home for up to three days during a power outage. Here at home the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid and Nissan Leaf electric hatchback already have V2H technology onboard. Hyundai and Kia are also gearing up with the necessary hardware in their Ioniq 5 and EV6 models, respectively, awaiting the software to bring it all to life.

EVcharge Australia claims to have V2H technology ready for the consumer market. According to their spiel, the device they offer can both charge your EV battery and power your entire house with stored energy. "Using this product will allow every single EV owner to become 100% self-sufficient", the company enthusiastically asserts.

But what does this mean for your cherished classic in the garage? Could your much-loved vintage car do more than just add character to your Sunday drives? The answer could be a resounding yes!

Classic Cars - The Next Power Banks?

As Chris Mander put it during our conversation, "we see there's a confluence of trends occurring right now that is creating a viable environment for our vision. One of those is the growing desire for reuse, just generally, and sustainability in terms of energy and energy efficiency, but also nostalgia. And we think these three things are really coming together to create some fertile space for what we're doing."

This sentiment indeed gives us food for thought. We love our classic cars. We love the way they look, the way they make us feel, and the memories they stir. However, we also live in an age where we can't ignore the environmental impact our choices make.

So here's a thought, what if you could have the best of both worlds? A classic car with a heart of green - an electric motor. A vintage ride that didn't guzzle gas but saved energy. A beautiful old car that didn't just sit in the garage but acted as a massive power bank for your home.

Imagine the savings you might achieve from charging your rarely driven classic from your rooftop solar during the day, and then powering your home at night from the stored energy. Why spend a hefty sum on a stationary home battery system when you can invest in a classic EV conversion? Not only do you get to relish in the old-world charm of your vintage ride, but you also potentially save on electricity and even fuel costs.

So, Would You?

The question is now in your court: Would you convert your classic car to an electric vehicle if it also powered your home? Or, to take it up a notch, why wouldn't you?

To some, the idea of revamping a classic with a modern electric engine might sound like sacrilege. But as Chris and Scott highlighted in our chat, it's about far more than just tinkering with an old machine. It's about shaping the future of energy consumption and the roles our vehicles play in it. It's about taking nostalgia and sustainability and creating something new, unique, and equally delightful.

What do you think? Is resto-modding the Devil’s work? I reckon electrifying my old Mini would probably power my beer fridge for a few days in an emergency. Drop a comment below - Let's mull over the possibilities, discuss the challenges, and maybe, just maybe, shape the future of both classic cars and energy conservation. Because, at the end of the day, isn't it exciting to be part of a revolution?

If you're interested in hearing more about the challenges and rewards of attempting an EV conversion, tune in to the 'Manufacturing Tech Australia' podcast. Let's explore the future, one classic EV conversion at a time. And remember: the future is electric, and it's driving towards us faster than you might think.