How much does an electric retrofit of an old Rolls Royce cost?

There is no car brand more suited to electric than Rolls Royce, both for its silence and mechanical smoothness.

And what if true luxury wasn’t about owning the latest electric hypercar, but about retrofitting an old glory? One that, abandoned due to the complexity of mechanical maintenance, high upkeep costs, questionable reliability, and fuel consumption, has fallen into obscurity to the point of no longer being very valuable?

In the face of the rising electrification of automobiles, a new phenomenon attracts classic car enthusiasts: electric retrofit. Among the most iconic models receiving this treatment, classic Rolls-Royce hold a special place. Blending timeless refinement with modern technology, companies such as Evice and Lunaz are reanimating these wheel masterpieces. But at what cost? Here’s an overview of the expenses and procedures involved.

Buying the base: a thermal Rolls-Royce

Before discussing conversion, you first need to acquire the vehicle that will serve as the base. Among favored models for this type of project are the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, Silver Cloud, or Phantom V. Prices vary greatly depending on the condition, rarity, and history of the model. A Silver Shadow in good condition can be found around €30,000 to €50,000, whereas a Phantom V in excellent condition can reach €150,000 or more. At Mobiwisy, we strongly recommend choosing the body style of your dreams, and to heck with the rest. Because a full restoration will be necessary to switch to electric anyway. From that point on, a near-wreck can save you precious euros that you’ll need to reinvest later. Depreciation, tires, brakes, hydraulics, electronics, etc.—everything will be overhauled from the ground up.

Evice: a handcrafted and bespoke approach

Evice Ltd., based in the United Kingdom, specializes in restoring and electrifying iconic models such as the Rolls-Royce Corniche and Silver Shadow. Each project is fully customized, allowing clients to select finishes, materials, and features suited to their tastes. The average cost of conversion at Evice ranges between €60,000 and €100,000, an investment that includes replacing the internal combustion engine with a modern electric motor, installing batteries, and other technical improvements.

Every car reworked by Evice benefits from cutting-edge electric technology developed specifically for the project. The 800-volt architecture powers electric motors delivering 400 horsepower, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience that surpasses the capabilities of the original engine. Thanks to a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, the current XP1 model offers a range exceeding 320 kilometers.

To ensure controlled driving while preserving the inimitable floating sensation typical of Rolls-Royce, the suspension has been modernized and an advanced braking system integrated.

Meanwhile, the interior has been completely redesigned to meet contemporary standards of comfort and practicality. Electrically adjustable seats with heating and ventilation functions ensure optimal comfort. An advanced air conditioning system allows precise temperature control, while high-quality audio equipment, complemented by a discreet subwoofer, offers an immersive sound experience. Modern features include wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility and cleverly concealed rearview cameras, combining elegance and advanced technology.

Lunaz: ultra-luxury electric

For those seeking ultimate luxury, Lunaz offers even more exclusive conversions. Specializing in the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Phantom V, the company provides comprehensive restoration combined with electrification and the addition of modern technologies. The cost of these transformations reflects the level of detail and customization: approximately €390,000 for a Silver Cloud and over €550,000 for a Phantom V.

These prices include extensive modifications: chassis updates, installation of modern equipment (air conditioning, infotainment systems), and meticulous interior restoration. Lunaz also limits production to just a few dozen units per model to guarantee absolute exclusivity.

The Rolls-Royce Phantoms remastered by Lunaz are powered by an exclusive electric drive unit developed by the company. Their battery pack, with an exceptional capacity of 120 kWh, is the largest of its kind in the world, ensuring a range of over 500 kilometers. This range far exceeds the usual needs of chauffeur-driven vehicles.

Retrofit: a choice that annoys some purists

Transforming a classic Rolls-Royce into an electric vehicle, or any other automotive jewel like Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, or Aston Martin, is certainly combining passion for cars with ecological awareness, but also exposes you to the sharpest criticisms from purists. Many would prefer a car to sit sadly in a garage rather than be updated to live in the present. At Mobiwisy, we advocate retrofit for a simple and beautiful reason: cars of yesteryear are so much more beautiful than those of today!

If costs seem prohibitive, they are justified by the complexity of operations and attention to detail. Evice and Lunaz, each in their own domain, offer enthusiasts the possibility to drive a vehicle as spectacular as it is durable. And so different that any vulgar limousine of today.