A local mechanic and an entrepreneur are keeping up with the times while keeping vintage cool, thanks to their inventive concept.
The long-time mates have embarked on the niche and self-taught talent of converting classic cars to electric vehicles (EVs) to keep the classic Australian “iconic” cars on the road.
Caloundra West’s Anthony Parke and Mapleton’s Ben Johnston have launched the innovative business Joyride EV from their Baringa garage, starting by converting “Julie”, a blue 1973 dual-cab VW Kombi.
The futuristic idea came about 18 months ago when the duo saw the automotive industry heading steadily towards the electric space.
“We would hate to see these classic cars end up in a scrap metal yard just for the fact they can’t be used because of the engine in them,” Mr Parke said.
“For us, the classics hold a story, they are a lifestyle and have a following.
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“They are still highly sought after and are just cool cars, especially a Kombi or a Land Rover.
“They are such iconic Australian cars … the new cars just don’t have the same vibe as these older cars.”
Several months later they were ready to make their dream a reality and it has been onwards and upwards for the duo since.
“We converted our first car throughout the course of last year and now we are trying to start to ramp-up awareness about what we can do,” Mr Parke said.
“We are looking to have customers bring their cars to us more now.
“The EV space is a happening thing … it’s greener, better for the environment, less carbon emissions and they are definitely cool to drive. They are silent and powerful.
“The first time I hopped in one, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, it’s just an amazing feeling. But when you drive a converted classic car, it’s even better.”
The Joyride EV team can look at converting any classic car, but Mr Parke said the process was a costly and time-consuming undertaking.
“It is worth it in the end,” he said.
“People keen on converting need to be happy to spend that money on it … we provide a quote for each car.
“With the planning, designing and manufacturing products it can take anywhere from six to 12 months for a make and model that we haven’t converted before.
“It’s a very happening and moving space, so you are constantly learning procedures and different products that are coming into the market.”
He gave an overview of the conversion process.
“All the components are removed that relate to the engine that was in it,” he said.
“Then there is a big planning stage, which is the most crucial stage. Can the vehicle take the weight, the placement of the batteries and the motor selection? Then there is lots of wiring that needs to be completed.
“There is also certification that needs to be carried out by an engineer who works on behalf of the Department of Transport.
“There is regulation we need to follow within the EV space to get the certification, but once it’s done you have an EV-certified vehicle with rego benefits at the end too.”
After taking their time to perfect their craft, Mr Parke said they were now in the position to scale up the business.
“It’s a great feeling to be where we are now and we’d love to do, and see more conversions,” he said.
“It is very rewarding concept when you complete a car and it goes for its first drive.”
In the meantime, he said the team was focused on bringing the cost down on converted classics.
“We need as much help from the government moving forward with the EV space as we can … chargers and infrastructure are important. The more people are talking, the more accessible it will become and more people can get an EV,” he said.
“We’d like to put a club together to have drive days, show days and just show them off. We want build an awareness around them and show people it can be done.”
Follow Joyride EV on Instagram at @joyrideev or email hello@joyrideev.com.
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