A MECHANIC has transformed a garage full of classic cars into a collection of unique EVs.
Osamu Furukawa has taken several vintage cars and given them a new lease of life with electric parts.
Furukawa’s garage is filled with electric vehicles but none of them are purpose-built ones like a Tesla.
His garage, in Yokohama, Japan just south of Tokyo, has been dedicated to electric vehicle conversions, according to Bloomberg.
This process has involved taking a standard gas-powered car and replacing its engine with an electric motor and batteries.
Furukawa’s use of vintage cars has not meant his conversions were just for show as each vehicle is operable and in good condition.
Some of the cars in his garage, named Oz Motors, include a 1977 Volkswagen Beetle and a rare three-wheel 1958 Messerschmitt.
He has even performed his EV magic on a Toyota Prius.
The mechanic shared why he did these vehicle transformations.
“This is about how fun a car can be,” Furukawa said.
Furukawa shared the length of time and prices of this automobile work, in 2019.
The mechanic took two months to convert a VW Beetle.
These prices have varied between $24,400 for a 1976 Bug and $27,200 for a 1973 Bug.
Customers are also given the choice between a 12kWh car battery and a 24kWh battery.
The EV conversion practice has not been as widely done as standard gas mechanics but several garages globally specialize in this process.
Electric vehicles have grown in popularity and use in recent years as more car brands have produced them.
Electric vehicles vs gas
Pros and cons of EVs vs gasoline-powered vehicles
EV PROS:
- Convenient (when charging at home)
- Cheaper (depending on state or city)
- Cheaper maintenance, due to lack of mechanical parts
- Great for commuting
- Reduced CO2 emissions
- Federal and state tax incentives
- More performance (speed, handling – depending on the make and model)
EV CONS:
- Higher initial cost
- Higher insurance rates
- More frequent tire and brake replacement intervals
- Higher curb weight (thus causing more rapid wear on crucial parts)
- Low resale value
- High depreciation rates
- Lack of charging infrastructure
- Unreliable public charging (related: slow charging times)
- Poor winter and summer performance
- Lack of clean energy alternatives means more “dirty energy” from coal and nuclear sources
- Range anxiety
GAS PROS:
- Highly developed refueling infrastructure
- Fast refueling
- Cheaper insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
- Established repair industry
- Lower initial cost
- Higher range before refueling, especially with hybrids
- Many manufacturers produce nearly emission-less engines
- Cheaper refueling, depending on the location
GAS PROS:
- Finite resource (related: heavy dependence on petroleum)
- Carbon emissions/greenhouse gases
- Higher repair costs
- Higher insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
- Varying costs at the pump, depending on state, city, and county
Source: Car & Driver, Perch Energy, AutoWeek
The U.S. Sun has previously reported on a newly redesigned EV from Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes has claimed this sleek vehicle can do an astounding 551 miles on one charge.
The Mercedes EQS was the brand’s flagship all-electric vehicle and it has received an upgrade from its original model.
These changes have included a bigger battery and modified brake cylinders to give drivers a better brake pedal feel.
Mercedes has also revealed its AMG sports car range is set to release an electric version of its GT super-coupe.
The new model is set to be launched at this month’s Bejing Motor Show.
