Hey, critics, it’s time to include Aquaman and Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa) on your list of adversaries because he has recently converted his vintage 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II to run on electricity, courtesy of British EV specialists Electrogenic.
This conversion is touted as “the most ambitious and complex EV conversion ever undertaken,” and there’s little reason to doubt this claim considering it took eighteen months to complete the transformation on this nearly-century-old vehicle.
The massive 7.7-liter pushrod straight-six engine and four-speed transmission, producing between 40 and 50 horsepower, have been replaced with a 201bhp electric motor and 93kWh of aluminum-cowled batteries. These components have been strategically placed under the bonnet and along the chassis rails.
The Phantom now delivers around 228lb ft of torque to the fixed reduction gear. Interestingly, Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce, the founders of the marque, were early pioneers of the electric motor, creating a full-circle moment.
Electrogenic, known for converting other classics like the Citroën DS and the Jaguar E-Type, has also equipped the Phantom with an in-house software system to integrate all the components seamlessly.
To grasp the intricacies involved, the original car utilized a centralized, entirely mechanical ‘through-flow’ lubrication unit to distribute oil to the car’s brake and suspension linkages. Removing the engine necessitates the creation of an entirely new system. Repositioning the brake levers and cables to maintain the original ratios posed challenges, as Momoa emphasized retaining the car’s ‘natural’ characteristics. Therefore, the brakes have undergone updates, considering the newfound power would overwhelm the stoppers, which are older than Bernie Ecclestone.
While the internal components have undergone a complete overhaul, the external appearance retains the stunning original coachwork crafted by HJ Mulliner and Co. The iconic silhouette, large spherical lamps, and an elongated bonnet remain unaltered, creating a look perhaps even more imposing than a Dothraki horde.
However, the interior tells a different story. Classic features, including the period-appropriate leather and wood-lined surfaces, have been preserved, but the original switchgear has been repurposed. For instance, the fuel gauge now serves as an LED state-of-charge display, and the oil and water temperature dials indicate the car’s charger and electric motor temperatures.
Momoa expressed, “In order to pull off this dream project, I had to find the right partner. Electrogenic is all about honoring vintage cars, making them electric without losing any of the vehicle’s character. They were the perfect fit.”
Steve Drummond, director of Electrogenic, mentioned, “The car’s diverse elements all add up to deliver a stunning, cohesive package. It drives like an enhanced version of its original self, silent, effortless, and graceful.”
This classic car conversion adds to the growing network of electric restomods, likely sparking a considerable divide among enthusiasts. So readers, what’s your take on this – yay or nay?
