The Electric Evolution: Everrati’s Gas-Free Porsche 911 RSR Conversion Redefines Iconic Driving
For enthusiasts of the automotive world, the Porsche 911 isn’t just a car; it’s a legend. Its sculpted silhouette, guttural flat-six symphony, and inimitable rear-engine handling have cemented its place in the pantheon of automotive icons. So, when news emerges of a company swapping that cherished internal combustion heart for an electric powertrain, eyebrows are bound to raise. This isn’t merely a technological upgrade; it’s a philosophical question: can electrification truly honor, and even enhance, the soul of such a storied machine?
As an industry expert with a decade immersed in the evolving landscape of automotive technology and enthusiast vehicles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the burgeoning trend of electrifying classic icons. This movement, while controversial to some, presents a fascinating opportunity to bridge the chasm between heritage and innovation. The question of whether these conversions are “sacrilege” is a constant undercurrent, especially when dealing with vehicles that have achieved near-sacred status over generations. The air-cooled Porsche 911, with its deep-rooted legacy, represents one of the ultimate tests for this burgeoning electric conversion industry.
Enter Everrati Automotive Limited, a UK-based firm that has rapidly carved out a niche by meticulously crafting bespoke electric vehicles from celebrated automotive platforms. Their portfolio boasts conversions of iconic models like the Series Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda, and the Ford GT40. However, their audacious venture into electrifying the Porsche 911, particularly a model inspired by the legendary 964 RSR, pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. The crucial inquiry remains: have they achieved a level of electric vehicle technology that not only mimics but actively elevates the authentic sports car driving experience?
Recently, I had the distinct privilege of experiencing one of Everrati’s latest creations firsthand: a 964-generation Porsche 911 RSR tribute, a bespoke build known as the “Evergreen Commission.” The 964, produced between 1988 and 1994, is the second-to-last generation of the air-cooled 911 and is revered by Porsche purists as one of the most desirable iterations ever. The RSR variant, aMotorsport-derived masterpiece from Zuffenhausen, further amplifies the stakes. This isn’t just about creating an electric car; it’s about reinterpreting a legend for a new era.
Everrati: More Than Just a Conversion Shop
While Everrati is a relatively young company, its impact has been profound. The firm isn’t simply a workshop that retrofits electric powertrains into older cars. They position themselves as an EV technology company, with a core team comprised of seasoned automotive professionals drawn from leading high-performance EV manufacturers, including names like Rimac. This depth of expertise allows them to offer more than just conversions; they engage in powertrain design for other low-volume EV manufacturers.
Justin Lunny, Founder and CEO of Everrati, articulated this vision during a recent conversation. He highlighted a significant gap in the market for “true drivers’ EVs.” While hypercars like the Rimac Nevera and Pininfarina Battista command prices in the multi-million dollar range, and the next tier is occupied by premium offerings like the Porsche Taycan, there’s a considerable void in between. Everrati aims to fill this space by creating compelling electric vehicles that offer an exhilarating driving experience without the stratospheric price tag of hypercars, yet with a bespoke, enthusiast-focused approach.
Their own builds, like the 964 RSR tribute, exemplify this philosophy. They are designed to be immensely fun to drive, prioritizing authenticity and driver engagement. The Evergreen Commission, built for Steve Rimmer, CEO of Dirtfish Rally School in Washington, exemplifies Everrati’s ability to appeal to a new breed of automotive enthusiast. These clients are often drawn to the exquisite design and cutting-edge technology, appreciate beautiful vehicles for spirited driving, and desire a low-emission, less maintenance-intensive ownership experience. This perspective fundamentally reframes electric car conversions not as an erasure of automotive history, but as a vital form of preservation, ensuring the longevity and continued relevance of these cherished vehicles for future generations.
The Art of the Build: Precision Engineering Meets Iconic Design
The craftsmanship evident in an Everrati conversion is nothing short of stunning. Each 964 project begins with a donor vehicle, typically a Carrera model, ideally one equipped with the Tiptronic automatic transmission. While collectors often shun this gearbox in favor of manual transmissions, it presents a perfect opportunity for an EV conversion, as these less desirable examples can be repurposed.
The transformation starts at The Aria Group in Irvine, California, a renowned specialist that has collaborated with other esteemed 911 reimagination houses like Singer. Here, the donor car’s original body panels are meticulously replaced with lightweight carbon fiber components. The bodywork is then precisely aligned and painted to perfection before being shipped to Everrati’s facility for the intricate assembly process.
At the heart of the Evergreen Commission lies a 64 kWh battery pack sourced from CALB, a leading Chinese battery manufacturer. This energy reserve is strategically distributed: approximately 70% is housed behind the passenger compartment, while the remaining 30% occupies the space once held by the original fuel tank. Everrati claims a respectable range of around 200 miles for the 964 on a full charge, a commendable figure for a performance-oriented electric Porsche conversion.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a refurbished Tesla electric motor, channeled through a limited-slip differential. The suspension system is upgraded with Tractive adaptive dampers, complemented by aftermarket wheels and tires, all meticulously calibrated to achieve optimal handling balance. The result is a visually arresting, RSR-inspired masterpiece that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest Porsche 911 restoration and reimagination projects. Pricing for these bespoke conversions begins around the $500,000 mark, with Everrati offering extensive customization options for interior materials and finishes. The Evergreen Commission, in particular, was a breathtaking example, featuring a luxurious tan leather interior complemented by sophisticated dark grey Alcantara, exuding an aura of impeccable build quality.
Everrati’s integration of modern switchgear and touchscreens is executed with remarkable finesse, seamlessly blending classic Porsche aesthetics with contemporary controls for drive modes, system monitoring, and more. The charging port placement is a clever touch: a Level 2 charger (up to 6.6 kW) resides discreetly where the original fuel filler cap was located, while a Level 3 DC fast charger (up to 70 kW) is integrated under the hood. For the devoted Porsche aficionado, the detail of the coolant reservoir cap occupying the former oil tank cap location is a nod to the original’s engineering heritage. This thoughtful attention to detail underscores the meticulous approach to each Porsche EV conversion.
The Driving Experience: Unveiling the Electrified Soul of a 911
The advancement of EV technology has reached a point where electrifying virtually any chassis can be achieved with remarkable seamlessness and engineering precision, as demonstrated by vehicles like Icon’s electric Bronco. However, capturing the very essence of a classic car’s driving dynamics is an altogether more demanding feat, especially when it comes to an icon like the Porsche 911.
I am delighted to report that Everrati has achieved something truly special with this 964 RSR conversion. The driving experience is remarkably faithful to the original, offering a level of authenticity that, in some respects, surpasses what’s achievable with internal combustion. My brief but exhilarating test drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, California, provided immediate validation.
The characteristic weight bias over the rear axle, a hallmark of the 911’s rear-engine layout, was immediately palpable. This sensation, combined with the chassis’s composed traversal of road imperfections, felt viscerally familiar. The front end, while light, remained planted, and the steering delivered excellent weight and communicative feedback—textbook rear-engine Porsche. Everrati’s commitment to preserving this crucial element is evident in their retention of the original 964 hydraulic steering rack, powered by an electric pump, a key factor in delivering that authentic Porsche 911 driving dynamics.
One might naturally assume that the addition of batteries would significantly increase a vehicle’s curb weight. However, this is not the case with Everrati’s conversion. Lunny shared that this electrified RSR tips the scales at a mere 3,220 pounds. For context, this is approximately 40 pounds lighter than a standard 964 Turbo model, demonstrating Everrati’s dedication to maintaining the car’s original agility. This is a critical achievement in modernizing classic cars.
A firm press of the throttle pedal unequivocally confirmed the electric propulsion. The Everrati 911 offers brisk acceleration, delivering approximately 500 horsepower. What sets it apart is the character of this power delivery. It’s clear that the engineers dedicated considerable effort to calibrating the throttle mapping and motor tuning. The power builds progressively, rather than delivering an overwhelming surge from the outset. In fact, this progressive torque delivery can be seen as an improvement over the original 964 Turbo, as there’s no lag associated with turbocharger spool-up—a point that might provoke spirited debate among Porsche purists. This careful tuning is paramount for performance EV conversions.
Given the car’s rear-wheel-drive configuration, Everrati’s approach to regenerative braking is particularly noteworthy. Insufficient regeneration can diminish the driving experience, leaving the car feeling like it’s simply coasting. Conversely, excessive regeneration can negatively impact weight balance and driving dynamics, as it forces the rear wheels to do an undue amount of work in shedding speed. Everrati has struck an admirable balance. Releasing the throttle feels akin to coasting in fourth gear at moderate speed—just enough to impart character without compromising the car’s inherent balance. This nuanced approach to regenerative braking in classic EVs is a testament to their engineering prowess.
Exiting corners onto open straights, the rear end of the car hunkered down with confidence, propelling the vehicle forward with exhilarating authority, devoid of any unsettling surprises. Lunny confirmed that, with traction control dialed back, the car is more than willing to indulge in playful oversteer—a characteristic that aligns perfectly with its performance heritage. Everrati’s own facility in the UK, situated on a former military airbase, provides an ideal testing ground for such spirited driving. This ability to retain and even enhance the car’s inherent character is what makes this electric sportscar conversion so compelling.
Electrification as a Catalyst for Preservation
The Evergreen Commission, with its stunning aesthetics, opulent interior, and, above all, exceptional driving experience, represents a significant achievement for Everrati. It’s a testament to what can be accomplished when cutting-edge technology is applied with reverence for automotive heritage.
Understandably, this kind of electric vehicle modernization will elicit varied reactions from enthusiasts. The debate surrounding the evolution of iconic models is as old as the automotive industry itself. Some will embrace it wholeheartedly, while others will remain resistant. However, for those with an open mind, the Everrati 964 RSR offers a truly compelling proposition.
“Of course, you’ll encounter individuals who don’t appreciate what we’re doing,” Lunny conceded. “But once people experience it, they genuinely enjoy it. I believe it’s a matter of open-mindedness. People realize we’re not trying to ‘ruin’ these cars; rather, we are preserving them for future generations by making them relevant and usable in a world increasingly focused on sustainability.” This philosophy of preserving automotive heritage with EVs is crucial for the long-term health of the enthusiast community.
This principle extends beyond high-end conversions to the broader realm of enthusiast EVs. The technology exists to imbue electric vehicles with character, replicate the handling dynamics of beloved legacy models, and make them genuinely engaging to drive, thereby expanding their appeal across a wider demographic. Looking ahead, if even mainstream manufacturers like Porsche, as hinted at with the upcoming electric 983-generation Boxster and Cayman, commit to delivering such a compelling driving experience in their EV offerings, it will signify a monumental win for the future of electric sports car ownership.
For those seeking to experience the future of iconic driving, to explore the possibilities of high-performance EV conversions, or to understand how classic car electrification can preserve automotive legacies, exploring what Everrati has accomplished is a compelling next step.
