The Electric Evolution: Is Everrati’s Gas-Free Porsche 911 a Masterclass in Preservation?
For a decade now, the automotive landscape has witnessed a seismic shift towards electrification. What was once a niche pursuit for eco-conscious commuters has blossomed into a full-fledged revolution, touching every corner of the industry. Within this dynamic transformation, a particularly fascinating sub-genre has emerged: the meticulous electrification of classic, iconic vehicles. This practice, however, inevitably sparks a critical question, the ultimate litmus test for any such endeavor: is it sacrilege? This question looms particularly large when considering the legendary Porsche 911. Generations have solidified its revered status, built upon a foundation of exquisite design, a rich motorsport pedigree, the unique handling characteristics born from its rear-engine layout, and engines brimming with character. To tamper with this formula, especially by replacing its soul-stirring flat-six with batteries and an electric motor, is bound to raise eyebrows, and rightly so.
Yet, a company based in the United Kingdom, Everrati Automotive Limited, has rapidly carved out a significant reputation for its exceptionally crafted electric vehicle creations. The burning question, therefore, is whether they can truly master the art of electrifying the Porsche 911. More importantly, have we reached a point in EV technology where we can genuinely replicate – and even enhance – the authentic driving dynamics of a legendary sports car? Recently, I had the distinct privilege of experiencing one of Everrati’s latest commissions, a stunning tribute to the 964-generation Porsche 911 RSR. The 964, produced from 1988 to 1994, represents the penultimate air-cooled 911, and is widely considered by Porsche aficionados to be one of the most desirable iterations ever produced. To compound the stakes, the RSR variant is one of Zuffenhausen’s most celebrated, race-bred creations. This is a project where a great deal is indeed on the line.
Understanding Everrati: More Than Just a Conversion Shop
While Everrati has only been a player in the automotive scene for a few years, its accomplishments have been remarkable. Their portfolio boasts a diverse range of high-profile electric conversions, including Series Land Rovers, Mercedes-Benz SL Pagodas, Ford GT40s, and a growing stable of Porsche 911 models, all meticulously built to order for a discerning clientele. The company’s technical prowess is underpinned by a team of seasoned professionals drawn from the highest echelons of the automotive industry, with experience at leading performance EV manufacturers like Rimac. Crucially, Everrati views itself not merely as a conversion workshop, but as an EV technology company. A testament to this is their involvement in powertrain design for other low-volume EV manufacturers.
“There’s an immense white space in the current EV market,” Justin Lunny, Everrati’s Founder and CEO, explained to me during a recent interview. “If you’re looking at vehicles like the Rimac Nevera or the Pininfarina Battista, you’re talking about a price point of $2.5 to $3 million. The next tier down realistically brings you to the upper echelon of the Porsche Taycan range, and there’s a distinct void in between. This presents a significant opportunity for companies to develop true drivers’ EVs, and that’s precisely the niche we cater to.”
Indeed, Everrati’s own creations embody this philosophy. They are designed to be exhilarating to drive, while remaining as faithful as possible to the spirit of the original vehicles. The particular 964 I had the pleasure of sampling, known as the Evergreen Commission, was commissioned by Steve Rimmer, the CEO of Dirtfish Rally School in Washington. This endeavor, in essence, is expanding the reach of car enthusiasm itself. “Most of our clients aren’t necessarily traditional car people,” Lunny elaborated. “Instead, they possess a profound appreciation for design and technology, desire a beautiful and engaging driving experience, and wish to avoid the specialized maintenance associated with classic cars, as well as contributing to tailpipe emissions.” The overarching takeaway here is that electrification can serve as a powerful tool for car preservation, not only extending the lifespan of these automotive treasures but also solidifying and broadening their appeal for generations to come. This is a crucial aspect of the classic car electrification trend.
The Art of the Build: Where Heritage Meets Innovation
The end result of Everrati’s meticulous process is undeniably beautiful. Each 964 conversion begins with a donor car, typically a narrow-body Carrera model. If the donor car happens to be equipped with a Tiptronic automatic transmission – a gearbox often viewed as a detractor by purists of later air-cooled 911s – it’s considered an added bonus. Most collectors prioritize manual transmissions, making Tiptronic-equipped cars a more readily available and practical choice for EV conversion projects.
The bodywork is initially handled by The Aria Group in Irvine, California, a supplier renowned for its work with prominent 911 reimagination specialists like Singer. Original body panels are replaced with lighter, aerospace-grade carbon fiber components. The body is then expertly painted and panel gaps are aligned to absolute perfection before being shipped to Everrati for the extensive remaining assembly.
The heart of the electric powertrain consists of 64 kWh battery units sourced from the Chinese manufacturer CALB. Approximately 70% of this battery capacity is strategically located behind the passenger compartment, with the remaining 30% ingeniously integrated into the space formerly occupied by the car’s fuel tank. With this configuration, Everrati estimates the 964 can achieve a respectable range of around 200 miles. For a performance-oriented conversion, this is a more than adequate figure. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a refurbished Tesla electric motor, channeled through a limited-slip differential. Further enhancements include aftermarket wheels and tires, and adaptive dampers from Tractive, all contributing to a perfectly corner-balanced chassis for optimal handling.
The culmination of this intricate process is a masterfully crafted, RSR-inspired work of art that confidently stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other high-end Porsche 911 restoration and Porsche 911 EV conversion projects. Pricing for these bespoke creations commences at approximately $500,000, with Everrati offering an extensive array of customization options for interior materials, color schemes, and more. The Evergreen Commission, for instance, was a vision of automotive luxury, featuring supple tan leather and sophisticated dark grey Alcantara throughout its cabin, exuding an aura of impeccable craftsmanship.
Everrati’s integration of modern switchgear and digital displays is remarkably seamless, elegantly bridging the gap between classic Porsche aesthetics and contemporary controls for drive modes, system monitoring, and other essential functions. The placement of the charging ports is a thoughtful touch: a Level 2 plug (capable of up to 6.6 kW) is discreetly located where the fuel filler used to reside, while a DC fast charger port (up to 70 kW) is positioned conveniently under the front hood. For the devoted Porsche enthusiast, the nostalgic detail of the coolant reservoir cap occupying the former oil tank cap location is a delightful nod to the car’s heritage. This attention to detail is a hallmark of luxury electric car conversions.
The Drive: Experiencing the Electric 911 RSR
Modern technology has indeed advanced to the point where virtually any chassis can be electrified in a seamless and thoughtfully engineered manner, as demonstrated by vehicles like Icon’s EV Bronco. However, capturing the very essence of a classic car’s original driving experience requires a profound level of dedication and engineering acumen, particularly when it comes to a car as iconic as the Porsche 911. I am thrilled to report that what Everrati has achieved with this 964 RSR is nothing short of remarkable. The car drives with an astonishing purity, remaining as true to the original formula as is possible without the presence of an internal combustion engine.
This sense of authenticity became immediately apparent during my brief test drive along California’s scenic Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. The characteristic weight bias over the rear axle was palpable, particularly as the chassis gracefully navigated the road’s imperfections. The front end felt light yet remarkably planted, the steering possessed an excellent blend of weight and feedback, and the steering response was textbook rear-engine Porsche. Everrati’s commitment to preserving the authentic 911 driving experience is evident in their decision to retain the original 964 hydraulic steering rack, augmented by an electric pump for power assistance.
One might anticipate that the addition of a battery pack would drastically increase the vehicle’s curb weight. However, this is not the case here. Lunny informed me that this electrified RSR weighs in at a lean 3,220 pounds. For those who may not have every air-cooled 911 specification memorized (a common affliction among enthusiasts, myself included), this figure is approximately 40 pounds lighter than the 964-generation Turbo model.
A firm press of the floor-mounted accelerator pedal leaves no doubt that you are being propelled by electrons. The Everrati 911 delivers brisk acceleration, boasting approximately 500 horsepower on tap. This isn’t just brute force; it’s a character-rich propulsion. It’s evident that Everrati’s engineers dedicated significant effort to perfecting the throttle mapping and motor tuning. The power delivery is progressively delivered, rather than a sudden, overwhelming surge of torque. In many respects, this offers an improvement over an original 964 Turbo, as there’s no lag waiting for the turbos to spool up. I can almost feel the collective sharpening of pitchforks among some Porsche purists as I type this.
Given that the Everrati 911 is rear-wheel drive, the company has paid particular attention to the implementation of regenerative braking. Insufficient regeneration can negatively impact the driving experience, as no enthusiast wants their car to simply coast in neutral when lifting off the throttle. Conversely, excessive regeneration can become a hazard, as it’s not the natural way a sports car sheds speed. Everrati has achieved a masterful balance: lifting off the throttle feels akin to coasting in fourth gear at 40 mph – enough to provide a sense of character without adversely affecting the car’s weight balance.
Exiting corners onto clear stretches of road, the rear end felt firmly planted, propelling the car forward with reassuring stability and without any hint of unexpected drama. I was also relieved to learn from Lunny that, when desired, the car will gleefully oversteer with the traction control disengaged. After all, Everrati’s facility in the UK is situated on a former military airbase, a fitting location for a car that offers such unadulterated driving pleasure. This reinforces the idea of high-performance EV conversions retaining driver engagement.
Electrification as the New Preservation
With its breathtakingly iconic aesthetics, sumptuously appointed interior, and, most importantly, its exceptional driving dynamics, Everrati has undoubtedly created something truly special with this 964 Porsche 911 RSR commission. As with any significant automotive evolution, there will be enthusiasts who embrace it wholeheartedly and those who remain skeptical. The waters of automotive purity are often muddied; some argue the 911 should never have been water-cooled, while others dismiss the 944 and 928 as not being “real” Porsches. (And don’t even get those individuals started on the Taycan.)
While it’s impossible to please everyone, those who approach this electric evolution with an open mind will not be disappointed. “Naturally, you encounter individuals who may not respect what you’re doing,” Lunny commented. “However, once people experience these cars, they genuinely enjoy them. I believe it’s a matter of open-mindedness, realizing that we’re not aiming to diminish these vehicles but rather to preserve them for future generations.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the sustainable automotive industry.
In a broader context, this principle applies to any endeavor in enthusiast EV development, from the high-end, low-production segment to mass-market offerings. We now possess the technology to imbue EVs with character, faithfully replicate the handling dynamics of legacy models, make them genuinely thrilling to drive, and even broaden their appeal to a wider demographic. Consider the future of sports car ownership: if Porsche itself dedicates the same level of engineering finesse to the driving experience of its forthcoming EV 983-generation Porsche Boxster and Cayman as Everrati has demonstrated in its 911 commissions, it signifies a resounding victory for the enthusiast car market. This is particularly relevant for electric sports car conversions aiming for authenticity.
The future of automotive passion is not about replacing the past, but about intelligently evolving it. Everrati’s gas-free Porsche 911 is a testament to that future.
Are you intrigued by the prospect of experiencing a piece of automotive history reimagined for the electric age? Discover how Everrati can bring your dream electric classic to life and explore the possibilities of a no-compromise driving experience. Visit our website or contact us today to begin your journey into the electrified future of iconic vehicles.
