The Porsche 911 Reimagined: Electric Power Meets Air-Cooled Soul
For automotive enthusiasts, the Porsche 911 isn’t just a car; it’s a legend. Its iconic silhouette, the soul-stirring symphony of its flat-six engine, and its unique rear-engine handling have cemented its place in the pantheon of automotive greats. So, when whispers of electrifying this revered icon emerge, eyebrows are naturally raised. Can a machine meticulously engineered over decades for internal combustion truly embrace the electric future without losing its essence? This is the question that UK-based Everrati Automotive Limited seeks to answer, and based on a recent experience with their reimagined 964 911 RSR, they’re not just answering it – they’re excelling.
In the world of automotive customization and electrification, a burgeoning trend sees skilled engineers and artisans breathing new life into classic vehicles by swapping their original powertrains for advanced electric motors and battery systems. This isn’t merely about creating silent cruisers; it’s about a profound reinterpretation, a delicate dance between heritage and innovation. The challenge, particularly with vehicles like the air-cooled Porsche 911, is to retain the very characteristics that make them so beloved – the visceral connection, the engaging dynamics, and the inimitable character – while embracing the benefits of electric propulsion.
Everrati has rapidly distinguished itself in this specialized arena, gaining acclaim for its meticulously crafted EV conversions. Their portfolio boasts an impressive array of iconic vehicles, from classic Land Rovers and Mercedes-Benz SL Pagodas to the legendary Ford GT40 and, of course, various iterations of the Porsche 911. These are not mass-produced vehicles; they are bespoke commissions for discerning clients who appreciate both timeless design and cutting-edge technology.
Beyond Conversion: An EV Technology Company
What sets Everrati apart is their self-perception. They don’t view themselves merely as a “conversion shop.” Instead, their leadership, comprised of individuals with backgrounds from performance EV pioneers like Rimac, positions Everrati as an “EV technology company.” This perspective informs their approach, extending even to providing powertrain design services for other low-volume electric vehicle manufacturers.
Justin Lunny, Everrati’s Founder and CEO, recently articulated this vision, highlighting a significant gap in the high-performance EV market. “There’s a wide open space at the moment in EV,” he shared. “If you’re going to buy a Rimac Nevera or Pininfarina Battista, you’re talking 2.5 to 3 million dollars. The next price down is probably the high-end of the Porsche Taycan, realistically, and there’s nothing really in between. So there’s a big space there for companies to create true drivers’ EVs, and those are the kinds of companies that we work with.”
Everrati’s own creations are precisely these “true drivers’ EVs.” The aim is not simply to make an old car electric, but to create a vehicle that is exhilarating to drive, as faithful to the original spirit as possible, and importantly, sustainable. The specific 964 I had the privilege to experience, christened the “Evergreen Commission,” was built for Steve Rimmer, CEO of Dirtfish Rally School in Washington. This project embodies a broader mission: expanding car enthusiasm by appealing to a new generation of enthusiasts.
“Most of our clients are not necessarily traditional car people,” Lunny explained. “Instead, they have a deep love of design and technology, want something beautiful to drive around in, and don’t want to deal with the specialized upkeep or contributing to tailpipe emissions.” This perspective is crucial: electrification, in this context, acts as a powerful form of preservation. It ensures that these automotive masterpieces remain not only operational but also relevant and desirable for future generations, potentially even expanding their appeal. This approach to electric Porsche 911 conversion is proving to be a significant differentiator.
The Art of Reimagination: The Build Process
The foundation of an Everrati 964 conversion begins with a carefully selected donor car, typically a narrow-body Carrera model. Interestingly, models equipped with the Tiptronic automatic transmission, often overlooked by purists seeking a manual gearbox, are ideal candidates. This allows collectors to focus on manual-equipped examples for their prized possessions, leaving the Tiptronic variants available for this innovative electrification.
The initial bodywork and structural enhancements are entrusted to The Aria Group in Irvine, California, a renowned supplier with a history of collaborating with revered 911 specialists like Singer. Here, the original body panels are meticulously replaced with lighter, stronger carbon fiber components. The body undergoes a rigorous alignment and finishing process before being shipped to Everrati for the intricate powertrain integration. This dedication to 911 EV conversion quality is evident from the outset.
At the heart of the Evergreen Commission’s electric powertrain are 64 kWh battery units sourced from the Chinese manufacturer CALB. These batteries are strategically distributed: approximately 70% reside behind the passenger compartment, leveraging the car’s inherent rear-bias, while the remaining 30% occupies the space formerly held by the fuel tank. This intelligent placement contributes to a balanced weight distribution, a critical factor in maintaining the 911’s renowned handling characteristics.
Everrati estimates a real-world range of around 200 miles for this setup, a figure that, while perhaps not groundbreaking by modern EV standards, is remarkably competent for a performance-focused electric sports car conversion. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a refurbished Tesla electric motor, coupled with a limited-slip differential to optimize traction and handling. Further enhancing the driving experience are Tractive adaptive dampers, aftermarket wheels and tires, and a meticulous corner-balancing procedure. The culmination of these efforts is a gas-free Porsche 911 that not only looks the part but performs with an authenticity that surprises and delights.
The pricing for these bespoke electric Porsche conversions starts at approximately $500,000, reflecting the extensive engineering, bespoke craftsmanship, and high-quality materials involved. The Evergreen Commission itself was a masterpiece of automotive artistry, featuring a sumptuous interior of tan leather and dark grey Alcantara, exuding an aura of impeccable quality and attention to detail.
Everrati’s integration of modern technology is particularly noteworthy. Added switchgear and touchscreens are seamlessly incorporated, blending the classic Porsche aesthetic with intuitive controls for drive modes, system monitoring, and performance data. The charging port placement is also a thoughtful touch: a Level 2 (6.6 kW max) charger resides where the traditional fuel filler cap was, while a more powerful Level 3 (70 kW max) DC fast charger is discreetly located under the hood. For the true Porsche aficionado, the detail of the coolant reservoir cap being situated where the oil tank cap once was elicits a knowing smile. This level of vintage Porsche electrification respects the original design while enhancing functionality.
The Drive: Reclaiming the 911 Soul
Technology has undoubtedly advanced to a point where electrifying virtually any chassis can be achieved seamlessly, provided the engineering is up to par. However, capturing the authentic driving essence of a classic sports car is a far more complex undertaking. The air-cooled Porsche 911, with its distinct personality, presents a particularly formidable challenge.
I am delighted to report that Everrati’s creation drives with a startling degree of authenticity, offering an experience that is as close to the original formula as one can achieve without internal combustion. On a brief test drive along California’s scenic Pacific Coast Highway, the familiar sensation of the car’s weight over the rear axle was immediately apparent, particularly as the chassis glided over road imperfections. The front end felt light yet firmly planted, and the steering possessed that characteristic Porsche weight and communicative feedback – a testament to Everrati’s dedication to preserving the original 964 hydraulic steering rack, powered by an electric pump.
One might anticipate that the addition of a battery pack would dramatically increase curb weight. However, in this instance, the opposite is true. Lunny revealed that this electrified RSR tips the scales at a mere 3,220 pounds, making it approximately 40 pounds lighter than a standard 964 Turbo model. This weight advantage, combined with the electric powertrain, contributes to a surprisingly agile and responsive feel.
A firm press of the accelerator pedal confirms the electric propulsion, delivering brisk and immediate acceleration. The Everrati 911 boasts around 500 horsepower, but it’s the character of this power delivery that truly impresses. The engineers have clearly invested significant effort in calibrating the throttle mapping and motor tuning. The power delivery is progressive, avoiding an abrupt surge of torque. Instead, it builds in a refined manner, offering a superior experience to the lag often associated with turbochargers in older performance cars. This electric 911 performance is a revelation.
As a rear-wheel-drive machine, the deployment of regenerative braking is a critical consideration. Too little, and the experience lacks the characteristic engine braking of a sports car; too much, and it can disrupt the delicate weight balance and feel unnatural. Everrati has struck an admirable balance. Releasing the accelerator feels akin to coasting in fourth gear at 40 mph – providing a subtle but characterful deceleration without negatively impacting the car’s balance. This nuanced approach to electric sports car handling is a hallmark of their expertise.
Accelerating out of corners onto clear stretches of road, the rear end of the Everrati 911 hunkers down and propels the car forward with confidence and without any hint of unexpected instability. Lunny confirmed that, with traction control dialed back, the car is eager to indulge in playful oversteer – a characteristic that resonates deeply with the 911’s motorsport heritage. Given Everrati’s facility is situated on a former military airbase in the UK, it’s clear they have the ideal proving grounds for such dynamic capabilities.
Electrification as Preservation: A New Era for Iconic Cars
With its stunning, iconic aesthetics, opulent interior, and, above all, its exceptional driving experience, Everrati has crafted something truly special in this 964 Porsche 911 RSR commission. This gas-free Porsche RSR is a testament to what is possible when passion meets innovation.
Inevitably, the electrification of such revered icons will spark debate. Some will embrace it wholeheartedly, recognizing the preservation and enhancement it offers, while others may remain resistant. The automotive enthusiast community is diverse, and differing opinions are to be expected. However, for those with an open mind, the Everrati experience is profoundly rewarding.
“Of course, you get the person that might not respect what you’re doing,” Lunny admitted. “But once people drive it, they actually really enjoy it, and I think it’s one of those things where if people are open-minded enough, they realize that we’re not trying to ruin these things, but rather preserve them for a future generation.” This sentiment encapsulates the core of Everrati’s mission: using cutting-edge electric car conversion technology to safeguard automotive heritage.
On a broader level, this approach extends to all enthusiast-focused EVs, from the ultra-high-end to the more accessible. The technology now exists to imbue electric vehicles with genuine character, accurately replicate the dynamic feel of legacy models, and create genuinely engaging driving experiences that can broaden their appeal to a wider audience. The future of sports car ownership looks increasingly electric, and pioneers like Everrati are paving the way. As Porsche itself continues to push the boundaries of EV performance and driving dynamics with models like the upcoming electric 983-generation Boxster and Cayman, the synergy between traditional automotive excellence and electric innovation promises an exciting future.
If you’re captivated by the idea of experiencing an icon reborn, explore the possibilities of electric car restoration and witness firsthand how timeless design can harmoniously integrate with sustainable performance.
