Summary
Transformation of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow into an electric car
The company Evice, specialized in retrofitting, is working on transforming the famous Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow into an electric car with impressive technical features. The launch of this luxury sedan is scheduled for 2026, followed by a modernized version of the Corniche convertible.
The stakes in the vintage car market
The vintage car market is experiencing growing enthusiasm, fueled by a wave of nostalgia among motorists. With more than 800,000 vintage cars in circulation in France, these vehicles are however increasingly banned in large cities due to their thermal engines accused of being too polluting.
Retrofitting as a future solution
The future of vintage cars might well involve retrofitting. This technique, which consists of converting a thermal car into an electric one, is legal in France and continues to gain popularity with a growing demand. Evice, among other companies, is committed to this transformation which allows preserving iconic models while respecting the environment.
An innovative prototype
Evice recently unveiled a prototype of the transformed Silver Shadow, dubbed XP1. This retrofit retains the iconic style of the luxury sedan while integrating modern technologies. The bodywork and the cockpit respect the original design, but include electric and heated seats, an air conditioning system, and new audio. An updated screen supports Apple CarPlay, incorporating a rearview camera.
Advanced technical features
In terms of performance, the original V8 of the Silver Shadow is replaced by a 400 horsepower electric engine, compared to the 190 horsepower of the most powerful model at the time. The car is equipped with active suspension and redesigned braking to respect the driving experience of a Rolls-Royce. A 77 kWh battery allows it to reach up to 200 miles (321 km) on a single charge. However, the recharge time remains to be specified, although its 800-volt design raises hopes for fast charging.
A promising future
The production of the model is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, with deliveries to begin in 2026. Evice also plans to renovate the Corniche convertible with the same technological improvements.
The prices of these reinvented models have not been announced, but they are expected to be high, reminiscent of the transformations already carried out by the company Lunaz which offers an electric Silver Cloud and Phantom V since 2020, starting at 388,000 euros.