From Gas to Electric: Inside a Classic Conversion

audi80 edit

The Starting Point: A Car with Potential

Every build starts with a conversation. When the owner of this 1990 Audi 80 Quattro reached out, the goal was clear: keep the character, lose the gas engine, and build something electric. The car came to us non-running and was destined to be a daily and weekend driver. That vision shaped every decision that followed.

Powertrain: Choosing the Right Setup

We don’t use off-the-shelf kits. For this build, we selected a Hyper9 HV for its power, torque and reliability. Paired with the Audi Quattro gearbox, the system puts down 129 hp / 162 lb-ft torque. The battery pack was custom-designed using Tesla Model S modules , totaling 37 kWh—enough for an estimated 100+ miles of real-world range.

The Hard Part: Engineering It Right

Swapping in a motor is easy. Making the car drive well is where most shops fall short. We focused on weight distribution, moving from the stock 61/39 % to a near-ideal 46/54 % with strategic battery placement and frunk space. Cooling, electrical integration, and CAN bus communication were all designed in-house—no guesswork, no generic harnesses.

The Result: Built to Drive

The finished car drives exactly the way the owner envisioned. This is what happens when you engineer a conversion instead of just assembling one. Thinking about your own build? Let’s talk.

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