A jaunt in these classics? Electric!

New electric cars, from the likes of Tesla, Hyundai, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz are seen as the pinnacle of technology and modern motoring.

But, in the face of this futuristic revolution, classic cars and fourwheel drives are becoming something of an accidental posterchild of the electric vehicle movement.

Classic and vintage Land Rovers are being drawn from paddocks and sheds and being reimagined as electric vehicles for the modern era.

Jaunt Motors, in Williamstown, is one such outfit. Founded by Marteen Burger and Dave Budge in 2018 – neither of whom had any automotive industry experience – the company is now booked out until mid-2023 on conversion projects.

Turning an old Land Rover into one of Jaunt’s final products involves extensive restoration and reconditioning of the existing chassis and mechanicals, except for the engine.

A 90kW/240Nm electric motor bolts onto the original gearbox, which means the capable four-wheel drive system remains intact. Driving range between recharges starts at around 100 kilometres, but this can be extended to up to 400 kilometres in some instances.

The take-up of electric cars in Australia remains a small portion of the overall new car market, but it is growing.

Last year to the end of September, Australians had bought 1225 new electric vehicles. That number has grown to 3568 this year, a representing an increase of 191 per cent.

It should be noted these numbers exclude sales of Teslas, the American manufacturer not disclosing its sales to authorities.

Jaunt says old Land Rovers provide the perfect canvas for electrification. ‘‘Aluminium panels means they’ve not rusted. A bodyon-frame construction makes them easy to work on. They’re built to carry heavy loads, meaning we can install a lot of batteries.

‘‘There’s an extensive parts network as many components remained unchanged for 50 years.

‘‘They’re still affordable to purchase and available nationwide. And they have an iconic, nostalgic shape, that inspires adventure.’’

Prices for a Jaunt Land Rover start from around $120,000 for a more modern Defender, while the older Series model is more expensive at $200,000.

Jaunt’s electric creations proved the perfect vehicle for David Jackson, who works in Melbourne’s technology sector.

‘‘I think the first thing was, I was looking for something with a bit of soul,’’ he said. ‘‘There are so many bland, commoditised, vehicles on the road out there.’’

Jackson stumbled across Jaunt’s first design, a short-wheelbase Land Rover named Juniper, and found exactly what he was looking for.

‘‘The idea of something that was a bit different and had a bit of a story behind it ... it was emotive and elegant and timeless, and so I really resonated with that.’’

While many drive an electric car for its zero tailpipe emissions and environmental impacts, Jackson was drawn to the silent running and smooth experience of driving his wife’s electric car.

‘‘I love the serenity of driving it. It’s so zen to be in it,’’ he said. ‘‘And I love the experience of electric, being able to charge at home, not having to go to a petrol station.

‘‘When I chatted to Dave [at Jaunt] and understood the Jaunt story, that was what finally got me across the line. I just loved the idea of the re-use, all this aluminium and steel that would otherwise be just sitting around in a paddock going to waste.’’