With ever more classic cars being converted to electric vehicles (classic car EV builds), we are regularly receive requests for installations in a wide range of vehicles. A good example is the early Ford Mustang, an EV conversion of which we have recently been working on with the highly regarded Alan Mann Racing.

At first glance, the Mustang would appear to have plenty of space to work with, but to construct something that works with the original mount points and that can provide heating as well as cooling is more complex.  

In such cases, our work to design the system hardware is completely bespoke. We design products specific to the application and not the generic blower box kit that may be seen elsewhere. The Mustang solution was designed from scratch and is all custom made. It's got two of our ceramic heater blocks and custom made actuators that control the air flow.

Controlling the custom airbox is the real challenge and we have adopted a  modular approach to the software for our new HVAC controller. As everything on the new HVAC controller is configurable, we compose an array of settings that can be adjusted to whatever the controller is being connected to, and save these arrays as unique configurations. It might not sound so exciting, but it is a change in how we package, deliver and manage our software, as we support clients with new software versions long after the original installation date.

This development path is leading toward a range of plug-and-play systems in custom outer shells, depending on the vehicle. We're currently developing bespoke systems for vehicles including the SWB Ferrari, BMW E30, Alfa Romeo Type 105, Porsche 356A, Jaguar XK and Land Rover Defender with various UK partners. The cost is generally prohibitive for single bespoke systems, but productionised programmes are more cost-effective.

We are always interested in hearing from commercial partners with specific needs for production vehicles. Give us a call to discuss!