In a world-first, and in alignment with a shift within historic vehicle circles, the Bay to Birdwood welcomed electric converted historic vehicles in 2022 and will do so again in 2024.
Winner 2023
EV Conversion Award: Winner – Matthew Hooper, 1970 Land Rover 109 Series 2a
What is an EV?
An EV (electric vehicle) is a vehicle that is powered by an electric motor and battery or series batteries. EVs present a number of advantages over vehicles powered by traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs), including zero emissions of noxious environmental pollutants, significantly increased power, torque and efficiency, and reduced daily operating costs.
What is an electric modified historic vehicle?
An electric modified historic vehicle is a vehicle built prior to 1994 that has been converted from an original internal combustion engine (ICE) and drivetrain to an electric drivetrain and power source.
Modifications directly pertaining to the operation of the vehicle as an EV are permitted in this category. These may include (but are not limited to);
- Engine and drivetrain modifications
- Wheel rim and tyre modifications
- Internal structural modifications
Non-essential modifications are discouraged. These may include (but are not limited to);
- Non-period aesthetic modifications
- Non-period accessories that are not integral to the operation of the vehicle as an EV
Why are electric modified historic vehicles permitted to enter the Bay to Birdwood, but other modified vehicles are not?
The Bay to Birdwood has always welcomed vehicles modified to run on alternative fuel sources, including liquefied petroleum gases. This new category is a unique and standalone category with unique and standalone conditions of entry (see here). This new category does not impact ‘traditional’ Bay to Birdwood entry and competition categories or the wider terms and conditions of entry.
Electric modified historic vehicles are increasing in popularity and prevalence across the globe. Bespoke artisan re-manufacturers can be found throughout Europe, the United States, and Australia. As the world moves away from fossil fuels and towards alternative sources of renewable energy, more and more classic vehicles will need to be powered by resources other than petroleum-based fuels. History is not static; the Bay to Birdwood has always embraced innovation and evolution of Australian motoring culture, and the inclusion of this new category will seek to secure the sustainable enjoyment of this culture for generations into the future.
Judging
All vehicles entered in the EV Conversion Award will be judged at a separate pre-judging event in the morning of Saturday 19 October 2024 in the Courtyard Precinct of the Migration Museum, State Library of South Australia, and South Australian Museum. Please make sure you can attend the pre-judging event if you intend to enter the EV Conversion Award.
As an EV Conversion Award entrant, your vehicle must be presented in a suitable condition and comply with the Bay to Birdwood rules. Event regulations to the 2024 Bay to Birdwood will be updated closer entries opening.
Previous Winners
Any vehicle that wins an award will NOT be eligible to win or enter the award section for the next ten consecutive Bay to Birdwood events.
Previous winning vehicles are encouraged to enter the event and will be displayed with other previous award-winning vehicles. Please contact the Organisers if you are entering a Bay to Birdwood award-winning vehicle
