The Battery Vehicle Society has always been driven by its members—tinkerers, visionaries, engineers and hobbyists—who take theory off the page and bring electric dreams to life in workshops, garages and even garden sheds across the UK. This page is dedicated to celebrating that spirit of innovation through a selection of real-world projects. Whether it’s converting a classic car, building a solar-charged runabout, or restoring a vintage milk float, these projects show what can be achieved with determination, curiosity and community support.
1. A Classic Mini, Reborn
Builder: George Wilkins, Kent
George’s 1982 Mini was a rusted shell when he found it, but it had charm and character. Over three years, he transformed it into a fully electric city car, powered by a 72V AC motor and repurposed Nissan Leaf cells.
“I wanted to prove that EVs don’t need to be soulless or futuristic. The Mini still drives like a Mini—it’s just quieter and doesn’t smell of petrol,” George says.
The project involved a custom battery enclosure under the rear seat and a reworked dashboard with analogue-style gauges reading voltage and current. It’s now his daily driver.
2. The Solar Commuter
Builder: Anika James, Bristol
During lockdown, Anika, a product design student, decided to build a fully solar-charged electric bicycle using second-hand solar panels and reclaimed 18650 cells.
“Everything apart from the motor controller was recycled,” she explains. “The panels sit on a frame in my back garden and trickle charge the battery all week.”
The bike has a top speed of 20 mph and a range of about 25 miles. Anika presented the project at a BVS regional meet-up, where it sparked discussions about energy autonomy and low-impact transport.
3. Land Rover Defender EV Conversion
Builder: Mark and Elaine Sutton, Northumberland
Living in a rural area, Mark and Elaine needed a rugged vehicle but were determined to reduce their carbon footprint. They converted their 1996 Land Rover Defender to electric, using a NetGain Hyper9 motor and Tesla Model S battery modules.
“It was no small feat,” Mark admits. “The Defender weighs over two tonnes, and we had to rethink the weight distribution, especially with the battery placement.”
Now road legal and fully IVA certified, the vehicle has a range of over 120 miles and handles muddy tracks and hills with ease. It’s regularly used for local deliveries and BVS demonstration days.
4. The Electric Narrowboat Project
Builder: Kevin Holloway, Manchester
Kevin, a lifelong canal enthusiast, took on the ambitious task of converting a 52-foot narrowboat from diesel to electric.
Using two forklift motors and a 48V lead-acid battery bank, Kevin created a quiet, clean propulsion system that’s ideal for canal cruising. Solar panels mounted on the roof top up the charge during long summer days.
“The silence is the best part,” he says. “No engine noise, just birds and water. Plus, we’re not breathing in our own exhaust anymore.”
The boat has been featured in several local green boating events, thanks to Kevin’s involvement with the BVS.
5. School EV STEM Kit
Builder: Sue Patel, Derby
As a secondary school science teacher, Sue wanted to bring electric vehicle education into the classroom. With guidance from BVS members, she designed a build-it-yourself EV kit that students could assemble and drive around the playground.
“The kit includes a 24V motor, throttle, speed controller and a simple BMS,” Sue explains. “It’s safe, fun, and gets students thinking about engineering, energy and sustainability.”
Her project has been picked up by three other schools in the region, and she’s now working on a solar-powered version.
What All These Projects Share
These projects span a range of budgets, backgrounds and goals—but they all exemplify the core values of the Battery Vehicle Society:
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Ingenuity – Whether starting from a classic chassis or a scrap heap, BVS members find clever ways to solve real-world problems.
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Sustainability – Projects often reuse, repurpose or upcycle components to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
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Education – Every project is an opportunity to learn, and many members take pride in sharing their experiences to help others.
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Community – No one works in isolation. Whether it’s advice from the forum, spare parts from a fellow member, or testing help at a local meet-up, the BVS spirit of collaboration is ever-present.
Want to Start Your Own Project?
If you’re inspired by what you see here, you’re in good company. Starting an EV project doesn’t require a huge workshop or a degree in engineering—just enthusiasm and the right support.
As a member of the BVS, you can access:
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Step-by-step guides for common conversion projects
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Forums with decades of archived questions and advice
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Technical webinars and in-person workshops
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Discounted access to parts suppliers and group buys
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The chance to feature your project in our magazine or online
Submit Your Project
Have you built something you’re proud of? We’d love to showcase it! Whether it’s your first attempt or a years-long labour of love, your project could inspire the next generation of EV builders.
Email us at projects@batteryvehiclesociety.org.uk with a few photos and a short write-up, and we’ll be in touch.
From back gardens to boatyards, the Battery Vehicle Society is powered by projects—and the people behind them. Let’s keep building.