UK-based conversion specialist Electrogenic has electrified five of Hollywood star Jason Momoa’s cherished machines, including two rare Land Rovers and three vintage Harley-Davidsons dating back to the 1920s, according to TechRadar. The project was undertaken for a new series of HBO's On the Roam, and Electrogenic has developed plug-and-play conversion kits that allow owners of similar classic vehicles to replicate the upgrades.
The Conversion Project
Momoa previously had his 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II converted by Electrogenic in 2024. The latest effort was even more ambitious, involving two Land Rovers and three Harley-Davidsons. Steve Drummond, CEO of Electrogenic, explained the technical challenge: “The technical challenge with the Land Rovers was to introduce electric power while retaining the original four-wheel-drive transmission, which is what gives these iconic vehicles their unrivaled off-road capabilities.”
Technical Details
Momoa’s 1949 Land Rover Series I 80 conversion uses a compact 48kWh battery pack housed in a bespoke enclosure designed to match the vehicle’s aged patina. The battery pack fits into the original engine bay, replacing the old 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine. Power comes from a 150kW electric motor, with torque deliberately dialed back to retain the lightweight vehicle’s driving characteristics. The original all-wheel-drive transmission and low-range functionality (with mechanical levers) remain intact. The conversion also adds CCS rapid charging capability and delivers a real-world range of more than 150 miles—all without cutting, drilling, or permanently altering the original vehicle.
For the Harley-Davidsons, Electrogenic used rear hub motors from Maeving motorcycles and batteries tucked into discreet, purpose-built panniers. The motorcycles can run on electricity alone, petrol power, or a hybrid mix of both. They also now feature electric start, eliminating the need for kick-starting.
Conversion Kits and Pricing
Electrogenic offers drop-in conversion kits for several classic vehicles. The table below summarizes pricing for key models:
| Vehicle Model | Conversion Kit Price (USD) | Price (GBP) | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Mini | $20,000 | £15,000 | AU$28,000 |
| Land Rover Defender | $32,000 | £24,000 | AU$45,000 |
| Harley-Davidson (FD/JD kit) | $19,500 | £14,500 | — |
These kits allow owners of vintage vehicles to discreetly convert to electric power without the massive overheads of initial R&D, according to Electrogenic.
Reactions from Momoa
Momoa called the electrified Harley-Davidsons “the best thing we’ve ever made.” He added, “I’ve ridden on an e-bike before, I’ve ridden on e-bicycles, I’ve ridden on e-motorcycles, but the idea of riding on an old (electrified) bike, it was just unlike anything I’ve experienced.” He highlighted the versatility of being able to switch between electric and petrol power.
Implications for Manufacturing
For manufacturing executives and OEM sourcing teams, the availability of aftermarket conversion kits represents a growing niche in automotive electrification. Electrogenic’s approach—developing plug-and-play kits that preserve original drivetrains and vehicle patina—could open new revenue streams for suppliers of battery packs, electric motors, and charging components. The company’s ability to re-engineer 100-year-old vehicles while maintaining classic aesthetics demonstrates a manufacturing process that could be adapted for other vintage platforms, potentially expanding the addressable market for retrofit electrification.
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