A classic Rolls-Royce with an electric motor? It might sound unusual, but for a car built on silence and effortless luxury, it actually makes a lot of sense. That’s the idea behind Halcyon, a new brand dedicated to turning vintage Rolls-Royces into EVs. The first to get the treatment is a 1978 Rolls-Royce Corniche. It keeps its timeless looks but swaps the old gas-guzzling engine for a 400bhp electric motor and an 800-volt power system. Only 60 will be made, each built to order. The price starts at £395,000—before taxes and without the donor car. That puts it in the same price range as a brand-new Phantom straight from Rolls-Royce. Why electrify a classic Rolls? These cars were always about floating over the road in near silence. Unlike other vintage models, they don’t rely on the roar of an engine for their identity. With modern batteries tucked away under the hood, they still glide just as smoothly—only now, without a drop of fuel. It’s not the first time an old Rolls has been treated EV. A 1929 Phantom II, converted by Electrogenic for Jason Momoa, showed how well these cars take to electric power. Read More McLaren Adapts Fighter Jet Technology to Reinvent Carbon Fiber in Supercars Rebuilding a Rolls-Royce for Electric Age Turning this vintage Rolls-Royce into an EV takes a full year to complete. More than 1,000 hours go into restoring the bodywork alone. Every panel is realigned, the chassis stripped to bare metal, and those signature chrome bumpers are shaped by hand. The Corniche in Halcyon’s preview is reborn. Painted in a deep, custom shade of purple, it keeps its classic silhouette with razor-sharp shutlines. Even the headlights are getting a bespoke redesign. “The original exterior was so close to perfect that we took a ‘less is more’ approach and made only subtle refinements,” says Halcyon COO Charlie Metcalfe. Inside, there’s an infotainment screen that disappears when not in use, a high-end audio system, and proper climate control. The seats are electrically adjustable, heated, and ventilated. The dashboard can house custom art pieces, turning the cabin into a rolling gallery. “The real opportunity lay inside, where we integrated the very best technologies with a design language inspired by the best of British automotive heritage to create an interior that does justice to the exterior’s timeless elegance. We can’t wait to reveal the full interior design later this year,” Charlie added. What Electric Corniche Can Do Buyers can choose between two battery options: a 77kWh pack with 200 miles of range or a 94kWh upgrade that pushes it beyond 250 miles. The 800V system means charging is fast, so there’s less waiting around and more time on the road. The old 6.75-litre V8 is replaced by a rear-mounted electric motor delivering between 400 and 500bhp, depending on spec. Read More 2026 Escalade IQL Debuts as Cadillac’s Largest All-Electric SUV Of course, power means nothing without control. That’s why Halcyon has upgraded the brakes and added an adaptive suspension system that adjusts to road conditions. It also comes with three drive modes: Drive, Spirited, and Touring. And if a hand-built electric Rolls-Royce isn’t exclusive enough, Halcyon offers a bespoke options programme for full customization. Only 60 will be built, and reservations are already being taken. Source: Halcyon Cars | Instagram
