Old love, new drive
Electric mobility with passion: how Nils Iwahn gives classic cars a second life with e-drive solution.
A spark that became a passion
Even as a child, Nils Iwahn was fascinated by all things mechanical and electrical. Whether model railways, Lego Technic or his first tinkering with motors - it was clear early on that his path would lead him in a technical direction. "I had a huge Märklin railway and was completely fascinated by the idea of driving things electrically. Later came the point where I thought: Why not cars too?" says Nils. His technical curiosity drove him steadily forward. "I tinkered with everything that had an engine from an early age. I was always interested in understanding how things work and how they could possibly be improved."
The path to becoming an electrical expert
After his training as an electrician and further training as a service technician for wind turbines, the decisive moment came: combining his electrical knowledge with his passion for tinkering with cars was to be his future path. As part of his studies to become a "state-certified technician for electromobility", he built an e-trike with fellow students and converted a Citroën duck to electric drive. "We did everything ourselves - from the planning and wiring to customising the controls. It was a real game changer for me to see how the car worked in a completely different way afterwards."
From vision to own company
After several years as a project manager at a company specialising in electromobility solutions, Nils founded e-drive solution in 2019. His innovative approach: instead of converting vehicles himself, he supports others in realising their conversion projects. "I don't convert cars myself, but provide the components, the expertise and the right contacts," explains Nils. "Many of my customers are classic car fans or simply have an emotional attachment to their car. They love the idea that they can continue to use their vehicle, only with a modern drive system."
Customised solutions for every need
The range of projects is impressive: from classic vintage cars to specialised vehicles. "Most of my customers mainly need their cars for shorter journeys," explains Nils. "You don't necessarily have to equip the vehicle for long distances - it saves costs and makes more technical sense." The cost of a conversion varies depending on the vehicle and the desired performance. "A basic system for smaller vehicles such as a Fiat 500 or Mini Classic starts at around €10,000," explains Nils. "For larger vehicles or more power, it can be twice as much." Although this is a considerable investment, it pays off for many customers: the maintenance costs are significantly lower than for a combustion engine, and the operating costs with electricity are far lower than for petrol or diesel. "But ultimately, classic cars are never about pure profitability anyway," smiles Nils. "If someone wants to continue using their beloved vehicle, the costs often play a subordinate role. It's like any hobby." He is particularly proud of the diversity of his clientele: "My youngest customer is 16 years old and is converting an old tractor, and I have a customer who is 85 years old and is assembling a bucket lorry in Mallorca." This diversity is also reflected in the projects: from VW Bullis and Porsche classics to historic fire engines - every project has its own story.
Innovative solutions for the industry
While private conversion projects form the core of his work, it is above all the industrial applications that demonstrate the versatility of his solutions. Specialised projects for the automotive industry are a particularly exciting field of activity. "I supply drive systems for concept vehicles that are presented at major motor shows," reveals Nils. "The manufacturers buy our plug-and-play systems because it's more efficient for them than developing their own solutions." But his solutions are also in demand in other areas: he developed electric trolleys that travel in water pipe tunnels for Wiener Stadtwerke. "You can't start a diesel locomotive in a tunnel," he explains. "You need electric drives." Another example is a remote-controlled robotic mower for extreme inclines: "It climbs slopes with a 50-degree gradient - completely electrically and environmentally friendly. That would hardly be possible with a combustion engine."
Service as the centrepiece
What particularly characterises e-drive solution is the personal service. "Some customers call daily, others monthly - everyone gets the same attention," emphasises Nils. "Support doesn't cost me anything extra. I want customers to call if they have any questions before something goes wrong." This approach pays off: From the initial consultation to the provision of components and final acceptance, Nils accompanies every step of the conversion. The BMS (Battery Management System) and other technical components are harmonised in such a way that even technical laymen can manage the conversion.
Challenges and solutions
Initial concerns about the electrification of classic vehicles can be quickly dispelled. "Many people are worried about the high-voltage system," explains Nils. "But if you look at our system - it's really simple. We even supply vocational schools that realise conversion projects with students. You should always have respect for electricity, but fear is not appropriate."
Another common argument is that the charm and driving experience would be lost. "I often hear that, but my customers are delighted with how smooth and powerful their vehicle drives after the conversion." TÜV approval, which many initially see as a major hurdle, also proves to be an easily solvable issue. "I personally accompany my customers to the inspection and submit all the necessary documents," explains Nils. "The customers only pay the TÜV fees - my support is free of charge." A service that has proven its worth: Customers come to Hamburg from all over Germany, Austria and Switzerland to have their converted vehicles approved here.
Looking to the future
Nils sees both opportunities and challenges in future developments. "In France, there are already subsidies for conversions. If this environmental bonus were also available here, even if it were only 5,000 euros, people would be in my face." He is also concerned about the possible development of the H licence plate: "If at some point H-plate vehicles are no longer allowed to drive in low emission zones, the demand for electric conversions will probably increase." A solution will then already be available - converted vehicles can receive an e-licence plate and thus enjoy all the benefits of electric vehicles. His goal for the future? "I would like to drive forward the standardisation of popular conversion models," explains Nils. "If we can make it possible for any skilled car owner to convert their vehicle with a plug-and-play kit, then we will have taken a huge step forward."
Sustainability as motivation
What motivates him to continue? "I hope that I can make my contribution to the community," says Nils. "It's not just about producing new cars all the time, but also about keeping existing vehicles that caused a lot ofCO2 in production decades ago alive." He is not just concerned with the technical transformation: "People often don't even realise that something like this is possible. Many say: 'Oh, that's possible too? I thought I had to buy a new car now' Raising awareness and demonstrating a sustainable alternative is what motivates me every day."
Experience electromobility for yourself
Even though e-drive solution is now a flourishing company, Nils remains a one-man operation. "I do this because I'm passionate about it. It's important to me to be in direct contact with my customers and see how their projects become reality." He says this with a smile, reminiscent of the little boy who once enthusiastically tinkered with his model railway. "Basically, I'm just as fascinated today as I was back then - except that the model railway has become real cars."
More information can be found on the e-drive solution website: www.e-drive-solution.de
Cover picture: Nils Iwahn
Since his editorial traineeship in Hamburg, Jan Strahl has worked as a journalist, editor or author for almost every large and small publishing house in the city. He writes for consumer media and corporate publishing publications on art, fashion, lifestyle and knowledge topics.
