Jaunt Motors, Zero EV merge to become Fellten

MELBOURNE-BASED Jaunt Motors and British firm Zero EV have merged to form Fellten, an EV conversion firm specialising in the conversion of traditional petrol- and diesel-powered cars into electric vehicles.

Fellten, from the Welsh word for lightning, made the announcement at the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas this week, has a presence across three continents and says it is upscaling “to meet exponential global demand”, establishing a facility in North America to join its Australian and British operating bases.

The firm, which offers bolt-in EV systems for a range of classic cars, says its designers and engineers have produced an OEM-level of performance and reliability that enables models of any era to be a “daily driver” and not just an enthusiast’s car.

Fellten chief design officer Dave Budge said the firm’s vehicles are re-fitted to improve safety, handling, comfort, usability, performance and sustainability, without sacrificing the classic style of the car.

“Every vehicle on the road will need to be electric by 2050 for us to achieve net zero emissions and classic car owners will want their vehicle to be electric much sooner,” he said.

“With production facilities on three continents, industry-leading technology, and development capabilities, Fellten is ready to meet those needs for consumers and the automotive industry.

“With the support of the global Fellten engineering team, proprietary EV technology and strategic partnerships with leading manufacturers, Fellten provides specialist and luxury vehicle customers with complete electrification support, from design to technology development to delivery.”

Fellten has engineered systems for a variety of classic brands and models, including Porsche 911s, Morris Minis, and Land Rover Series and Defender models. All meet stringent ISO quality compliance standards.

Vehicles can be delivered compliant to regulations in regions including Asia-Pacific, most of Europe, North America, and the UK.

The company’s board now comprises Chris Hazell as chief executive officer, Alex Dawood as chief technology officer, Marteen Burger as chief operating officer, Dave Budge as chief design officer and Mark Poole as chief financial officer.

Fellten CEO Chris Hazell said the firm is also working to provide training programs for staff working with electric vehicles, carrying out system installations, and providing EV maintenance.

“We are delighted to launch Fellten – it is the culmination of years of work from two teams working on other sides of the world, coming together with the shared ambition in shaping the future of electric vehicles,” he said.

“The merging of our two companies into the singular Fellten will provide classic vehicle customers with any level of electrification support, and provide automotive experts, mechanics and electric vehicle converters with the technology, tools and training to be part of the growing global demand for electrification.”

Mr Hazell said Fellten is planning to launch its North American facility early in 2023, while expanding systems production and training in the UK and Australia.

More details will be announced in the coming months.