Lunaz reimagines the Bentley S2 Continental as an upcycled EV true to its classic design
EV conversion specialist Lunaz Design has debuted an all-electric version of a 1961 Bentley S2 Continental – one of the rarest classic luxury cars on the planet. The company explains that only four examples of this particular car were built, and having the Bentley upcycled as an EV truly makes it one of a kind without compromising its classic design, both inside and out. Have a look.
Lunaz Design is an electric conversion specialist founded in 2018 and headquartered in Silverstone, England. That’s where the company engineers and manufactures its own proprietary electric powertrain technology purposefully designed with the modularity in mind to be implemented across a wide range of classic cars – upcycling them for an all-electric second life.
Its current lineup of electric conversions includes the Aston Martin DB6, Jaguar XK, and an all-electric Rolls-Royce Phantom. These conversions begin with a full restoration from the ground up, reconfiguring each combustion vehicle’s chassis to support electrification while still maintaining ideal weight distribution and suspension.
Inside each converted EV, Lunaz’s in-house design team upcycles and restores the vehicle’s textiles and trim while integrating modern-day conveniences like satellite telecommunications, Wi-Fi, infotainment, and navigation.
In 2021, Lunaz announced it would be adding electric versions of classic Range Rovers and began taking orders. Demand was immediately so tremendous that commissions of said conversions now make up 45% of the company’s production schedule.
Today, Lunaz Design is showcasing another EV conversion of a British classic with a truly one of a kind Bentley S2 Continental, converted for one very lucky customer.
Lunaz’s Bentley EV makes an ultrarare car more unique
Lunaz Design revealed the EV conversion of the Bentley S2 Continental today as a one-off build for a specific customer who managed to acquire the two-door saloon. According to the company, only four units of this 1961 sedan were ever produced.
In its original form, the vehicle was powered by the L Series V8 engine from Bentley and Rolls-Royce, which helped newer technologies function at the time, like power steering and air conditioning. Now, Lunaz Design has taken this ultrarare Bentley S2 Continental and converted it to an EV in the UK. Company founder, David Lorenz, spoke to the design process of such a unique build:
This magnificent Bentley S2 Continental was already an exceptional motor car, as one of just a few examples of its type that remain in the world. In its new guise, it’s the rarest vehicle ever to be converted to fully electric propulsion, and the most exclusive project we’ve ever undertaken at Lunaz Design: it’s literally one of a kind. This car is also a further demonstration of our proven upcycling process and technologies, developed entirely in-house at our Silverstone facility, which are fast becoming the de facto gold standard for electrification projects involving the world’s most prestigious marques.
Like all of Lunaz’s EV conversions, the Bentley was stripped down to bare metal and returned to like-new condition. Anything that cannot be restored and reused is recycled. Lunaz also carefully removed the vehicle’s internal combustion engine and associated systems, replacing them with its own fully electric powertrain.
The result is a shiny new Bentley S2 Continental EV equipped with a 400 bhp powertrain that delivers 530 lb-ft of torque and accelerates 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 6.9 seconds. Inside, the Bentley was restored to maintain its luxurious design but with a much higher percentage of sustainable materials, such as carpets made from 100% regenerated nylon and backing made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
While this particular model will by no means be an EV conversion sold regularly by Lunaz, the custom Bentley S2 Continental shows further evidence than nearly any vehicle can successfully be reborn electric while maintaining its classic design – no matter how old it is.
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Kia officially opened its first production hub dedicated to building electric vans. Once fully operational, Kia’s Hwaseong EVO Plant will be about the size of 42 soccer fields.
Kia opens new production hub for PBV electric vans
The dedicated production facility was first announced in 2022 as part of Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business strategy.
Kia’s PBV plant is a cornerstone of its plans to become a leader in the light commercial electric van market by 2030.
On Friday, Kia took a big step by opening the first phase of its production hub. Kia announced on November 14 that it has now officially completed the Hwaseong EVO Plant East portion and broke ground on the EVO Plant West site.
A completion ceremony was held at Kia’s Autoland Hwaseong plant, attended by around 200 guests, including South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and Hyundai Motor Executive Chairman Euisun Chung.
The new EVO Plant East is a 98,433 square-meter site with an annual production capacity of 100,000 units. Kia will build the PV5, its first electric van, including the Passenger, Cargo, Chassis Cab, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) models.
The EVO Plant West spans 136,671 square meters and will add 150,000 units of Kia’s upcoming larger PBV vans, including the PV7.
Kia also operates a dedicated PBV conversion center, where it builds custom models based on the PV5, including open-bed trucks, camper vans, and box vehicles.
Combined, the entire PBV Production hub will have an annual capacity of 250,000 units, spanning over 303,750 square meters, or about the size of 42 soccer fields.
Kia is already delivering the PV5 Passenger and Cargo variants in South Korea and Europe, with plans to continue rolling it out to new markets over the next few months.
Last month, the PV5 Cargo set a new Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload.
In Europe, the PV5 Passenger is available with two battery packs: 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh, delivering WLTP ranges of 183 miles and 256 miles, respectively. The Cargo variant has the same battery pack options, but is rated with WLTP ranges of 184 miles and 258 miles.
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Black Friday and Cyber Monday just got a whole lot more electrifying, thanks to isinwheel. The urban mobility brand known for its powerful electric bikes, electric scooters, and electric skateboards is kicking off its biggest sale of the year from November 14 through December 1. True to its motto – Move Smart, Move Fun – isinwheel blends intelligent tech with pure riding joy, and now you can snag your dream ride for a whole lot less.
During the BFCM event, in addition to generous markdowns, shoppers can stack savings like never before: get an extra 10% off when you buy two items, plus up to $100 in additional discounts on bigger orders ($30 off $500, $50 off $1,000, and $100 off $1,500). Members will earn 5X points that can be redeemed for accessories, and Electrek readers get something special: use promo code electrek50 for an exclusive $50 off any isinwheel product.
Time to ride smarter, faster, and more fun this holiday season – check out the deals below.
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Save on the isinwheel S Nova Pro Commuting Electric Scooter this Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Meet the S Nova Pro Commuting Electric Scooter – built for city riders who want it all: power, comfort, and style. It’s made for commuters who crave more speed and range than your average scooter but don’t want the bulk of an off-road beast.
With 1,000W max power, a top speed of 28 mph, and up to 38 miles of range, the S Nova Pro keeps you flying through the streets with ease. Its 10-inch pneumatic tires smooth out bumps and cracks, giving you steady, comfortable rides from start to finish.
The S Nova Pro Commuting Electric Scooter is now $419.99 (marked down from $599.99), when you use promo code electrek50.
isinwheel H7Pro 1200W High-End Commuting Electric Scooter with Seat
The H7Pro 1200W High-End Commuting Electric Scooter with Seat is designed for riders seeking a premium blend of power, comfort, and versatility. Designed for daily and urban commuting, the H7Pro delivers a convenient, smooth, and safe ride whether you’re zipping through city streets or cruising along park paths.
Powered by a robust 1,200W motor and a 48V 18.2Ah battery, the H7Pro electric bike scooter can hit speeds of up to 38 mph and travel as far as 43 miles on a single charge. That blend of performance and range makes it an ideal pick for speedy runs and long-distance rides.
Its 16-by-4-inch all-terrain pneumatic tires handle almost anything you throw at them – from city pavement to gravel, sand, or even snow – giving you excellent traction and stability across all conditions.
For even more control, the isinwheel Club app lets riders fine-tune their experience. You can switch between speed modes, adjust ambient lighting, monitor battery life, lock your scooter, and access navigation, all from your phone.
Combined with the exclusive electrek50 promo code, isinwheel’s H7Pro 1200W High-end Commuting Electric Scooter with Seat is now $749.99 (marked down from $1099.99) for Black Friday.
isinwheel GT4 2400W Dual Motor Off-Road Electric Scooter
The GT4 2400W Dual Motor Off-Road Electric Scooter is designed for riders seeking serious off-road power and control. With dual 2400W motors and eight riding modes, it hits a top speed of 45 mph and can tackle steep 50% grades without breaking a sweat. Its 12-by-2.75-inch all-terrain tires and dual swingarm suspension deliver a smooth, stable ride whether you’re carving up dirt trails or gliding over rough pavement. The rugged, all-aluminum unibody frame supports up to 330 pounds, and the bright LED lighting system, combined with hydraulic disc brakes, keeps you safe and visible, no matter where or when you ride.
Range anxiety? Not here. The GT4’s upgraded 52V 18.2Ah lithium battery offers up to 50 miles of range on a single charge, making it ready for both long off-road runs and extended city commutes.
You can also take full control of your ride from your phone with the isinwheel Club app. Customize speed modes, monitor your battery health, track your rides in real-time, and even tweak your lighting effects.
For Black Friday and Cyber Monday The isinwheel GT4 2400W Dual Motor Off-Road Electric Scooter is now $949.99 (marked down from $1499.99), as long as you use promo code electrek50!
Black Friday deals on isinwheel’s U8 Electric Bike for Adults
The U8 Electric Bike for Adults packs serious power into a compact frame designed for city riders who don’t want to compromise on performance. Its 1000W max motor makes it a Class 3 e-bike that tops out at 28 mph, giving you the muscle to cruise through long commutes or conquer steep hills with ease. With up to 75 miles of range on a single charge, this cruiser bicycle is built to go the distance, whether you’re commuting, exploring, or just out for fun.
The U8 combines comfort and capability with its 20-by-3-inch fat tires, which grip the road or trail with confidence, and a smooth-shifting professional Shimano 7-speed drivetrain that makes every ride feel effortless. (It’s also available as a 26-inch bike.) The step-thru frame design makes getting on and off simple and convenient – perfect for urban riders on the go.
Its fully removable lithium battery can be charged on or off the bike, so you can top up anywhere and keep it secure when parked. The isinwheel U8 brings together power, comfort, and versatility for an all-around electric bike that’s ready for anything your day throws at it.
The U8 Electric Bike for Adults is now $559.99 (marked down from $799.99) when combining isinwheel’s Black Friday discount and promo code electrek50.
isinwheel V10 Off Road Electric Skateboard with Ambient Light & Remote Control
The V10 Off-Road Electric Skateboard with Ambient Light & Remote Control takes electric skateboarding to the next level. With dual 1500W belt motors (that’s 3000W total), this off-road longboard can hit speeds up to 32 mph and cover up to 28 miles on a single charge. Whether you’re chasing thrills or want a speedy commute, the V10 delivers both speed and stability thanks to its powerful setup and solid build.
Four ride modes let you fine-tune your speed and acceleration, from casual cruising to full-throttle adrenaline. The high-capacity lithium-ion battery keeps the adventure going, letting you carve across city streets or rugged trails without worrying about running out of juice.
The V10’s deck combines bamboo and 8-ply maple with a layer of fiberglass for the perfect balance of strength and flexibility. Its 6-inch honeycomb rubber off-road wheels are built to handle all kinds of terrain –from gravel and grass to dirt and pavement – while staying smooth and responsive.
An ergonomic handheld remote puts control right at your fingertips, displaying real-time metrics like speed, battery life, and mode. For nighttime rides, built-in LED lights boost visibility and style. You can even customize the ambient lighting with effects that range from pulsing strobes to flowing color fades, because every ride should look as good as it feels.
Remember to use promo code electrek50 for an exclusive $50 off any isinwheel product!
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Hyundai and Kia scored a win on Friday after the South Korean government pledged to boost EV subsidies by 20%.
Hyundai and Kia get a lift with government EV support
Hyundai Motor, including Kia and Genesis, is going all-in on the US market, pledging to ramp up local production and introduce a range of new electrified vehicles.
Like many others, the new 25% tariffs for exports to the US have already taken a toll on the South Korean auto giant. Hyundai said it took about 1.8 trillion won ($1.2 billion) in tariffs-related losses in the third quarter. Kia reported a 1.2 trillion won ($830 million) hit.
To help it overcome the extra costs, the South Korean government said it will increase EV subsidies by 20% next year.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday (via Reuters) plans to raise EV subsidies by 20%, from 780 billion won ($540 million) this year to 936 billion won ($645 million) in 2026.
South Korea also committed over 15 trillion won ($10.3 billion) in financial support for domestic auto parts and car makers in 2026, including low-interest-rate loans and guarantees.
The government is ramping up investments in next-generation vehicles, aiming to produce fully autonomous cars domestically by 2028. South Korea is dedicating an extra 50 billion won, on top of the 150 trillion won in funding, to advance the new tech. It’s also looking to incentivize automakers to reach specific targets, such as five-minute fast charging, a 1,500 km (932 miles) driving range, and prices on par with gas vehicles by 2030.
Separately, the US and South Korea agreed to lower tariffs on imported goods, including vehicles from 25% to 15%. The lower rate puts South Korean automakers like Hyundai and Kia on par with Japanese brands. Japan reached a similar deal with the US in September.
Despite the tariffs, Hyundai and Kia both set new third-quarter sales records in the US. Combined, they sold over 480,000 vehicles, an increase of 12% compared to Q3 2024.
To offset the loss of the $7,500 federal tax credit, Hyundai and Kia are offering some of the most significant discounts on EVs in the US.
Earlier this month, Kia introduced a new $10,000 customer cash discount across its entire lineup. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 remains one of the most affordable EVs in the US, with leases starting as low as $189 per month.
Interested in a test drive? We can help you get started. Check out our links below to find Hyundai and Kia EVs near you.
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