Jason Momoa’s Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom II Conversion
Rolls-Royce is perhaps the one brand in the world for which electrification makes perfect sense. Right from the very beginning, exacting engineer Henry Royce prided himself on creating cars that were smoother and quieter than anything else on the road. Today’s Rolls-Royce Spectre, which is wafted along by two electric motors producing a total of 584 hp, is a silkily silent Rolls of which Mr. Royce would rightly approve.
Against that background, the decision by Aquaman, Dune, and Fast X star Jason Momoa to replace the 7.7-liter straight-six engine in his 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II with an electric motor is less an act of automotive heresy than it might seem. Indeed, it could be argued the stately 95-year-old Phantom, which features original coachwork by HJ Mulliner & Co, has been given a new lease of life that is absolutely on-brand and will allow it to be regularly driven well into its second century.
A Bespoke Conversion for a Stately Subject
The conversion has been done by British firm Electrogenic, known for its impressive electric-powered conversions of classic cars. Electrogenic specializes in EV conversions that do not interfere with the original vehicle’s structure, therefore allowing the cars to retain their value and be reconverted back to ICE power if needed. Their past projects, like the electric Jaguar E-Type, demonstrate their expertise in this realm.
Moreover, Electrogenic designs bespoke conversions for almost any classic vehicle. With past bespoke projects such as a Citroën DS conversion, which retained the car’s original hydro-pneumatic suspension, Electrogenic was the ideal partner for the Phantom II project.
“I had to find the right partner,” Momoa stated. “I needed a team that would appreciate the history of this car while updating its technology, and Electrogenic honors vintage cars, making them electric without losing any vehicle character.”
Six Out
Electrogenic has replaced the Phantom II’s massive straight-six engine, which produced less than 50 hp, with a single 201 hp e-motor located where the original transmission was situated. The e-motor drives the rear wheels via a fixed reduction gear that increases its 229 lb-ft torque output to 738 lb-ft at the prop shaft. A 95-kWh battery pack developed by Electrogenic is mounted between the original frame rails under the elegantly crafted cowl.
The new powertrain is managed by a cutting-edge electrical architecture and software developed at Electrogenic. Three different drive modes are available—Drive, Eco, and Sport—and the regenerative braking system can be adjusted to enhance performance, particularly on long descents. Electrogenic claims a range of about 150 miles under normal driving conditions.
What Has Been Preserved
Jason Momoa’s Phantom II is not merely an electric-powered restomod—instead, it maintains a blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality. Electrogenic has preserved the original mechanical lubrication system designed to maintain the car’s many moving components, ensuring it drives smoothly and quietly.
Moreover, the original braking system has been refined to integrate seamlessly with the now electric architecture. While maintaining the original ratios, Electrogenic repositioned the cable linkages and installed a hydraulic booster to enhance braking performance and efficiency, while maximizing range.
Inside the elegant cabin, Electrogenic engineers have worked meticulously to retain the Phantom’s vintage character while incorporating advanced features. The fuel gauge has been transformed into an LED state-of-charge gauge, and the traditional display has been updated to show energy flow from the e-motor. Additionally, a high-end multi-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity has been discreetly installed, blending modern comfort with classic luxury.
Consequently, Jason Momoa’s Phantom II drives like an enhanced version of its original self. Electrogenic director Steve Drummond states, “It’s a Phantom that performs as Rolls-Royce’s engineers of a century ago would have wanted, had they possessed the technology available to us today.”
