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Two companies converting traditional petrol and diesel cars into electric vehicles - Bristol-based Zero EV and Melbourne’s Jaunt Motors - have merged to form Fellten, creating a global EV powerhouse in the process.
Fellten, which means ‘lightning’ in Welsh, will have a presence across three continents and claims it will be the ‘world’s leading’ electric conversion systems manufacturer.
The merged company is scaling up to meet global demand, and will establish a presence in North America post-merger.
Co-founded by CEO Dave Budge and COO Marteen Burger in 2018, Jaunt Motors focuses on the ‘up-cycling’ of classic Land Rovers from 1958 to 2015 into electric vehicles - giving many of these cars second, green lives.
In addition to replacing the petrol-powered engine, Jaunt also makes the cars safer to drive by adding in power steering, auto-cancelling indicators, and even heating.
Meanwhile, Zero EV is a distributor of high-quality EV components for use in conversions of classic cars including Porsche 911s, Mini Coopers and Defenders.
Fellten says the merger will give the new company an international supply chain that allows automotive workshops and vehicle restorers across Australia, North America and Europe to install electric conversion systems.
The company hopes that by driving the conversion revolution forward, many cars that are tucked away in garages can become ‘daily drivers’ - not just trophies for enthusiasts. Beyond re-fitting cars with batteries, Fellten-powered vehicles are designed with safety, handling, comfort, usability, performance and sustainability in mind.
Alongside the technology, Fellten has developed approved training programs to up-skill mechanics in working with electric vehicles, systems installation and maintenance.
“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,” Jaunt Motors co-founder CEO, now Fellten chief design officer, Dave Budge 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.”
Zero EV co-founder and CEO, now CEO of Fellten Chris Hazell said the merger of the two autotechs will allow the company to establish a global presence and build new partnerships with international motoring partners.
“We are delighted to launch Fellten – it’s 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,” Hazell 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 a part of the growing global demand for electrification.”
Under the restructure, the global leadership team of Fellten will be comprised of:
- Chris Hazell - CEO
- Alex Dawood - CTO
- Marteen Burger - COO
- Dave Budge - CDO
- Mark Poole - CFO
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