The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, a luxury icon of the 1960s and 70s, has returned with a modern twist, this time as a fully electric vehicle. A company called Halcyon, a new division of Evice Technologies based in England, has taken on the ambitious task of transforming the legendary Silver Shadow into a 21st-century masterpiece.
Instead of the rumbling V8 engine that once sat under the hood, the Halcyon Silver Shadow now runs on a smooth, whisper-quiet electric powertrain. With 500 horsepower on tap, this modernized classic is designed to deliver the kind of effortless, silent ride that Henry Royce himself, the co-founder of Rolls-Royce, always dreamed of.
Why Electrify a Classic Rolls-Royce?
For many car enthusiasts, the idea of converting a vintage car into an EV feels controversial. After all, the growl of a Ferrari V12 or the roar of a Lamborghini V10 is part of their soul. But with the Silver Shadow, it’s different.
The original engine, known as the L410 V8, was reliable but not exactly the centerpiece of the car. It was designed simply to move the vehicle, not to define its character. What truly made the Silver Shadow special was its comfort, elegance, and the sensation of gliding silently along the road. In many ways, an electric powertrain is a perfect fit for that vision.






Matthew Pearson, CEO of Evice Technologies, explained it best: “The Silver Shadow was never about the engine. It was about the experience. We believe electrification finally gives the car what its designers would have chosen if they had today’s technology.” Check More Photo
The Halcyon Silver Shadow: Specs and Technology
Halcyon will produce just 60 of these hand-built, fully electric Silver Shadows, a number chosen to mark the 60th anniversary of the car’s launch.
Here’s what makes them special:
- Power: 500 horsepower from an 800-volt electric motor mounted at the rear axle.
- Range: Buyers can choose between a 250-mile or a 300-mile battery pack.
- Performance Modes: Drive, Spirited, and Touring, which adjust suspension and regenerative braking for different driving styles.
- Weight Balance: The EV system has been engineered to match the weight and distribution of the original car, keeping its smooth handling intact.
- Charging: Both AC and DC fast-charging options are supported.
Even the smallest details, such as thermal management for the batteries, have been carefully designed to keep the car running at peak performance in all conditions.
Bespoke Luxury at Its Finest
Each Halcyon Silver Shadow will take around 12 months to complete, with over 2,000 hours spent on restoring the body and reworking the interior.
Owners can expect:
- Modern Comforts: Heated and cooled front seats, cruise control, air conditioning, and even a reversing camera.
- Discreet Technology: A hidden infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, tucked under the dashboard when not in use.
- Classic Craftsmanship: Redesigned rear bumpers that stay true to the original look, while giving a more refined finish.
- Personalization: No two cars will be the same, with each owner choosing unique details.
The Silver Shadow Corniche Convertible and Coupe models are expected to make up the majority of orders, thanks to their timeless style. Prices start at around $570,000, not including the donor vehicle, taxes, and shipping.
Halcyon Silver Shadow vs. Rolls-Royce Spectre
The timing of this release makes the comparison almost inevitable. Rolls-Royce recently unveiled the Spectre, its first fully electric production car. On paper, the Spectre is more powerful, with 577 horsepower and dual-motor all-wheel drive. However, the Halcyon Silver Shadow has an advantage: weight.
At just under 4,900 pounds, the Halcyon is far lighter than the 6,441-pound Spectre. That means it actually has a better weight-to-power ratio, which could make it feel quicker and more agile on the road.
While the Spectre represents the official future of Rolls-Royce, the Halcyon Silver Shadow is a tribute to the brand’s heritage, showing what classic luxury cars can become when paired with modern electric technology.
A Classic Reimagined for the Next Century
Henry Royce once said, “Accept nothing nearly right or good enough. Take the best that exists and make it better. Strive for perfection.”
The Halcyon Silver Shadow seems to embody that philosophy. It combines old-world charm with cutting-edge EV technology, offering a driving experience that feels both nostalgic and futuristic.
For collectors and enthusiasts, this is more than just a car, it’s a statement that classic luxury doesn’t need to stay stuck in the past. Instead, it can evolve gracefully into the electric age.
FAQs
How much does it cost to convert a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow to electric?
The price for the new electric Silver Shadow starts around $570,000. This does not include the cost of buying the original donor car, shipping, or taxes. Because each car is built by hand and fully customized, the final price can be much higher depending on the options you choose.
What is the range of the electric Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow?
You can choose between two battery options. One offers about 250 miles of range, while the larger pack can take you around 300 miles on a single charge. The range may vary depending on how you drive and the conditions.
Is the electric Silver Shadow faster than the Rolls-Royce Spectre?
On paper, the new Spectre has more horsepower (577 hp vs. 500 hp). However, the electric Silver Shadow is lighter, which gives it a better weight-to-power ratio. This means it may feel quicker and more agile, even if it isn’t as powerful overall.
How long does it take to build an electric Silver Shadow?
Each car takes about 12 months to complete. Over 2,000 hours are spent just on restoring and upgrading the body before the electric system and luxury features are added
Does the electric Silver Shadow still feel like a classic car?
Yes. The design, comfort, and craftsmanship remain true to the original 1960s and 70s style. The main difference is under the hood,where a smooth and silent electric motor replaces the old V8 engine. This makes the driving experience even quieter and more relaxed.
Can you still buy a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow with its original engine?
Yes, classic Silver Shadows are still available on the collector car market. However, if you want a fully electric version, only 60 of these special builds will be made.
What features does the electric Silver Shadow include?
Along with its electric motor, it comes with modern comforts like heated and cooled seats, air conditioning, cruise control, a reversing camera, and hidden infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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