Tony Fong, the head of engineering at Everrati, a luxury electric car company, is innovating the field of electric vehicle (EV) technology by electrifying classic cars. His journey from tinkering with remote-control aeroplanes as a child to developing modern electric powertrains for iconic vehicles has been remarkable.
Early Inspirations
Fong’s fascination with engineering began in Malaysia, where he embraced the world of radio-controlled helicopters and aircraft. This early exposure ignited his passion for optimizing performance through technology.
A Career in Engineering
In 2025, Fong is leveraging his motorsport engineering background at Everrati, where he integrates state-of-the-art powertrains into classic models like the Porsche 911, Land Rover Series IIA, Mercedes-Benz Pagoda, and Ford GT40. His goal is to push boundaries and showcase innovative systems while ensuring safety and compliance.
Fong’s career has circled around the evolution of electrification, starting from mild hybrids to full EV systems. His insight into how electric power was superior in power delivery fueled his commitment to electric technology’s potential for reducing emissions.
Educational Background
Fong graduated with an MSc from Cranfield University and an MBA from Cardiff Metropolitan University. His early career at Ford focused on tuning cars and exploring emissions reduction, providing him a thorough understanding of vehicle development.
Innovation in Hybrid Technology
After a stint at Ricardo, where Fong specialized in advanced electrics, he founded AYF Solutions, a vehicle electrification consultancy. His expertise in solving complex problems for OEMs led to significant advancements, especially in hybrid systems.
Fong worked with various companies, including Jaguar Land Rover and MG, contributing to the development of innovative solutions like e-Superchargers and a hybrid battery system. His ability to work with existing vehicles posed unique challenges, thus honing his skills even further.
Joining Everrati
In 2020, Fong joined Everrati at a pivotal moment for the company, tasked with leading the electrification revolution for classic cars. His diverse skill set in electrical design and integration has significantly contributed to Everrati’s success in the luxury automotive sector.
The electrified vehicles produced are not mass-market cars but exclusive models meticulously crafted for discerning owners, echoing the classic car ethos while integrating modern technology.
The Process of Electrification
Fong’s engineering process begins with 3D scanning and weighing existing classic vehicles to determine target specifications. This phase includes extensive simulations to ensure performance metrics are achieved. The weight of electric batteries plays a crucial role in defining performance trade-offs, creating the need for a fine balance between power and range.
Technical Challenges
The technical execution requires keen insight into a car’s dynamics and how to preserve the classic feel while implementing modern technologies. For instance, maintaining the driving dynamics of a Mercedes Pagoda while integrating electric powertrains posed both challenges and rewards.
Repeatability and Quality Improvements
Fong emphasizes the importance of repeatable processes and continuous improvement. Building on past experiences allows Everrati to refine their approaches and address challenges encountered with each vehicle.
Notable Projects
The GT40: Fong considers this electrified classic as the most thrilling project. Rapid initial development allowed for impressive speed achievements early on.
The Land Rover IIA: Fong is proud of the company’s achievement in creating a vehicle that maintains the original feel while enhancing safety and usability.
The Mercedes Pagoda: This project involved intricate engineering to retain the vehicle’s unique characteristics while transitioning to an electric powertrain.
Future Directions
Everrati aims to expand its offerings through a modular, scalable system that will cater to other niche vehicle manufacturers, leveraging the innovations made during the electrification of classic cars. By collaborating with technology partners and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, Fong is positioning Everrati as a leader in the electrified vehicle space.
Conclusion
Tony Fong’s journey from childhood tinkerer to engineering innovator exemplifies the potential of merging classic automotive design with modern electric technology. His work continues to redefine both classic and electric vehicles, illustrating a successful blend of passion, precision, and performance in the automotive world.
