Jay Leno drives a Porsche 912 electric car manufactured by Zelectric.

Converting classic cars to run on electricity has grown in popularity in recent years as a way to future-proof vehicles in a potentially sparse fossil fuel world.

California-based Zelectric has been in the business longer than most, starting with the conversion of a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle in 2012. Now, he brought in his latest conversion, a 1968 Porsche 912, for evaluation by Jay Leno at his famous garage.

For readers unfamiliar with the 912, it was introduced by Porsche in the 1960s as a more affordable alternative to the 911. It was powered by the flat four engine that had been used in the Porsche 356 up to that point, and although it only produced about 90 hp, the car was lighter and more fun to drive.

Zelectric managed to maintain its lightweight philosophy by electrifying the 912 with a 32-kilowatt-hour battery and a 536-horsepower Tesla motor. According to the company, the overall weight is 2,505 pounds, only 130 pounds heavier than the stock car. And then there is the rear trunk.

The battery is small, and Zelectric promises a maximum range of 145 miles in moderate driving, and only 120 miles when you put your foot down. But that should be more than enough for a fun drive, and Zelectric is working on increasing the battery size.

Because Zelectric understands the need to preserve history, the company is designing the conversion so that the car can be easily returned to stock. According to the company, no welding or metal cutting is involved in the conversion process.