Last updated on July 26th, 2022 at 01:08 pm
Climate change and its consequences are no longer a distant threat, but rather a current reality that everyone must confront. To tackle this situation, various actions are being taken globally, in which conversion to electric vehicles is one of them.
In the last ten years, the price of an electric car has not changed much. But due to technological advancement, we now have an electric car conversion kit, that is an economical alternative to purchasing an electric car. In this article, we will discuss the types and uses of an electric car conversion kit.
Electric cars vs gas cars: Which one to prefer?
The conventional car runs with the help of a combustion engine. It sets into motion after the gasoline burns. It creates energy and moves pistons and rods inside the engine. The motion of the engine is transferred to the wheels through other parts including transmission, axle, differential, etc.
On the other hand, an electric car has three main elements which make it different from gasoline-powered cars. It has an electric motor (instead of an engine), batteries, and a controller. An electric vehicle doesn’t burn fuel and runs with the help of the controller which is powered by batteries.
Know the differences in detail: Electric cars vs gas cars
With rising fuel prices and governments focusing to reduce carbon emissions, a better way is to switch from a fuel vehicle to an electric vehicle. For that, you don’t even have to buy a brand new electric car. Yes, with an electric car conversion kit, you can convert your gas car to an electric car.
What is an electric car conversion kit?
An electric car conversion kit consists of components and instructions set that allow you to convert a conventional gasoline-powered car into an electric car. The common components of these kits are battery, controller, motor, cable harness, etc.
The most popular types of electric car conversion kits are those that use lead-acid batteries, although there are also kits available for lithium-ion battery-powered cars.
For instance, Bosch has come up with Bosch eAxle, which is a compact and efficient conversion kit. The kit provides solutions for battery and hybrid vehicles. The compact unit has an electric motor, power electronics devices, and transmission directly fueling the vehicle’s axle. The design saves installation space with less complexity.
Specifications- The scalable output is 50-300kW, scalable torque is 1000-5000 NM, and weighs around 90 kilograms.
Types of electric car conversion kits
There are majorly two types of kits designed by the companies: Universal and Specific. Both of them are discussed in detail below:
Universal kit
The kits offered by VS Composites and Poulsen Hybrid are claimed to be worked with any conventional cars. Though they are required to be installed by professionals or mechanics.
Specific kit
Some of the conversion kits are even designed for specific vehicles like the kits offered by Loop Moto. The kit is comprised of Li-ion batteries, accessories, and a battery management system required for the conversion of conventional cars. For now, ARAI has certified to convert cars like Hyundai Accent, Verna, Honda Amaze, Civic, City, etc.
Similar: How Much Does an Electric Car Battery Cost?
Specifications of Loop Moto electric car conversion kit
- Range: 180 km
- Top speed: 80 km/h
- 3-phase AC motor (15 kW)
- 3.3 kW AC board charger
- 17.8 kWh battery capacity
How to convert your existing car into an electric car?
To convert your gasoline car you have to rip out the engine, gas tank, exhaust, and transmission and replace them with an electric car conversion kit. But there are a series of steps that you must follow before doing so. The steps are discussed in detail below. Read more
Note: There are a few things to consider before switching to electric. You'll need to think about the cost of the conversion, how much range you'll need from your electric car, and whether or not you're comfortable working with cars. If you're not sure if converting your car is the right move, you can always talk to a professional about it.
Steps to convert a regular car to an electric car
Step 1: Gather the tools and materials
You’ll need some basic hand tools, as well as a few specialized tools that are specific to electric cars. All these tools can be found online or at your local part store.
Step 2: Removing the gas engine
You’ll need to disconnect the engine from the transmission, as well as all of the other fluids that it’s connected to. This is usually the most difficult part of the conversion process, but once the engine is out, you can start working on installing the electric motor.
Step 3: Installing the electric motor
This is usually the easy part of the conversion process. You’ll just need to bolt the motor into place and then connect it to the batteries. Make sure that all of the connections are secure before moving on.
Step 4: Installing the controller
The controller regulates the flow of electricity to the motor. You’ll need to mount it in a place where it’s easily accessible, such as on the dashboard. Then, you’ll need to connect the wires from the controller to the motor.
Step 5: Testing the car
Once everything is installed, you should take it for a spin to make sure that everything is working correctly. If everything seems to be working, then you’re all set! You can now enjoy your new electric car.
Read also: 4 Helpful Tips for Electric Car Maintenance
Conclusion
The conversion kits seem a viable option against the expensive electric vehicles for those who are not ready to invest in an electric car. But car manufacturers are not fully convinced about these kits despite the claims. There is a chance of their interference with the original parts. So it is always wise to discuss it with an experienced professional about it before making the final decision.
