Converting Your Gas-Powered Car to Electric

Upgrading from a gas-powered car to an electric vehicle (EV) comes with many benefits. Not only are EVs better for the environment, but they also last longer, and customers can save money in the long run after making the switch. Sometimes, however, there are barriers to putting down that initial investment, and potential buyers are turning to EV conversion for a more cost-effective option.

How is a gas-powered car converted into an electric one, you ask? It almost doesn't seem possible. The truth is that it is a complex process—but it's manageable and a route that a growing number of people are considering for both their wallets and the planet.

This guide will give you a run-down on how a gas-powered car can be converted to electric, whether it's worth the cost, which cars are best for it, and more.

How Does EV Conversion Work?

Electric conversion involves replacing the pipes and hoses used for a combustion engine with wires. The entire internal combustion engine, transmission, gas tank, and exhaust system must be removed and replaced with an electric motor, controller, and EV battery.

This type of work requires a lot of mechanical and electrical experience. Most people don't have these skills, so they hire a company to handle the conversion or purchase a kit that contains all the parts and walks them through it.

Benefits of EV Conversion

The average driver in the United States spends between $150 to $200 on gas monthly. American families spend around $5,000 on gas annually, which is over 2.% of their monthly income. And besides being at the mercy of fluctuating gas prices, there's also the burden of maintaining an internal combustion engine, which includes regular oil changes.

Electric cars require no gas and less maintenance, they have better resell values, and they're more reliable overall because there are fewer parts to fail. Most of the components are solid-state electronics with no moving parts. The engine of an electric car has a virtually infinite lifespan; the components will probably outlast the chassis.

The only real expense that comes with EVs is the electricity itself and the batteries, which need to be replaced about every three to four years. You can expect your converted vehicle to have a range of 60 to 80 miles, a top speed of 50 to 90 mph, and good acceleration capabilities. It will take about six to 12 hours to completely recharge the car. All of these factors vary based on the weight of the car, the engine, and the battery.

Cost of an EV Conversion

Converting to an EV costs about $6,000 in parts and about $1,000 to $3,000 for batteries and installation. A more expensive retrofit could set you back $20,000 or more. But, for all this, you'll get a low-emissions vehicle that costs only a few cents per mile to run. Your electric car will also be more reliable and require much less maintenance than a conventional one.

And as one of the great tenets of sustainability reminds us: The greenest option is the one you already have.

Which Cars Can Be Converted?

What type of car is the best candidate for an electric conversion? A light car (around 2,000 to 3,000 pounds curb weight) with a manual transmission is ideal. Heavier vehicles can restrict the range of the electric engine, and automatic transmissions use up too much power because they require the engine to be constantly idling.

As far as body style, you need something that can hold all the batteries you'll be installing. Experts recommend a car that is light and roomy like a Volkswagen Rabbit, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, or light pickup truck. The ideal donor car will have a good body and interior and sound transmission but could have a dead engine. Converting a gas-powered car to electric is a great way to give the body of an older car new life.

EV Conversion Kits

There are two types of electric conversions kits available: custom kits, which are tailored to specific vehicles models, and universal kits that can be installed in a variety of vehicles. Universal kits contain all the essential drive-system components but rely on the builder to create custom parts like battery racks or boxes. Custom kits include the entire drive system and battery racks and boxes, customized to suit a particular model.