EV Conversion Plans

"What do you think about converting your car to electric?"

A Hiddenfuel subscriber recently asked me what I thought about electric car conversions and "EV conversion plans". I told him that I knew of a couple of people who had great success with it - given the right vehicle. Then..I also asked my subscribers what they thought about ev conversion plans - and these are some of the thoughtful responses I got back. Thanks to all for your input. This page is part two of the series, you can find more hiddenfuel subscriber opinions in part one here: electric car conversion

"I think that would like to convert my vehicle to electric because I work out of my home. Think about it, if you don't live to far from a big city and you don't have a huge commute everyday this would be an excellent way to get around and it can be so much easier than riding a bike. I am worried about the environment and try to be as 'green' as possible so I for one would be an excellent candidate to have my car converted. If you are someone who doesn't have to drive long distances much, for instance, a lot of older folks who are retired, this would be a great way to save money and save the earth one person at a time."

- submitted by Jean Belknap

- Peter's Electric Jeep -

"The idea of converting a vehicle to an electric drive or a green vehicle concept derives many advantages. You will have a silent pollution free, eco-friendly smart vehicle. As this is eco compliant will be an accepted norm of the future vehicle. Noise and emission criteria will be well within the accepted standard; and will be a future standard to be adopted. Cost of running an electric vehicle is comparably low yielding savings on fuel costs. Maintenance cost of electric vehicle is low because of fewer parts/components in its drive system. Electric vehicle has all the advantages over conventional drives such as better acceleration, smoothness of drive, breaking and controls. Concept of regenerative breaking/ deceleration places electric drive as a smarter and efficient user in charging the batteries/power storage system. The electric drives are also amenable to adopt as an electric assist/ hybrid design to suit varying driving needs of city, suburban or hilly terrains. Cost of ownership for the electric conversion for time being may be costlier, but sooner or later the scenario will change providing a choice for electric coversion always a beneficial edge. In closing I feel converting to an elecric car will be social responsibility both for the user, manufacturer and the Government. " - submitted by Richard Galloway

"I think one of the main benefits of converting a standard car to the electric method is the fact that gas is becoming more and more expensive. The prices of gas are getting to the point where people are no longer being able to drive as freely as they would like and are forced to find new measures. If one was to convert their car, it would greatly reduce the amount of economic stress on their shoulders, for them to bear. They would be able to afford driving and would be able to spend that hard earned money where they would like instead!" - submitted by Jim Heartly

You can find good vehicles for ev conversions here for very cheap.

Remember, you need something smaller and lighter weight and with decent storage room for the batteries - like the Toyota Rav4 pictured above - .

"If you're a city-dweller with a garage, an electric conversion is perfect for you. The biggest problems with even the best electric conversions are that you need a regular place to charge and your range will be limited. With a garage, you'll have an electric outlet nearby to keep your battery pack in shape. No worries about finding parking near a power source. In the city, your trips will be short. From what I've read, a typical conversion has a range of around 30 to 60 miles. That's limiting for trips to the country, but perfect for in-town driving. Commercial electric cars are on the horizon. Conversions are great for cities today. " -submitted by Janet Lee