Switching to electric cars is increasingly becoming a necessity. However, transforming every gas-powered vehicle into an electric one is not a task that can be accomplished overnight. Currently, there are more than 1.6 billion gas-powered cars being driven worldwide, whereas the number of electric cars stands at just 26 million. While the sales of electric cars have shown promising growth in recent years, additional approaches are needed to achieve the Net Zero Emission Scenario. One potential avenue is the conversion of existing petrol or diesel cars into electric vehicles. Yes, you read that correctly. There are a few best electric car conversion kit available in the market that can assist in converting your old gas-powered vehicle.
This article encompasses the best electric car conversion kit, allowing users to experience the advantages of an electric vehicle.
What is an Electric Car Conversion Kit?
Conversion kits are comprehensive sets of components and hardware specifically engineered to transform conventional petrol or diesel cars into electric vehicles. These kits typically include essential elements such as an electric motor, controller, battery pack, charging system, and other necessary components.
The conversion process involves removing the internal combustion engine (ICE) and its related components from the vehicle and replacing them with the electric drivetrain components provided in the kit. The electric motor becomes the new power source, while the battery pack stores and supplies energy to the motor. To ensure optimal performance and efficiency, the controller manages the flow of electricity between the battery and the motor.
Electric car conversion kits are available in various configurations to suit different vehicle models and individual preferences. Some of the electric car conversion kits are specifically designed for particular car models, while others offer greater flexibility and compatibility across a wider range of vehicles.
Also Read: Best electric cars under 5 lakhs in India in 2023
Key Factors to Evaluate Before Converting Your Car to Electric
Before embarking on the journey of converting your car into an electric vehicle, there are several crucial factors to consider. These considerations will help you assess the feasibility, compatibility, and overall expenses involved in the conversion process.
- Vehicle Type and Age: The type and age of your vehicle significantly impact the conversion process. Older vehicles may require additional modifications or adaptations to accommodate the electric drivetrain components. Moreover, certain conversion kits are better suited for specific vehicle models, simplifying the conversion process and potentially reducing costs.
- Battery Range and Power Requirements: Evaluate your driving patterns and determine the desired range for your electric vehicle. Different conversion kits offer varying battery ranges, so it’s important to select one that aligns with your daily commuting or driving requirements. Additionally, consider your vehicle’s power needs, which are influenced by factors like weight, size, and intended usage. Ensure that the chosen conversion kit provides sufficient power to meet your vehicle’s performance demands.
- Variety of Conversion Kits: Conversion kits come in different types, ranging from do-it-yourself (DIY) options to professional installations. DIY kits require more technical knowledge and labor, but they tend to be more budget-friendly. On the other hand, professional installations offer higher craftsmanship at a potentially higher cost. Assess your skills, financial resources, and desired level of involvement to choose the most suitable conversion kit option.
- Expertise and Labor Requirements: Converting a car into an electric vehicle demands expertise in automotive engineering, electrical systems, and mechanics. Evaluate your own capabilities and determine whether you possess the necessary skills to carry out the conversion yourself. If not, you may need to engage professionals such as electricians, mechanics, or specialized EV conversion experts. Remember to factor in the cost of expert labor when considering the overall conversion expenses.
- Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Familiarize yourself with the legal and regulatory aspects related to converting a car to an electric vehicle in your specific region. Consult local authorities and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with safety standards, emissions regulations, and any necessary approvals or certifications. Adhering to the legal requirements will ensure a smooth and compliant transition to an electric vehicle.
Also Read: Cost of charging an electric vehicle at home
Best Electric Car Conversion Kit in India With Price
Bosch eAxle kit- EV Conversion Kit
Bosch eAxle emerges as an efficient and compact electric car conversion kit that offers affordability and versatility for battery electric vehicles and hybrid applications. This all-in-one unit integrates an electric motor, transmission, and power electronics directly onto the vehicle’s axle, resulting in space-saving installation and reduced complexity. Here are the key highlights and specifications of the Bosch eAxle kit:
Highlights:
- Enhanced Efficiency: Leveraging silicon carbide semiconductor technology, the Bosch eAxle achieves an impressive efficiency increase of 96%, providing greater range while reducing the demands on the battery.
- Cost-Effective Solution: By consolidating all components into a compact system, the eAxle kit reduces the need for additional parts and expensive connecting cables, making it an economical choice for car conversions.
- Scalability and Flexibility: With a high degree of scalability (ranging from 50 kW to 300 kW) and compatibility with various voltage levels (400V/800V), the Bosch eAxle can cater to diverse customer demands and accommodate different vehicle types.
- Performance Boost: Utilizing silicon carbide semiconductors and operating at 800V, the eAxle kit enables increased performance while simultaneously reducing the size of the electric motor.
Specifications:
- Scalable Output: 50 kW to 300 kW
- Scalable Torque: 1000 Nm to 5000 Nm driveshaft
- Electric Motor Top Speed (400V, 800V): 16,000/min, 18,500/min
- Weight at 150 kW power output: Approximately 90 kg
Bosch eAxle EV Conversion Kit Price in India:
Bosch aims to expand its presence in India through partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The Bosch eAxle electric car conversion kit price in India has not been disclosed at this time.
Loop Moto
The company provides a compact electric powertrain solution that includes Lithium-ion batteries, a battery management system (BMS), and other necessary accessories for converting conventional vehicles into electric ones. They have obtained ARAI certification for converting various car models such as Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Accent, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Verna, Honda Civic, and Honda City.
Highlights:
- Customized Solutions: The company offers tailored solutions to convert vehicles of any type. Their Lithium-ion battery utilizes LiFePO4 technology and is equipped with a 7.8 kWh smart battery management system, providing a range of 180 km on a single charge.
- Complete Conversion Kit: The conversion kit includes a gearless gearbox, an AC charger, and a 15 kW 3-phase AC motor.
- Maximum Speed: The company claims a top speed of 80 km/h for its converted electric vehicles.
- Pan India Retrofitting Services: They provide retrofitting services at locations across India, making conversion accessible in various regions.
Specifications:
- Range: 180 km Top Speed: 80 km/h
- Motor: 15 kW 3-phase AC motor
- Charger: 3.3 kW AC onboard charger
- Battery Type: LiFePO4 with smart BMS
- Battery Capacity: 17.8 kWh
- Gearbox: Gearless
Loop Moto Electric Car Conversion Kit Price in India
The Loop Moto is the best EV conversion kit is priced between Rs. 3 lakhs to Rs. 5 lakhs.
E-Trio
Founded in 2016 by Sathya Yalamanchili, E-Trio aims to promote electric mobility among existing vehicle owners in India. They specialize in manufacturing conversion kits that transform traditional fuel-powered vehicles into electric ones. E-Trio has obtained approval from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for their conversion efforts, and they have successfully converted cars like Maruti Alto, WagonR, and Dzire. They offer two types of conversion kits: EV-150 and EV-180. Here are the key highlights and specifications of their conversion kits:
Highlights of the Kit:
- Electric Conversion Kits: E-Trio’s EV-150 and EV-180 are conversion kits designed to convert internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles into electric vehicles. Government Approval: E-Trio is the only retrofitting startup in India to have received government approval for its conversion kits.
- Comprehensive Components: The conversion kits consist of essential components such as a Lithium-ion battery, motor, traction controller, onboard charger, power steering, DC-DC converter, and gearbox. E-Trio also modifies the suspension to accommodate the additional weight.
- Battery Range: Depending on the chosen conversion kit, the battery range can be up to 150 km for EV-150 and 180 km for EV-180.
Specifications of the Kit:
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Range: 150 km (EV-150) and 180 km (EV-180)
E-Trio Electric Car Conversion Kit Price in India
The starting price of the E-Trio EV conversion kit in India is 4 lakh rupees. While it may seem like a significant investment, the long-term savings and benefits of switching to an electric car are undeniable.
Bharat Kit- Electric Car Conversion Kit
Established in 2016, Bharat Kits is a Hyderabad-based company specializing in retrofitting hatchbacks and sedans. They offer conversion kits and retrofitted cars, holding certifications from ARAI and ICAT for converting models like Maruti Alto, WagonR, and Swift Dzire.
Highlights of the Kit
- Comprehensive Conversion Kit: Bharat Kits’ electric car conversion kits include all the essential components you need for a successful conversion. A few components are the gearbox, instrument cluster, AC complete kit, and vacuum pump.
- Customized LiFePO4 Battery: The company provides a customized LiFePO4 battery that offers a range of 80 km on a single charge. The battery can be fully charged within approximately four to five hours, and the car can achieve a top speed of 80 km/h.
- Well-Structured Battery Management System: The conversion kit includes a well-structured battery management system with a battery controller. The motor has a power rating of 15 kW.
- Variable Battery Capacity: The battery capacity varies based on the car models, with 12 kWh for hatchbacks and 15 kWh for sedans. Bharat Kits also offer customized conversion kits according to individual requirements.
- Retrofitting Process: The retrofitting of the car takes place at Bharat Kits’ facility unit in Hyderabad, and the entire conversion process is completed within a week.
Specifications of the Kit
- Range: 80 km Top Speed: 80 km/h
- Motor: 15 kW
- Voltage: 96V
- Battery Type: LiFePO4
- Charging Time: 4-5 hours
Bharat Electric Car Conversion Kit Price in India
The approximate cost of a Bharat Electric Car Conversion Kit in India is 5 lakhs. This price includes everything from conversion to assessing the vehicle’s health through a computer or laptop.
Rexnamo Electro
Located in Ghaziabad, Rexnamo Electro has been providing retrofitted electric cars and conversion kits for the past decade. Their conversion prices range between Rs 2,40,000 and Rs 5,70,000, depending on various factors. The company specializes in converting not only regular cars but also vintage models such as Lancers, Contessa, Volkswagens, Old BMWs, Porsches, and Honda City.
Highlights of the Kit
- Impressive Performance: The conversion kits offer a top speed of 88 km/h and a driving range of 80 km on a single charge.
- Compatibility: This conversion kit is specifically designed to be compatible with cars like Swift and Indica, costing approximately Rs 8,56,680. Additionally, vintage cars such as Lancers, Contessa, Volkswagens, Old BMWs, Porsches, and Honda City can be electrified using the latest Lithium-ion batteries, with a conversion price of around Rs 32,79,677.
Rexnamo Electric Car Conversion Kit Price in India
The approximate cost of this kit in India for cars like Indica or Swift is Rs 8,56,680.
Northway Motorsport- Electric Car Conversion Kit
Northway Motorsport, operating under Hemank Auto Parts Pvt Ltd, is a division focused on designing, developing, and manufacturing powertrain units for electric vehicles. Headquartered in Pune, the company specializes in providing conversion kits for specific car models listed on its website. They have also developed their own electric vehicle with an impressive range of 240 km and a quick charging time of one hour.
Highlights of the Kit
- Conversion Kits for Maruti Dzire: Northway Motorsport offers two conversion kits, namely Drive EZ and Travel EZ, specifically designed for Maruti Dzire.
- Range: The Drive EZ kit provides a range of 120 km, while the Travel EZ kit offers an extended range of up to 250 km.
- Charging Time: The Drive EZ kit requires approximately 5-6 hours for a full charge, whereas the Travel EZ kit has a charging time of 8-10 hours.
- Compact Conversion Kits: The company also provides compact conversion kits suitable for hatchback models like Polo, Swift, and Beat. These kits offer a range of 120 km and a charging time of 5-6 hours.
Northway Motorsport Electric Car Conversion Kit Price in India
For the Maruti Ignis, the Drive EZ variant of the conversion kit is priced at Rs. 12.50 lakh, while the Travel EZ variant is priced at Rs. 14.50 lakh.
FAQ
Certainly! While it is technically feasible to convert the majority of gasoline-powered cars into electric vehicles, the practicality and cost-effectiveness of such conversions can differ. Several factors, including the weight of the vehicle, availability of space for battery placement, and compatibility with the conversion kit, impact the conversion process. It is advisable to seek guidance from EV conversion specialists or professionals to evaluate whether your particular vehicle is suitable for conversion.
When it comes to converting a petrol or diesel car to EV, the duration of the process can vary based on several factors. These factors include the complexity of the conversion, the skill level of the individuals performing the conversion, and the availability of necessary resources. If you opt for a do-it-yourself (DIY) conversion kit, you should be prepared for the possibility of it taking several weeks or even months to complete.
In most cases, converting a car to electric is cheaper than buying a new electric vehicle (EV). However, cost-effectiveness depends on factors like conversion kit cost, labor, additional components, battery, and charging infrastructure setup. It’s important to compare total costs and consider warranties, performance, and features before deciding. Conducting a thorough analysis will help determine the most cost-effective option for individual needs.