Things You Need to Know to Convert Your Petrol or Diesel Cars into an Electric Vehicle

Global warming is not a far-fetched challenge anymore. It is a current event and everyone on Earth must battle it. The effects of climate change are not restricted to melting glaciers, they can be seen when the cities get flooded, winters get colder, and summers become hotter. It is often said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. To battle climate change, people must take a conscious step towards reducing their carbon footprint. One way of doing it is by converting your petrol and diesel cars into an electric vehicle.

If you are wondering – how to convert my car to electric, read ahead to know more. Here are some points that the article will cover.

• Convert petrol car to electric

• Covert diesel car to electric

• Electric car conversion kit

• Electric car conversion companies

• Basics about electric car conversion

Convert Petrol and Diesel Cars into Electric Vehicle:

A decade ago, it was extremely troublesome to convert your fuel-driven car into an electric vehicle. Purchasing an electric car was too expensive. It is a costly affair even in 2020. However, there is an option. Now, you can convert your petrol or diesel car into an electric one. The authorities have given permission to make changes in your vehicle to make it more environment-friendly.

Phasing out of old cars can be looked at from this angle as well, where they undergo a transformation with the help of an electric-powered core. The authorities have made some changes to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 in this regard. Vehicles can now be retrofitted with an electric core. One can opt for electric battery-operated systems to power vehicles and save the environment from pollution.

Also, read: Vehicle Scrappage Policy in India

Electric Vehicle Conversion Industry:

As per the modified Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, guidelines related to retrofitting can be divided into three segments: electric vehicle conversion for all types, hybrid conversion for vehicles with a weight of 3.5 tonnes, and those above that.

While this move is deemed positive for its environmental impact, there are apprehensions on the cost front. This process can be expensive for the common people. The diesel/petrol to electric car conversion kit is provided by several companies namely E-trio Automobiles and BharatMobi. The electric car kit price and other aspects of conversions can cost around five lakhs.

Also, read: Electric Car Insurance

Types of Electric Vehicles:

Electric vehicles can be classified into three categories, they are Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV).

• BEV

BEVs are electric vehicles that can be charged with DC level 3 chargers. They are environment-friendly as they do not pollute the air. Tesla X is a prime example of a BEV.

• PHEV

These types of vehicles rely on Regenerative Braking as well as plugging-in to a power source to stay powered. Examples include Porsche, Mercedes, BMW.

• HEV

Such vehicles usually use electricity to start and move and then switch to gas with the increasing speed. Internationally, Toyota and Honda have a fleet of such cars.

Check: How to Transfer Bike and Car Insurance to New Owner

How Do Hybrid Vehicles Differ from Electric Vehicles?

The main point of difference between Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and Electric Vehicles is their power source. Hybrid cars are powered by a gasoline engine as well as an electric motor. These cars function based on automatic balance wherein the car switches between the gas and electric mode for optimal performance.

Plug-in Hybrid cars have both engines like Hybrid cars; however, you also have an option of plugging them in for charging. Fully electric cars can only be charged by plugging them in a wall outlet installed in your home or at a charging station.

Also, read: Car Insurance Glossary

Benefits of Electric Vehicles:

Here are the top benefits of using a fully electric vehicle.

• No Fuel

The cost of fuel has been on the rise and doesn’t seem like it is going to reduce anytime soon. With an electric car, you will be freed from fuelling your car with either petrol or diesel and save money in the process.

• Low Maintenance

Compared to a fuel-driven car, an electric four-wheeler has a smaller number of parts. The structure is less complex. Thus, the cost of maintaining such a vehicle is also on the lower side.

• Reduction in Pollution

Electric cars cause less air pollution and do not deteriorate air quality. These cars also cause less noise pollution.

• Safety

Electric cars have less scope of damage if involved in a road accident. This can be attributed to their light structure; these cars do not have a heavy construction load.

• Future

Considering the rate at which the environment is getting damaged, electric cars might be the way ahead. It might be beneficial to get used to electric cars.

Also, read: Electric Bike Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it possible to convert a diesel or petrol car into an electric car?

Yes, it is possible to convert a diesel or a petrol car into an electric car with the help of retrofitting.

Is it true that electric cars are less expensive to maintain as compared to fuel-driven cars?

Yes, electric cars are less expensive to maintain as compared to fuel-driven cars because they have less complex machinery to be taken care of.

Can electric cars play an important role in saving our environment?

Fuel-driven cars are taking a huge toll on the environment as they cause air pollution. By going the electric way, cars will not depend upon fuel for their power source and thus there will be a considerable reduction in pollution.

Is changing car engines illegal in India?

You can change your car’s engine in India but you will need prior approval from your Regional Transport Office (RTO) for the same.

What is the average distance that can be covered by an electric car in one charge?

On average, electric cars are capable of covering around 50 to 100 miles in one charge. High-end models such as those by Tesla can cover more than 200 miles in a single charge.

What is the approximate cost for the best electric motor for car conversion?

The approximate cost for converting a car into an electric one with retrofitting can be in the range of rupees four to five lakhs.

Can one save money by going for an electric car?

Fully electric cars do not need fuel. Thus, you will save money on fuel by purchasing a fully electric car. Besides, they are low maintenance as well.

Can I convert my old car into an electric vehicle?

Yes, it is possible to convert an old car into an electric vehicle. Phasing out initiatives make old cars the best cars to convert to electric. You will have to speak with the professionals to know if your car is conducive to undergoing such a transformation.

How do electric car batteries work?

They need to be charged to stay functional and be able to power the vehicle to move.

What are the Pros and Cons of an electric car?

Like every other machine, electric cars also have their Pros and Cons, have a look. Pros: No fuel, low maintenance, enhanced safety, environment-friendly, future-oriented. Cons: Not enough infrastructure to support such cars as of now.

What’s the appropriate amount of time to charge an electric vehicle?

The answer will differ from one model to another. Please refer to your vehicle’s manual for the right answer.

How to enhance the maximum range of an electric vehicle?

The maximum range/productivity of an electric vehicle can be enhanced by driving in ‘Eco Mode’, leveraging Regenerative Braking, and managing the air conditioning system.

News Related to Electronic Vehicles:

Amazon Reveals Its First Custom Electric Delivery Vehicle

– October 12, 2019

Amazon, the e-commerce giant, has revealed its first custom delivery electric vehicle. The vehicle was designed and produced in collaboration with Rivian. In its effort to minimise its carbon footprint by being net-zero carbon by 2040, the company is looking to include 10,000 electric delivery vehicles by as early as 2020 to deliver products to customers across the globe. And, it is expecting that figure to reach 100,000 by 2030. The company has invested over $400 million in Rivian, which is a manufacturer of electric vehicles. The vehicle in itself has been designed as per the delivery logistics knowledge of Amazon along with Rivian’s manufacturing capabilities. The electric delivery vehicle or van comes with state-of-the-art sensor detection, a large windscreen to help drivers see better and a host of highway and traffic assist technology. The digital display inside the vehicle is supported by cameras located on the outside offering the driver a 360-degree view of what’s happening outside. Amazon has included Alexa for various functions such as hands-free access to route details, the latest weather conditions and a strong driver door to enhance the safety of the driver. Rivian said that the electric delivery vehicle was designed keeping the functionality and the safety that is oriented towards package delivery.

Mumbai: Odysse EV Comes Up with New Dealership

– October 09, 2020

The awareness regarding electric vehicles is on the rise in the Indian automobile market. Some government policies are also encouraging in this regard. As a result, there are new brands and models of electric vehicles on offer. Odyssee Electric Vehicles is one such company. The company was going to push its electric vehicles business in March 2020 but the ongoing pandemic slowed things down. The brand has come up with a new dealership in Mumbai. The brand has two electric scooter models and one electric bike model on offer. The scooter models are named Racer and Hawk and the bike is called Evoqis. The scooters can be purchased at an approximate price of rupees sixty thousand and the bike is available for a cost of around INR 1.5 lakhs. These bikes are targeted towards a wide range of audience from young to old. The brand aspires to bring about a change in the way people commute.

Tata Nexon EV’s Sales Cross 300 in September 2020

– October 06, 2020

The sales figures of automobile companies have not been that encouraging during 2020. This can be attributed to the widespread economic impact of the ongoing pandemic. However, as the economy is opening, there is a rise in the sales figures. September 2020 has been a productive month for several automobile companies. These are positive signs considering the upcoming festive season. The Electric Vehicle industry is also showing signs of recovery. Tata Nexon EV sales crossed 300 units in September 2020. It was the first time its sales figures went beyond three hundred in a month. Since April 2020, Tata Nexon has sold 1,151 units till September 2020 in India. During this period, the brand has emerged as a leader in terms of market share with 61%. It is followed by MG ZS EV by MG Motors and Kona EV.

The Validity of FAME-II Certificates for Electric Vehicles Extended: Govt.

– September 28, 2020

The Central government has extended the validity of FAME-II certificates for electric vehicles (EVs) until the end of December this year. Approved vehicles include e-2W, e-3W and e-4W. The extension of the validity will be effective from 1 October 2020 and ends on 31 December 2020. The Department of Heavy Industries added that all the approved vehicles need to be re-validated by the due date of the extended period. Last year, the government in an effort to promote the use of EVs in India had outlay Rs. 10,000 crore. Under the FAME-II or the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India spans for a period of 3 years. It offers Rs. 1.5 lakh each as an incentive to 35,000 e-4W with an ex-showroom price of up to Rs. 15 lakh. As for 20,000 hybrid e-4W, the incentive is Rs. 13,000 each with an ex-showroom price of Rs. 15 lakh. The FAME-II also supports e-rickshaws of an incentive of Rs. 50,000 each for up to 5 lakh units with an ex-showroom price of Rs. 5 lakh. It also covers other EVs such as plug-in hybrid, electric vehicles, hybrid, electric three and tow-wheelers along with e-rickshaws.

Tesla Introduces A New Fast Charger To Charge Electric Vehicles

– September 11, 2020

American electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla has introduced a new fast charger to charge EVs. The new supercharger is named as V3, and the main highlight of the fast charger is that it will charge a Model 3 electric car in just five minutes. The quick charge will be enough to have a range of 120km, and that’s impressive! Currently, Tesla has introduced this new charger in Berlin and has stated that it will expand it to other cities as well. The main concern of an EV buyer is the range anxiety. With devices such as V3, that problem can be solved to some extent. With such quick charge times and a strong network of chargers, the problem of lack of range can be eliminated. Tesla will roll out updates to the older cars to make them compatible with the latest charger. Tesla has also stated that for residential and office premises, it still prefers the slow chargers as it is affordable. But the fast-charging stations will come in handy on highways where the travel distance is fairly long as compared to the urban environment.

Atumobiles Introduces Its First Electric Motorcycle In India

– September 4, 2020

Hyderabad-based electric motorcycle manufacturer Atumobiles has introduced its first eco-friendly motorcycle in the Indian market. The newly launched model is named as Atum 1.0, and it is a cafe racer style model. The company has stated that the starting price of the motorcycle is Rs 50,000. The vintage style electric bike derives its power from a 48 Volt electric motor with a power rating of 250 Watts. The motor receives the power from a lithium-ion battery, and the operating range of the motorcycle is 100km on a full charge. The Atum 1.0 is rated as a slow speed electric motorcycle with top-speed of just 25km/h. It will take around four hours to fully charge the battery. As per the company, the motorcycle will burn only 1 unit of electricity for a complete charge, and it results in a very low running cost when compared to a conventional model. The electric bike features a classic vintage design and gets full LED lighting. The best part of the electric bike is that it does not need to be registered, and the rider also does not require a driving licence.

Mclaren’s Electrified Supercars To Get Revolutionary Ultra-lightweight Vehicle Architecture

– August 25, 2020

McLaren has introduced a new vehicle architecture that will support their coming generations of electrified supercars. This ultra-lightweight carbon fibre frame is expected to enhance structural integrity. The manufacturer is confident that the combination of ultra-lightweight vehicle architecture, one of a kind battery technology, and high-performance hybrid propulsion systems will deliver unattainable levels of performance and customer satisfaction. This new architecture is designed especially for McLaren’s hybrid powertrain that is expected to launch in 2021. The chassis is created with the help of carbon fibre cloth cut with extreme precision that is controlled by computer software which optimises the weight and strength of each cloth. Laser guides are used to align the cut pieces into 2D preforms. Then they are moulded in the desired shape. The architecture is fully developed by the British manufacturer, in-house at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC). The ultralight carbon fibre material reduces the kerb weight of the supercar while enhancing the safety quotient of the car.

Detel Launches New Electric Bike

– August 17, 2020

Detal, a Delhi-based consumer electronics brand, has launched an electric bike or two-wheeler at Rs. 19,999. The new two-wheeler is named as Detel Easy. The electric moped derives power from a 250-watt electric motor with a top speed of 25kmph. The battery can be charged in 7 to 8 hours and at full charge, the vehicle has a range of 60 kms. In recent times, the electric vehicle industry is slowly picking up and several companies have launched different types of electric vehicles to cater to different needs. The Detel Easy Electric moped comes with two seats and is available in three paint schemes: Pearl White, Jet Black and Metallic Red. The vehicle is aesthetically designed and uses minimal plastics to make it environment friendly. The Detel Easy EV two-wheeler gets drum brakes at both ends and comes with a free helmet for the safety of the rider.

Tesla Plans Two More Electric Vehicles after Cybertruck

– July 27, 2020

The world got the first glimpse of Tesla’s Cybertruck in November 2019. The vehicle showcase event resulted in a lot of buzz back then and the vehicle is all set to be launched soon. It has the potential to be one of the biggest launches in this sector. Amidst this excitement, reports are suggesting that Tesla is planning two more electric vehicles after Cybertruck. Such a move can help the company maintain its hold in the electric vehicles sector. Tesla’s current electric vehicle models include Model 3, Model S Long Range Plus, and Model Y Sports Utility Vehicle. There is a chance that Tesla might offer a vehicle that can compete with the successful Renault Zoe EV. The car has performed well across markets, particularly in France and Germany thanks to the incentives for those going electric. An expanding portfolio of electric vehicles is likely to benefit Tesla.

EV Charging Station Inaugurated in East Delhi

– July 20, 2020

Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia inaugurated East Delhi’s foremost electric vehicle charging station for the public. Such a station was set-up by BSES Yamuna Power Limited in partnership with EV Motors India Private Limited. This electronic vehicle (EV) charging station is located at IP Extension, Patparganj, East Delhi and is referred to as ‘PlugNgo’. This PlugNgo electric vehicle charging station features a Central Management System for monitoring electric vehicle charger operations and to offer customer support. As per the make and model of the vehicle, it can take up to a quarter to an hour and a half to charge. The PlugNgo charging stations have the capacity to charge fifteen to eighteen cars on a daily basis. The station will feature two kinds of charges. One charger can charge two vehicles together. The PlugNgo mobile app can be used to make the payment and track charging history.

Road Ministry Assures Support for the Electronic Vehicles Sector

– July 20, 2020

As per a statement from the Road Ministry, Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari has shown confidence that in the coming five years, the country will become a manufacturing hub concerning vehicles running on electricity. The Government is trying to offer the best possible concessions to the electronic vehicles sector. The GST on electric vehicles has been reduced to 12 per cent. The minister mentioned that the circumstances have changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and as a result, international businesses are exploring options apart from China. Indian businesses can benefit from such an opportunity. With the limited quantity of petroleum fuel, novel alternatives need to be searched, and electric and biofuels have a good chance of being the alternative. The minister offered support to the electronic vehicles sector amidst the COVID-19 situation. He also spoke about an electric highway pilot project on the Delhi-Mumbai Green Corridor.

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