Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Convert Your Own Car to Electric - Myth Busted

With the emphasis on green technology that has risen because of skyrocketing petroleum costs and the drive to become less dependent on such sources of energy, more people every day are considering converting their existing vehicles to electric power.

Such a decision may make a great deal of sense if the decision is made in an informed manner. There are, however a couple of myths that surround electric conversions which need to be laid to rest.

Conversion can be done easily in a couple of hours by anyone with a few inexpensive items from the local hardware store: This myth has been forwarded mostly by those who endorse adding a hydrogen generating component to the engine.

This isn't true when dealing with the prospect of a true conversion to electric power. To convert a normal internal combustion vehicle to electric requires removal of the engine, addition of electric devices like batteries and motor (plus the associated wiring and electrical control devices needed), along with alteration of some existing systems to match a different type of power.

For the most experienced, this conversion could take weeks and a shop full of specialized equipment. For the beginner, we're looking at months of work. Don't forget, during this time the vehicle won't be usable for anything.

The other big myth of electrical conversion is that it's always cost effective. While this is generally true in the long term, the initial outlay may be well more than the equivalent cost of a new vehicle.

The effective cost of operating and maintaining an electric vehicle is far less than an internal combustion vehicle, but the initial costs of conversion may require years of operation to actually reap any financial benefit. Keep in mind, converting your own car to electric is a long term solution, not a quick fix. Anyone hoping for an immediate lessening of financial burdens from converting is heading toward disappointment.

Converting your own car to electric is a good idea. As prices of petroleum increase, it will become a great idea. Anyone planning such a conversion simply needs to do the homework to go into the situation with both eyes open.