Top 3 Things You Should Know Before Converting Your Car to Run on Electricity

There are many advantages to converting your car to run on electricity - lowered emissions and lowered operating costs -- but before converting your car to electric power, there are three important factors that need to be taken into consideration beforehand.

How Much Will It Cost?

A conversion from to electric power involves removing the existing internal combustion engine from the vehicle, then installing an electric motor, along with a bank of batteries.

Depending on the amount of effort needed, the conversion may run at about an estimated $6000 in parts and anywhere from $1000 to $3000 for the requisite batteries and other labor expenses.

The relatively maintenance-free nature of an electric motor should offset any other operation costs, including possible battery replacement every three to four years. On the upside, you'll have a vehicle that only costs cents per mile to operate and is relatively inexpensive to maintain.

Which Car Is Ideal For Conversion?

A light car with a curb weight of about 2000 to 3000 lbs is ideal for conversion to electric power. Heavier vehicles can noticeably cut the traveling range of an electric motor. Light pickup trucks and compact economy cars can fit the bill for conversion, but keep in mind that you have to have enough space to store the batteries and other accessories needed.

Cars with manual transmissions are preferable to automatics, since the latter will be a much heavier burden on a electric motor and cut down traveling range.

How Far Can I go?

Most electric cars have a range of up to 80 miles, with a top speed varying from about 50 to 90 miles per hour, depending on the type of car and electric motor hardware used. While it's definitely not ideal for any long distance traveling, it is perfect for driving around town and work commutes.

Also keep in mind that hilly terrain and cold weather reduce the overall performance of an electric car. Recharging an electric car takes about 6 to 12 hours for a complete charge - this can be done overnight in your garage with an average 110 volt power outlet.

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.