The EV industry is growing rapidly in Australia since EVs emit no emissions and are a superior alternative to fuel-powered cars. In an effort to pick a greener and more ecologically responsible form of transportation many Australians are buying electric cars or opting electric car conversion.
If you have an old car that is not as reliable as before and you want to upgrade to an entirely new one, you can use car removal services offered by Scraply, a well- known cash for cars company in Sydney and if your car is still functional then electric car conversion can be a good option for you. Switching into an EV can also improve the car’s braking performance making it much safer to drive and make it last much longer.
Recent years have seen an increase in the growing popularity of EV conversion and Australian companies who offer electric parts, batteries or carry out complete conversions. Many car enthusiasts are restoring their old fuel powered car into an EV.
EV Alliance ,Traction EV and Australian EVS are some companies in Australia that offer electric car conversion.
How does this process take place, how much does it cost and is it worth it ? Let’s discuss:
How Does the Electric Car Conversion Process Work ?
Each EV conversion project is different depending on the model of the car but here are some important steps that are involved in the process :
- Selecting the vehicle (selection Process)
Usually most cars are suitable for the EV conversion but cars that are lightweight and have a simple mechanical system are more easily accessible. Hatchbacks or sedans, and older models with manual transmissions are also a good option for EV conversions since they have a flat floor and can fit the battery easily.
Lighter cars are a better option to keep the weight under control since we are replacing the fuel system with heavy batteries.
- Removing the ICE Parts
The first step of the process is getting rid of the internal combustion engine, exhaust system, fuel tank, and other related components in order to make space for installing the electric battery and motor.
- Setting Up the Electric Motor
The old fuel combustion engine is replaced with an electric motor. It can either be a direct drive motor or connected to the car’s existing transmission, the type of motor depends on the type of the vehicle we are dealing with.
- Installing the Battery
A battery is the main component of an EV. Generally, lithium-ion batteries are used in electric cars because they are energy efficient. These batteries can be put in the car’s truck or under the floor, wherever it is more suitable.
- Control Systems
A control system is also required to manage the motor, battery, and other electrical components of the electric car in order to make sure that the car runs smoothly.
- Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking, collects energy during braking and uses it to recharge the batteries, is a feature found on many EV conversions. It increases the vehicle’s range and efficiency.
- Charging Mechanism
Lastly, a charging point should be added in order to connect the vehicle to an electrical power source. This may work with dedicated EV charging stations or regular household outlets, depending on how it’s configured.
Requirements As Per The Australian Government
If you wish to get an electric car conversion in Australia, you will need to get it approved by the Australian government. Your will require :
- vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number
- vehicle make, model, body type, and year of manufacture
- details of the modifications
- verification of registration in Australia.
You can get more detailed information about this on –
Benefits Of Electric Car Conversion
Reduced Costs
The initial cost of converting a car into an EV can be expensive and put a strain on your pockets. However, electricity is cheaper than fuels like petrol and diesel and with the depleting resources the costs of fuels will only increase in the future. EVs have cheaper operating costs in the long run and will result in large savings on fuel costs over time.
More Sustainable and Environment Friendly
It goes without saying that with the increasing global warming and pollution it is an urgent need to opt for more sustainable means of transport since fuel combustion vehicles emit carbon dioxide and other toxins in the air. Evs do not harm the environment in any way and decrease carbon footprints promoting a sustainable environment.
Extended Vehicle Life
You can significantly increase the lifespan of your old car by converting it into an EV. Electric motors are reliable and easy to maintain unlike internal combustion engines. This way you can keep driving your car on the road longer.
Quiet and Smooth Ride
Evs come with a quiet operation and smooth acceleration making the ride comfortable and enjoyable. You can experience this by converting your car into an EV without having to buy a new one.
Future Prospects
It is expected that in the near future the government will put a strict ban on the manufacturing and selling of new fuel cars in the market. Converting your car into an EV can future-proof your car against such potential bans. In Australia, electric vehicle conversions are a trend worth following as more individuals want to use electric cars and promote sustainability.
What Are the Costs of Electric Car Conversion ?
The budget required for an electric car conversion depends on the model. An estimated cost of a simple car should be somewhere between $15,000 and $20,000 but the price can go up according to your requirements. EV batteries and motors are expensive parts that can cause a strain on your pockets but are a big investment if you plan on keeping the car for a longtime. Additionally if you are hiring a mechanic to do the installation it can easily cost $10,000 or more.
Charging an EV
You can save a lot of money on fuel since electricity is cheaper and with more people switching to EVs the charging stations will also become easily accessible in Australia. To significantly improve charger accessibility, both public and commercial sectors have made large investments. Australia already has more than 200 fast and ultrafast DC charging stations and a large number of public AC chargers.
Are Converted EVs Safe to Drive ?
An approved engineer must sign off on the electric car conversion, ensuring that everything is completed correctly and in compliance with every aspect of the law. After that you can drive the car around stress-free. Evs are completely safe and are even less likely to break-down or catch fire than combustion vehicles.
In addition, the car needs safety and cut-off switches to safeguard its various systems, and all high-voltage electrical cables need to be marked with a bright orange colour to make them easily identifiable.
Conclusion
If you want to contribute towards environment protection and prepare for the near future, then electric car conversion is a feasible option. It is not just sustainable but will also significantly lower your fuel expenditure, providing a smooth and easy to maintain ride. However, beforing starting this conversion journey make sure you carefully consider your budget and the requirements because it does require investment of time, money and professional expertise. If done in the right way this can be a profitable future investment for you.
