Curious in learning what it takes to convert a gas-powered car to electric? You’re certainly not alone. More and more drivers have become enchanted by the idea of ditching gas-guzzling engines for something eco-friendly in exchange. At the same time, they don’t always want to part ways with their current ride to make that happen. The good news is — electric conversion is possible. The bad news — it will cost you!
While some drivers are perfectly fine with trading in a new car every two to five years, others have a tendency to hold on to a specific make or model for as long as possible. And as the green initiative has taken over the automotive industry, more consumers are now contemplating making the switch to electric. Whether that means buying a new or used EV or actually replacing an existing engine with battery components.
In this guide, we’ll attempt to answer the most frequently asked questions regarding EV conversion, whether it’s worth the cost, and which vehicles are easiest to transition.
How much does it cost to convert a car to electric?
The cost and labor to retrofit a conventional model into its green alternative can vary greatly depending on the type of vehicle. On average, you can expect to pay upwards of $5,000 (and often much more) to remove the car’s engine, gas tank, exhaust system and electrical rewiring. The process, although uncommon in comparison to buying a brand new EV, is gaining momentum across the world, mainly within the classic car market. Recently, we’re seen a record number of collectors and auto enthusiasts invest in electric batteries for some of the most iconic classic cars to date.
Which car is easiest to convert to electric?
So far, automotive experts have taken note of which make and models are generally easier to convert. While it’s definitely a complex process (you’re essentially deconstructing a car), it is entirely manageable if you have the right mechanic doing the work. With consideration of the world’s car market, reports show that the Volkswagen Camper, Dodge Charger, Mini Cooper, and Jaguar E-Type are among the top easiest gas-powered vehicles to turn into EVs.
Here you can take a first-hand look at how Electric Classic Cars turns a VW Beetle to electric in a day:
What are the benefits?
Converting a gas model to an electric vehicle (EV) comes with a list of benefits. First and foremost, electric vehicles are better for the environment. By making the switch to a traditional car battery or fuel cell battery, you’re reducing your carbon footprint on a day-to-day basis. Overall, electric cars are built to last longer and require fewer car parts, meaning less maintenance is required. Not only that, it’s an investment that saves drivers money over time.
While someone could easily make a case for either side, it’s also clear to see that the benefits of electric driving far outweigh the ongoing consequences of gas engines. If you plan on being feasibly responsible and see the value in converting your current vehicle to an EV, it’s definitely worth looking into. Right now, collectors, gear heads, and green enthusiasts are the main contributors, however, this trend may continue to grow in the decades to come.
If you’re still wondering, “Should I convert a gas-powered car to electric?“, your answer now might just be yes.