Electric Car Conversion Companies

Advantages of Owning an EV

While in the past, the concept of the electric car has been the brunt of jokes about getting “stuck” in traffic without charge and power outages, the modern EV is something entirely different.

There are many advantages to owning an electric car.

1. Zero-emission driving
2. Consumption of only renewable energy
3. Reduction in costs per mile
4. Electricity is always available
5. Reduction in noise

Although EV’s have traditionally been thought to be on the impractical side, facts and statistics disprove this misconception. Many concept cars are targeting 45 to 50 miles on their current plug-in system. That is entirely possible with a conversion, as well. Depending on how much you want to pay for batteries, a reasonable potential distance of 100-150 miles is completely realistic. Typically, people don’t drive over this distance daily.

Another myth about EV’s is that they are slow. Various reports have indicated that their “pick-up” speeds and acceleration speeds are comparable to most vehicles. Top end speeds may be a little slower, but reportedly, many EV’s can reach speeds in excess of 90mph.

Convenience Issues

It is commonly said that EV’s are time consuming. That is simply not so. It takes only seconds out of your day when you arrive home to plug your vehicle’s power cord into the electrical socket. You don’t have to waste time going to the gas station. As long as your route to and from an electrical outlet is within your driving distance, there is never any inconvenience with a truly electric vehicle.

Finding an Electric Car Conversion Company

Since EV’s aren’t your typical vehicle available, you may want to consider converting your current vehicle to all electric.

Just like EV’s aren’t extremely popular yet, Electric Car Conversion companies aren’t incredibly plentiful, either. The best place to look for a company would be the Internet. Depending on your geographic location, you may need to delve deeply to find a company nearby. However, if you can’t locate a local company, you may be able to order a conversion kit from a reputable place and have a local mechanic do the conversion for you.

If you do find a conversion company you’re located close to, check them out. Go visit their shop. Check out the gallery of conversions they’ve done. Ask about their experience. Preview their references. While this is a developing technology, electric car conversion is something that has been toyed with for several years.

Various electric conversion companies offer conversion kits.

• Lab Shelf is a company that is led by a Harvard graduate who has specialized in electric car development since 1978. The company has been offering kits nationwide for several years.
• Kaylor Energy Products offers electric car conversion kits and specialize in Volkswagon conversions. The company offers a full line of EV conversion components and fiberglass car bodies.
• Electro Automotive has three conversion workshops and offers conversion kits. The company offers a full range of EV conversion accessories and has been in business in California since 1979.

Good Prospect Vehicles for Electric Conversion

While you may be attached to your current car, it may not be a good candidate for conversion. Experts say that smaller, lightweight vehicles like compact cars, small pickup trucks and sports cars are excellent candidates for conversions. Another characteristic of a good conversion car is that it has plenty of room inside. A car over 10 years old should be avoided; parts are more easily available for newer models.

Costs of a Conversion

Most basic conversions cost between $4,000 and $6,000. Of course, it always depends on your particular vehicle and the number of “add-on’s” you choose to include in your conversion. One expert indicated he had done a conversion on a Yugo for $1,200. However, that included no extras! The amount of repair work you’ll need done on your car will add into the total conversion price, too.

Electric car conversion companies aren’t on every street corner. But, by doing your research, you can find a conversion company or a conversion kit and a good mechanic and be on your way to driving “green.” It is convenient, good for the environment and good for your pocketbook in the long run.