An
electric vehicle conversion is the modification of a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) to
electricElectricity is a general term that encompasses a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge...
propulsion, creating an all-electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
Elements of a conversion
- Almost any vehicle can be converted to electric. Many people prefer to pick a vehicle that is light and aerodynamic in order to maximize distance traveled per battery charge. There must also be adequate room and load capacity for batteries.
- The battery pack
A battery pack is a set of any number of identical batteries or individual battery cells. They may be configured in a series, parallel or a mixture of both to deliver the desired voltage, capacity, or power density...
, which provides a source of electrical power. The most commonly available and affordable batteries are lead acid flooded type. Next are the AGM (Absorption Glass Mat) sealed maintenance free batteries, a little more powerful and expensive. Then there are the more exotic batteries like Ni-MH and Li-ion; more difficult to find but light and longer lasting, maintenance free, and much more expensive. The new lithium batteries are showing some promise for EVs in the near future.
- The charger which restores energy to the batteries (which may be mounted within the vehicle or at a special charging station at some fixed location)
- The power controller, which regulates the flow of energy between the battery
An electrical battery is a combination of one or more electrochemical cells, used to convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first Voltaic pile in 1800 by Alessandro Volta, the battery has become a common power source for many household and industrial...
and the electric motorAn electric motor uses electrical energy to produce mechanical energy, usually through the interaction of magnetic fields and current-carrying conductors. The reverse process, producing electrical energy from mechanical energy, is accomplished by a generator or dynamo. Traction motors used on...
(s), controlled by an electronic throttle.
- One or more electric motors and their mechanical attachment to the driveline
- Power conductors connecting the battery, controller, and motor(s)
- Accessory equipment to power auxiliary equipment such as power brakes and heating system
- Control circuitry and equipment to allow control and interlocking of the various components
- Instrumentation specific to the operation and maintenance of the conversion
Solar power
Solar cells could be used to power a vehicle converted to electric.
However, currently the relatively small power generated by solar cells means that the other components in the system must be special to compensate for this.
For example, the body of even a small conventional car converted to electric is still rather too heavy to be able to be matched with an electric system that is solely or primarily charged by solar power.
Thus, it is usually more practical to create a solar-powered electric vehicle from scratch or specially made parts.
Conversion process
Most conversions in North America are performed by hobbyists who typically will convert a well used vehicle with a non-functioning engine, since such defective vehicles can be quite inexpensive to purchase. Other hobbyists with larger budgets may prefer to convert a later model vehicle, or a vehicle of a particular type. In some cases the vehicle itself may be built by the converter, or assembled from a
kit carA kit car is an automobile that is available in kit form, which means that the client buys a set of parts and needs to assemble the car themselves. Usually many major mechanical parts such as the engine and transmission are taken from one or more donor vehicles...
.
A two-stage vehicle is a vehicle that has been built by two separate manufacturers. The result is a standard, complete vehicle. In this process, vehicles may be converted by a manufacturer (as was done by
Ford Motor CompanyThe Ford Motor Company is an American multinational corporation based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury brands, Ford also owns Volvo Cars of Sweden, and a small stake...
to create the
Ford Ranger EVThe Ford Ranger EV is a battery electric vehicle produced by Ford Motor Company. It was produced starting in the 1998 model year through 2002 and is no longer in production. It is built upon a light truck chassis used in the Ford Ranger. A few vehicles with lead-acid batteries were sold, but most...
). Alternatively, in a process known as "third-party
(power)trainizationIn a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, driveshafts, differentials, and the final drive...
", an independent converter will purchase new
vehicle glider-Aircraft:*Glider aircraft or simply gliders- heavier-than-air aircraft primarily intended for unpowered flight*Gliders , often known simply as 'gliders', used in the sport of gliding...
s (vehicles without a motor or related equipment) and then perform the conversion, to offer a two-stage vehicle.
In some countries, the user can choose to buy a converted vehicle of any model in the
automaker dealershipsA car dealership or vehicle local distribution is a business that sells new cars and/or used cars at the retail level, based on a dealership contract with an automaker or its sales subsidiary. It employs automobile salespeople to do the selling...
only paying the cost of the batteries and motor, with no installation costs (it is called pre-conversion or previous conversion).
Industry
The electric vehicle conversion industry has grown to include conversion car
garagesright|thumb|200px|A garage in [[Belo Horizonte]], [[Brazil]].A residential garage is part of a home, or an associated building, designed or used for storing a vehicle or vehicles...
, aftermarket kits and vehicle components .
Electric bicycle
An electric bicycle is a conventional bicycle that has been fitted with an electric motor. Converting an existing bicycle by retrofitting it with a "conversion kit" or "E-BikeKit" is the simplest and least expensive electric vehicle conversion option. Most often electric bicycles or "e-bikes" are powered by rechargeable batteries however some experimental electric bicycles run directly on or recharge their batteries via solar panels, fuel cells, gas generators or other alternative energy sources. Some experimenters have even used super capacitors to store energy. Using an on-board generator may impact the legal jurisdictional definition of an electric bicycle. A few types of electric bicycles are able to re-capture a small amount of energy from braking and can re-charge the batteries while braking or traveling down hills (regenerative braking). With the advent of newer technology further features can be expected.
Some electric bikes have features where the motor can move the bicycle by itself (immediate start) if the rider chooses not to pedal, while others require the rider to pedal at all times (pedal assist). This latter type may in some jurisdictions allow the vehicle to be used on bicycle trails that otherwise prohibit motorized vehicles of any kind (See
motorized bicycleA motorized bicycle is a bicycle with an attached motor used to power the vehicle, or to assist with pedaling. Sometimes classified as a motor vehicle, or a class of hybrid vehicle, motorized bicycles may be powered by different types of engines....
). Electric bikes converted with a E-BikeKit conversion system fall under the rules and regulations of the
Federal Electric Bicycle Law.
Many battery technologies are available for powering electric bikes. The most common and least expensive battery technology is sealed lead acid but
LiFePO4 is fast becoming the battery of choice for the e-bike.
Converting one's bike to electric with a conversion kit is an easy and affordable solution for most people interested in learning more about electric vehicle conversion. E-Bikes are the cleanest, most affordable and most energy efficient form of transportation on the planet.
Electric motorcycle and Scooters
Low-speed Scooters are not typically suitable for on-the-road use. These may be configured for either standing or sitting use. Some local laws apply bicycle laws to scooters, such as helmet and pedestrian right-of-way considerations.
Motorcycle conversions are a specialty niche which can offer an opportunity to build a relatively low-cost electric vehicle. Most of these use a two-wheel configuration, although the two types of three-wheel vehicle (and sometimes four-wheel vehicles) are classified as motorcycles in many jurisdictions if their weight is sufficiently low (typically around 500 kg/1000 pounds maximum). If a tricycle layout is employed, greater handling stability is obtained with the single wheel at the back, with normal automotive front wheel steering, as compared with placing the single wheel in the front.
Economy coupe
Owing to its light weight and efficiency, a light vehicle can make an excellent choice, particularly if care is taken in component selection and placement. It is possible to obtain conversion kits for some popular light vehicles, most notably the rear motor, rear drive
Volkswagen BeetleThe Volkswagen Type 1 is an economy car produced by the German auto maker Volkswagen from 1938 until 2003. It used an air cooled rear engined rear wheel drive ....
, its Type 3 evolution, and its successor, the front motor/drive VW Rabbit.
By converting a light vehicle it is possible to use a smaller motor, which both weighs and costs less than a larger motor. A lighter overall vehicle weight will reduce power consumption in start-and-stop traffic and increase range in many practical driving conditions.
Compact sedan or coupe
A compact sedan may be a better choice than a subcompact owing to better load capacity and more room for battery placement. Some commercial EV Conversions use vehicles in this size range. One example is a 1992
Honda CivicThe Honda Civic is a line of compact cars developed and manufactured by Honda. In North America, the Civic is the second-longest continuously-running nameplate from a Japanese manufacturer; only the Toyota Corolla, introduced in 1968, has been in production longer...
. In this conversion, the back seat was retained, and there is still enough room to sink nine flooded lead-acid batteries low in the trunk where the spare tire was located, as well as another nine batteries under the hood. Another example is a 1987
Mitsubishi TrediaThe Mitsubishi Tredia was a subcompact sedan built by Mitsubishi Motors from 1982 to 1990. Its name is supposedly derived from Mitsubishi's "Three Diamonds" logo...
where the rear batteries have been raised above the trunk floorspace, sealed, and externally vented. With suspension modifications, increasing shock length & spring rating, the car must still be below GVWR, even with the driver and passengers. Exceeding the total design weight of the vehicle would be illegal in some states, and might result in cancellation by an insurance company.
There is an effort by several engineers in California to make the
Toyota PriusThe Toyota Prius is a full hybrid electric mid-size car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. It first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001. The Prius is sold in more than 40...
a "Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle," or PHEV, whereby the first 40 miles are driven by all-electric power, then the gas engine comes on to re-charge the batteries, only if the commute is further than 40 mi. If it's less, one can just plug it into the utility grid to re-charge the batteries. The process is done by removing the nickel-metal hydride batteries, and installing different batteries, and a different battery management system.
Since 30 April 2009, the
Electric Car CorporationThe Electric Car Corporation plc is a car manufacturer and dealer based in Mayfair, London with an assembly plant in Flitwick, Bedfordshire. It makes and sells the Citroën C1 ev'ie, an electric car adapted from the Citroën C1...
have been selling the
Citroën C1 ev'ieThe Citroën C1 ev'ie is a model of electric car adapted from a standard Citroën C1 by the Electric Car Corporation. The model was first released on 30 April 2009 with a list price of £16,850 ....
, an all-electric conversion from the
Citroën C1The Citroën C1 is a city car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën since 2005.The C1 was developed as part of the B-Zero project by the PSA Group in a joint-venture with Toyota. The Peugeot 107 is identical to the C1 other than the front bumper and front and rear lights, while the Toyota...
.
Full-size sedan
Full-size sedans and
minivanA minivan, multi-purpose vehicle , people-carrier, people-mover or multi-utility vehicle is a type of automobile similar in shape to a van that is designed for personal use...
s are generally considered to be poor candidates for EV conversion. As the suspension and tires are already operating close to the maximum permissible , it may be necessary to make substantial modifications in these areas. It may be easier to obtain upgraded suspension components for some smaller vehicles, if these are also typically used for sports racing (particularly
autocrossAutocross is a form of motorsports that emphasizes safe, low-cost competition and active participation. An autocross is a timed competition where drivers navigate one at a time through a temporary course marked by traffic cones, rather than racing on a track with multiple other cars, as in road...
). Starting with a heavy vehicle and adding batteries will result in poor performance in acceleration, handling, braking, and economy of operation.
One of possibilities is using the body of Audi's D2 platform A8 (1994-2003)
Audi A8The Audi A8 is a four-door four/five-seat large luxury car built by the German automaker Audi, to replace the Audi V8 as its flagship model. First brought to the market in 1994, most versions of the A8 have featured Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive as standard, as well as a...
or sports sedan S8 (1998-2003 or older European market models where the German model weights 1730 kg)
Audi S8The Audi S8 quattro is a high-performance version of the German luxury automaker Audi's flagship car, the full-size Audi A8. The S8 is produced by Audi's tuning subsidiary quattro GmbH, and it was introduced in 1997, four years after the first-generation A8 was first sold in the European market...
both of which are all
aluminiumAluminium or aluminum is a silvery white and ductile member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al; its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
monocoqueMonocoque, from Greek for single and French for shell , is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object's external skin as opposed to using an internal frame or truss that is then covered with a non-load-bearing skin. Monocoque construction was first widely used in...
"
Audi Space FrameA space frame or space structure is a truss-like, lightweight rigid structure constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. Space frames usually utilize a multidirectional span, and are often used to accomplish long spans with few supports...
" vehicle, which helped to significantly reduce weight without being any less rigid.
Sports car
For a person interested in sports car performance and appearance, the creation of a satisfying conversion will likely lead to a number of difficulties in such details as battery disposition, as such vehicles generally have available space distributed in small volumes around the vehicle. This leads to complexity in securing and wiring batteries. These vehicles can offer stunning performance in the lower speed ranges owing to light weight and rear wheel drive, and may also offer good range due to their superior aerodynamics.
The 1969-1976
Porsche 914The Porsche 914 was a mid-engined sports car built and sold collaboratively by Volkswagen and Porsche from 1969 through 1976.- Development :...
is one of the more successful sports car conversions, as well as being one of the most popular. Once converted, it boasts better performance in range, acceleration and top speed than most other vehicles. Also, its low acquisition costs contributes to its popularity as a conversion candidate. Some manufacturers of conversion kits have made a kit specific to the 914.
Another popular sports car used for conversion is the 1984-1989
Toyota MR2The Toyota MR2 is a two-seat, mid-engined, rear wheel drive sports car produced by Toyota from 1984 until July 2007 when production stopped in Japan. Sales in the USA ended in 2005. There are three different generations of the MR2, often referred to as MKI , MKII , and MKIII .Some car historians...
. Reasons for its popularity are low weight before conversion, low cost to purchase the car, and available locations within the car to place the large batteries that most people use (lead-acid and its derivative technologies). The later MR2 body style (Mark 2) does not seem as popular, and as of March 2008, there is only one known conversion.
The
BradleyBradley Automotive created and sold the Bradley line of kit cars based on the original Volkswagen Beetle chassis.The models sold during the company's tenure were the GT, Scorpion and GT II. As with other kit car manufacturers, these vehicles could be bought in various stages of completion...
GT II as well as other VW-based
kit carA kit car is an automobile that is available in kit form, which means that the client buys a set of parts and needs to assemble the car themselves. Usually many major mechanical parts such as the engine and transmission are taken from one or more donor vehicles...
s are very popular conversion candidates due to their being inexpensive, extensive support groups as well as their simple sports car design. Availability of conversion kits for these cars are quite prevalent with commercial retail establishments that specialize in EV conversions.
Light truck
Light trucks are especially suitable for hobbyist conversion because it is easy to locate batteries remote from the passenger compartment and there is a good load handling capacity for the use of heavy batteries such as the flooded lead-acid batteries commonly used in golf carts. Light trucks also offer substantial utility in use simply because they are trucks. Even if a portion of the weight capacity is removed by the presence of batteries within or below the cargo bed, much or all of the spatial utility remains. A light truck is highly recommended as a first conversion effort because of the simplicity of component layout. With proper battery placement the stability of a late production truck can be improved over the
ICEThe internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine the expansion of the high temperature and pressure gases, which are produced by the combustion, directly applies force to a movable...
version. While a number of suitable vehicles are available in pre-2002 models, the modern evolution of this type has become taller, heavier, bulkier and less efficient, and their excessive height makes under-bed battery placement necessary to keep the center of gravity low.
Other trucks - full size and most SUVs
These are rarely converted due to their excessive weight, and aerodynamic inefficiencies. To make the situation worse, many modern trucks and SUVs continue to get bulkier, heavier, and their high stance means the height of the center of gravity leads to instability while making high speed turns, a distinct disadvantage if there is not enough room between the frame rails to enable low battery mounting. As a direct result, the payload carrying capacity and thus the GVWR of the vehicles goes down. Such a trait is not desirable because it limits the weight of the battery pack that can be carried, limiting the maximum battery-to-vehicle weight ratio that could be achieved for the vehicle when converted to an EV. (Such considerations are important due to current price, weight, and performance limitations current battery technologies.) For a given battery type, reducing the battery-to-vehicle weight ratio always results in reduced vehicle range per charge. However, despite these mostly unavoidable limitations, several SUVs and larger trucks have been successfully converted to electric power by hobbyists. Some examples include the "Gone Postal" van converted to an EV racer by Roderick Wilde and Suckamps EV Racing, the
Land RoverLand Rover is a 4x4, SUV and all-terrain vehicle manufacturer, based in Solihull, West Midlands, England, now operated as part of the Jaguar Land Rover business owned by Tata Motors of India....
EV converted by Wilde Evolutions, and the 1988
Jeep CherokeeJeep Cherokee may refer to:* Jeep Cherokee * Jeep Cherokee * Jeep Grand Cherokee , , and * Jeep Liberty, a.k.a. Jeep Cherokee...
EV converted by Nick Viera.
Electric buses
The principal efforts in the development of
electric busAn electric bus is a bus powered by electricity.There are two main electric bus categories:* The trolleybus is a type of electric bus powered by two overhead electric wires, with electricity being drawn from one wire and returned via the other wire, using two roof-mounted trolley poles.* The...
es without trolleys and wires have involved limited production of very expensive
fuel cell vehicleA Fuel cell vehicle or FC vehicle is any vehicle that uses a fuel cell to produce its on-board motive power. Fuel cells on board the FC hydrogen vehicles create electricity to power an electric motor using hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air...
s. The most economically effective development in this area involves the creation of
hybrid busesA hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles , which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.-Power:...
, well suited to this application owing to frequent stops and starts and effective energy recovery and release in this cycle. Another solution is the use of battery electric buses that follow the principle of replacing (discharged batteries) instead of recharging.
Hotrod
While this type of vehicle is usually made to be a "street-legal" performance machine, it may also be developed for occasional use as a
drag racingDrag racing is a competition in which vehicles compete to be the first to cross a set finish line, usually from a standing start, and in a straight line. First gaining popularity in the USA after World War II , the sport steadily grew in popularity and spread across the globe...
vehicle. The leading vehicle in this field is the "Maniac Mazda" a Mazda RX-7 sports car converted from rotary engine to electric by Roderick Wilde. This vehicle can outrun Dodge Viper and Ferrari sports cars in quarter mile drag races.
Autocross racer
EV's have proven successful in autocross competition. The electric motor's ability to deliver maximum torque at 0 RPM and a comparatively broad torque band provide good throttle response and allow running an autocross without any time lost to shifting gears. The short distance of the typical autocross requires less stored energy than most forms of motorsports. This minimizes
electric vehicle's most obvious competitive disadvantage, the weight penalty of batteries compared to gasoline.
Drag racer
Intended only for specialized straight line quarter mile (acceleration) racing this type of vehicle is used only "off road" at specialized "
drag stripDrag strip may refer to:*Dragstrip, track used for drag racing*Drag Strip, Transformer character who is one of the Stunticons*Videocart-9: Drag Strip, drag racing videogame released in 1976-See also:*List of Decepticons...
s".
High speed straight line racer
- For an example of a straight line racer see Buckeye Bullet
The Buckeye Bullet holds the distinction of being the world's fastest electric car. It holds the U.S. electric Land speed record at 314.958 mph , and has a top recorded speed of 321.834 mph . It also holds the International record at 271.737 mph , set October 3, 2004...
Even more specialized than the drag racer, this is intended to obtain high speeds on long, straight, and flat raceways, such as the dry lake beds found in locations such as the
Bonneville Salt FlatsThe Bonneville Salt Flats are a 159 square mile salt flat in northwestern Utah. The depth of the salt has been recorded at 6 feet in many areas. A remnant of the ancient Lake Bonneville of glacial times, the salt flats are now public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management...
.
Closed circuit road racer
Closed Circuit
Road racingRoad racing is a form of motor racing held on paved, purpose-built race tracks , though racing done on airport runways and temporarily closed-off public roads is often included in the definition....
, particularly any type of endurance racing, is one of the greatest challenges for EV's. Pound per pound, gasoline contains far more energy than even the most advanced of current batteries. An electric vehicle must be heavier or more efficient to run the same distance as its gasoline competitor. Endurance racing strategies include battery packs that can be changed quickly and "
Dump chargingDump Charging is a particular method of charging a battery electric vehicles battery pack at higher rates than are possible with standard grid connections and battery chargers...
"
Custom chassis
Suitable for a builder who is capable of constructing a kit car, with good abilities and equipment in machining and
weldingWelding is a fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is often done by melting the workpieces and adding a filler material to form a pool of molten material that cools to become a strong joint, with pressure sometimes...
this can result in a unique vehicle. It is especially suitable for the construction of a lightweight vehicle that can offer exceptional performance. Many VW-based kit car companies have tube chassis ready to start with.
A glider kit includes all components of a vehicle except the power train.
Novelty vehicle
A novelty vehicle or an electric powered
art carAn art car is a vehicle that has its appearance modified as an act of personal artistic expression. Art car artists usually drive and own their own work. They are sometimes referred to as "Cartists". Art car artists or owners often dress in a matching motif when displaying their cars...
may not be suitable for on road use. Applications include electric vehicle show demonstrations, parades, parade floats, float towing, and eclectic off-road gatherings such as
Burning ManBurning Man is an annual event held in the Black Rock Desert, in Northern Nevada. It takes its name from the ritual burning of a large wooden effigy on Saturday evening...
.
This vehicle is ideal for the
beachA beach is a geological landform along the shoreline of a body of water. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles, or cobblestones...
(where not prohibited) and to promote tourist places but will usually require trailering to its operating site.
At the 2005 Stanford University EV Gathering
|
|
|
Above: Bob Schneeveis demonstrates his Silver Sofa.
United States
The ease of registration will vary by state. Some states require safety inspections, usually to ensure body integrity in areas subject to severe corrosion from winter road de-icing materials. In any case, for general registration all functional safety equipment should be operating - turn signals, brake lights, headlights, horn, etc. The windshield should have no running cracks (small stone chips and "stars" may be acceptable if not in the driver's principal line of vision). If the vehicle has been reconstructed from a salvage vehicle (a vehicle whose registration has been forfeited) inspection may be more severe to ensure compliance and the source of salvage components through proper purchase receipts.
Registration procedures will vary by state and will usually be more difficult (even bizarre) in states with strict emissions requirements (even though a plug-in only conversion will be a zero emission vehicle). Arguing with DMV staff is typically futile in all jurisdictions, but there may be appeal procedures available but whose availability may not be openly publicized.
On the other hand, changing the registration allows a conversion to qualify for tax incentives available in some states, such as Oregon, for either the vehicle, the charging system, or both.
California (US) conversion registration and taxation
Registration of a converted electric vehicle in California can be difficult. First, if the vehicle is custom built from components and salvage, only a limited number of such vehicles may be registered each year (as of 2008 this is 500 vehicles). Registration slots are usually gone on the first available day of the year and registration requires a paper trail on all salvage components, to inhibit illegal vehicle "
chop shopA chop shop is a slang phrase for an illegal location or business which disassembles stolen automobiles for the purpose of selling them as parts. It may also be used to refer to a location or business that is involved with the selling of stolen goods in general, or a brokerage that sells...
" operations.
Nor is it possible to convert to electric power and register for on-road use a vehicle that would otherwise not qualify for registration (for example, certain subcompact "
Kei carKei car, K-car, or , is a Japanese category of small automobiles, including passenger cars, vans, and pickup trucks. They are designed to exploit local tax and insurance relaxations, and in more rural areas are exempted from the requirement to certify that adequate parking is available for the...
"-class trucks, four wheel sport "dirt" vehicles, and other utility vehicles imported and sold for
off-roadAn off-road vehicle is considered to be any type of vehicle which is capable of driving on and off paved or gravel surface.
It is generally characterized by having large tires with deep, open treads and a flexible suspension, or even caterpillar tracks...
use only; these cannot qualify for registration except if a custom body is installed to allow its qualification under the custom manufacture rules outlined above. Some possibility may exist for registering such a vehicle as a speed-limited
neighborhood electric vehicleA Neighborhood Electric Vehicle is a battery electric vehicle falling under United States Department of Transportation classification for low-speed vehicles. The NEV operates by plugging into a standard outlet at home...
.
As all originally ICE street-legal automobiles and light trucks built after 1975 must pass a smog test (including a "visual inspection"), a conversion of such a late model vehicle
must be registered as an
electric powered only vehicle and thus exempt. Otherwise, it would fail the required smog test, not for producing pollution, but for being altered from its original configuration and so failing the
visual inspection portion of the test.
It is no more simple if the vehicle is registered with current tags in California and may even be more difficult. Under new 2008 regulations for converted ICE vehicles a multi-step process is required. First, an appointment is made by telephone with a "Smog Referee". A meeting with the vehicle to be registered will typically be at a local junior college with an automotive shop program. The referee will inspect and certify that the vehicle is both smog exempt and that it qualifies for an "E" power code (electric-only). The next step requires real-time coordination between a cooperative clerk at the local California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and an appropriate clerk at the
SacramentoSacramento is the capital of the U.S. state of California, and the county seat of Sacramento County. Located along the Sacramento River and just south of the American River's confluence in California's expansive Central Valley. With a 2007 estimated population of 460,242, it is the seventh-largest...
office. (These procedures are in place to inhibit fraudulent registration of ICE vehicles as Electric in order to avoid smog inspections.) If the computer terminals are not operated in a coordinated manner the registration propulsion code will default to "Q" (
hybrid vehicleA hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles , which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.-Power:...
) which is
not exempt from smog inspection and the conversion will always fail such an inspection. Unfortunately, once the computer has defaulted to the "Q" code it is necessary to re-engage the Smog Referee to obtain a new prospective "E" code. The ability to successfully register as an electric vehicle is highly dependent upon the cooperation of the staff at the local office, their experience with registering electric vehicles, their ability to coordinate with Sacramento, and their interest in assisting you. Some offices will be much more accommodating than others. Multiple trips to the DMV office and the Referee are typically required.
Since no fuel or recharging taxes are collected the revenue that would otherwise be lost to the state is made up for with a substantial weight fee specific to electric vehicles
registered for commercial use (no weight charges are added for noncommercial vehicles). While light ICE vehicles are taxed on a refined and progressive grading scheme, electric vehicles with commercial licenses are grouped into only a few broad categories, with the result that even a modest and lightweight commercially registered EV will pay the same tax as will a much heaver (up to 6000 lbs) EV. If an open-bed pickup truck (as opposed to a panel truck) is converted, the only way to register it as a non-commercial vehicle (and so avoid the weight fees) is to
permanently install a
camper shellA camper shell, sometimes known as a topper or cap, is a small housing or rigid canopy used as a pickup truck accessory. The housing is usually made of fiberglass or aluminum, and is mounted atop the pickup truck's rear bed. It generally covers the entirety of the pickup truck bed, and is large...
(not a bed cover), which need not project above the truck cab nor include any other "camping" equipment. (This can be inconvenient if access to an in-bed battery box is required.) In California, one advantage of a commercial license is the ability to park in yellow zones, but only for short term pick-up and delivery.
See also
- Aftermarket kit
- Car tuning
Car tuning is both an industry and a hobby, in which an automobile, motor bike, scooter or moped is modified in order to improve its performance, handling and looks and improve the owner's driving style...
- Coachbuilder
A coachbuilder is a manufacturer of bodies for carriages or automobiles.The trade dates back several centuries. Rippon was active in the time of Queen Elizabeth I, Barker founded in 1710 by an officer in Queen Anne's Guards, Brewster a relative newcomer , formed in 1810. Others included Hooper, H. J...
- eCars-Now!
- Electric car
An electric car is an alternative fuel automobile that uses electric motors and motor controllers for propulsion, in place of more common propulsion methods such as the internal combustion engine . Electric cars are a specifically a variety of electric vehicle intended for use as a road-going...
- Engine swap
An engine swap is the process of removing a car's engine and replacing it with another. This is done either because of failure, or to install a different engine, usually one that is more powerful or more modern and maintainable....
- Frame (vehicle)
A frame is the main structure of an automobile chassis. All other components fasten to it.-C-shape:By far the most common, the C-rail has been used on nearly every type of vehicle at one time or another...
- Gas guzzler
- Green tuning
Green tuning refers to the modifying of vehicles to use initial or deeper alternative propulsion.-Types of tuning:...
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
A Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin , also known as a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin , is a specified document certifying the country of origin of the merchandise required by certain foreign countries for tariff purposes, it sometimes requires the signature of the consul of the country to...
(MCO)
- Michelin Active Wheel
- Powertrain
In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, driveshafts, differentials, and the final drive...
- Plug-in hybrid
- SEMA
Specialty Equipment Market Association of the automobile aftermarket was formed in 1963 by Roy Richter, Ed Iskenderian, Willie Garner, Bob Hedman, John Bartlett, Phil Weiand, Jr., Al Segal, Dean Moon, and Vic Edelbrock, Jr...
- Vehicle glider
A vehicle glider is a vehicle without powertrain . It is generally a brand new car, but a second-hand car can also be used.-Glider kit:...
- Venture capital
Venture capital is a type of private equity capital typically provided for early-stage, high-potential, growth companies in the interest of generating a return through an eventual realization event such as an IPO or trade sale of the company...
External links