Planning to convert a petrol car to an electric one? Here’s what you need to know
Planning to convert a petrol car to an electric one? Here’s what you need to know
Published on July 12, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes
Though not a new concept, the effects of global warming are spreading and increasing more than ever before. It is the duty of every individual to take all the possible steps from their end to contribute to curbing the effects of climate change. One of the major contributors to global warming is the emission from motor vehicles. Petrol and diesel vehicles are constantly adding to levels of climate alterations and so, sustainable alternatives need to be introduced.
With the introduction of electric vehicles, people are now becoming more aware and conscious of doing their bit for the environment. Quite a few are looking forward to converting petrol cars to electric. It can be a huge difference in the way motor vehicles are being managed and run. Are you too willing to take a step forward and reduce the effects of vehicles on the environment? In this article, we will discuss how to convert a petrol car to electric.
Types of electric vehicles
Thankfully today, there are not one but three different types of electric vehicles for you to choose from. You are no longer limited to one variant. Let us have a quick look at the types of electric vehicles:
1. BEV
The abbreviation stands for Battery Electric Vehicles. DC level 3 chargers are used to charge the battery of such vehicles. Since the vehicle does not produce any air, it is highly environment-friendly. Many leading companies like Tesla have incorporated such models.
2. PHEV
It stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles. PHEV types of vehicles run on regenerative braking systems and plug the battery into a source of power so that it stays powered and connected. One of the best examples of such vehicles can be BMW, Mercedes and Porsche.
3. HEV
HEV stands for Hybrid Electric Vehicles. As the name suggests, it runs on a hybrid engine. Vehicles with HEV start the system on battery and as the speed increases, the engine shifts to the gas. Some popular companies using hybrid electric vehicles are Honda and Toyota.
Retrofitting a car with an electric kit
Retrofication of a petrol/diesel car is done by replacing the petrol/engine fuel tank with an electric motor. This retrofication turns an existing petrol/diesel car into an electric vehicle. Retrofitting is legal in India and so, you not only convert your vehicle's system but also upgrade it. This is because the life span is also expected to increase and the vehicle also gets better power than before.
Even old cars can be replaced with an electric battery. All you have to do is take it to your vehicle's company and they will do the needful. You will have to purchase an EV (Electric Vehicle) Kit and then it can be replaced.
Benefits of electric vehicles
The benefits of electric vehicles are quite popular nowadays. It is widely accepted that electric vehicles are a better replacement for traditional petrol/diesel vehicles to a great extent. Let us look at the various benefits that you can enjoy with an electric vehicle:
1. Save on sky-touching fuel prices
The prices of diesel and petrol are sky-touching and there is barely any scope of them decreasing in the near future. So, rather than paying a high price for petrol or diesel endlessly, it would be a better idea to switch to an electric vehicle.
2. A model with less maintenance
The complexity of EV engines is far less as compared to fossil-fuel engines. Because the system relies heavily on electric batteries, the overall design of the engine is not so complex. It eventually leads to the cars being low on maintenance and thus, saving you heavy expenses.
3. An environment-friendly alternative
The reason why petrol/diesel vehicles impact the environment is the emission of fuel. But this is not the case with an electric vehicle. Since it does not release gas and fuel emissions, it is more of an environment-friendly option.
4. The future of the world
The popularity of electric vehicles is not a hidden fact and most people are looking forward to it. Car companies are introducing new models of EV vehicles leading to their further increase in use.
5. An affordable alternative
EVs not only help you save on fuel costs but also on the cost of old as well as new car insurance. Electric car insurance offers several benefits that can be very useful when you make a claim.
6. A safer alternative
Compared to heavily constructed vehicles, electric vehicles are light. Hence, the scope of damages to the vehicle is also less in comparison and increased safety.
Disadvantages of Driving an electric vehicle
Every new technology has its own pros and cons and electric vehicles are no exception to this. Here are a few disadvantages of electric vehicles that you must be aware of:
1. Reliance on lithium
The batteries fitted in EV cars heavily rely on lithium. Since lithium is not found in all the countries of the world, it may be a costly affair in the coming future.
2. An expensive item
Electric vehicles are expensive in comparison to petrol/diesel cars. Also, when you switch your old car to a battery-run car, the EV kit costs you a hefty amount.
3. Only for short-trips
EV cars are not yet equipped with batteries that can go for a long trip. Usually, the limit is around 150 to 250 kilometres. So, people may not be always able to go for a long-distance trip without having to stop for charging.
4. Production emission
During the production process of an EV vehicle, the metals are exhaustively refined to make it perfect for the vehicle. The refining process produces a huge amount of CO2. However, once produced, diesel and petrol cars keep emitting pollution on the road but not EV cars.
5. Lack of charging points
Since EV vehicles are still in the emerging phase, you may not be able to easily find EV car charging points, especially in small/ rural towns. Hence, it may cause hindrances in your long-distance commutation.
Things to know before converting to electric vehicles
If you have an existing petrol/diesel car and want to convert it to an electric model, you must know all about it before you convert petrol car to electric. There are a few things that you know about electric vehicles, like:
1. The price
Switching your existing car to an electric one costs you a good amount. It may go up to INR 3-5 lakhs. So, make sure it is under your budget.
2. Charging points in your area
Just like you need to fuel up a petrol or diesel car, EV cars need to be recharged. So, make sure you have a quick source of power to recharge the battery of your vehicle.
3. Commutation distance
If you are someone who prefers travelling far away distances in a car, EV cars may not be an option for you. This is because the battery of EV cars is limited to shorter distances travelling and is more suitable for city rides.
4. Check your vehicle
Not all vehicles are eligible for retrofication. So, you first need to get your car verified if or not it is fit for retrofication. If not, you may choose to purchase a new EV car after a while.
5. Electric car insurance
If you are buying a new EV or are opting for retrofication, make sure to discuss the same with your electric car insurance provider. You’ll have to inform the insurer about the modifications and buy specific insurance for the EV.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles are a major part of the future of the world. Also, to control the rising level of greenhouse emissions, it is very important to look for fuel alternatives to cut its impact on nature. For this, you may either purchase a new EV car and get new car insurance or go for retrofication of your existing fuel-based vehicle and modify your existing car insurance.
Disclaimer : The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales
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