Convert Petrol & Diesel Car Into Electric Car

In the wake of rapidly changing environmental conditions, switching to sustainable alternatives is no more an option, but a necessity. Increased adoption of electric vehicles is one way to tackle the issue. However small a solution it may look, the collective effort can yield significant results.

A new vehicle buyer can always choose an electric vehicle over a traditional combustion engine vehicle. But, what about those who already have a petrol or diesel vehicle? If you are one of them, then this article is for you. You can still do your part in preserving the environment by choosing to convert petrol cars to electric cars. You can get a car insurance for your electric car. Here’s all you need to know about diesel or petrol to electric car conversion.

Types of electric vehicles

There are primarily three types of electric vehicles (EVs):

1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV):

These electric vehicles are charged using DC level 3 chargers. These are one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles. A prime example of BEV is Tesla X.

2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV):

These electric vehicles get power from both the plugging-to-power method as well as Regenerative Braking. Prime examples are Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes.

3. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV):

These types of electric vehicles initially start using electric power and then shift to gas as and when speed increases. There are many international fleets of HEVs manufactured by popular brands such as Toyota and Honda.

Retrofitting a car with an electric kit

While the need and significance of electric vehicles are well known, it is also true that electric vehicles are not easy on the pocket. However, today, we do have a sustainable alternative. Something which was not feasible a decade ago has become one of the most popular hacks of the vehicle industry—converting traditional fuel cars into electric cars.

Are you wondering—is this possible? Is it legal? If yes, how do you go about conversion of a petrol car to an electric car in India? Let us deal with these questions one by one.

• Yes, it is possible to convert your petrol or diesel-run vehicle into an electric vehicle.
• It is legal as authorities have made due changes in the Central Vehicle Motors Rule, 1989 to allow you to convert diesel cars to electric vehicles.
• The rule allows retrofitting traditional combustion engine vehicles with an electric core.
• Cars with retrofitted electric cores have an electric car conversion kit as well. This is to ensure the smooth functioning of the vehicle.
• With an electric core, erstwhile petrol or diesel-run vehicles can choose to power their vehicles using electric battery-operated systems.
• Retrofitting a petrol or diesel-run car with an electric kit will not only help restrict environmental pollution but also phase out or remodel old and unfit cars.
• As per the norms of the Central Vehicle Motors Rule, retrofitting can be graded into three categories: conversion into an electric vehicle for all types of vehicles, hybrid conversion for those weighing 3.5 tonnes, and for vehicles that weigh more than 3.5 tonnes.

Factors to consider before converting to EV

Here are a few things to keep in mind before converting your car to EV:

• Compatibility: All models of vehicles can not be converted into an EV. Assess the condition, age and structural integrity of your car.
• Legal Compliance: Ensure the conversion kit is ARAI-approved and the retrofitting is performed by authorised professionals.
• Insurance: Update your car insurance plan to reflect the modifications. Comprehensive car insurance is recommended to cover potential risks associated with the new electric setup.
• Performance Expectations: Understand that converted EVs may have different performance metrics compared to factory-built electric cars.

Benefits of electric vehicles

Some benefits of electric vehicles include:

• No use of fuel: Fuel prices have been rising and do not appear to be going down anytime soon. With an electric vehicle, you may stop buying petrol or diesel to refuel your vehicle, thus saving money.
• Environment-friendly: Air quality remains unaffected and air pollution is reduced by electric cars. These vehicles generate less noise pollution as well.
• Easy maintenance: An electric four-wheeler has fewer parts than a fuel-powered vehicle. The structure is relatively much simpler. As a result, maintaining such a vehicle is also less expensive.
• Regenerative braking: Most electric vehicles come equipped with this technology. In this, every time the vehicle applies the brakes, the electric generator of the vehicle generates electricity and recharges the battery.
• Safe: In the event of an accident, electric cars are less likely to sustain significant damage. This can be ascribed to their lightweight design.
• Sustainable: Electric vehicles are the future of the automobile industry. Getting used to electric vehicles is advantageous compared to using traditional fuel-run vehicles

Drawbacks of electric vehicles

• Covers less distance: The mileage offered by electric vehicles is relatively lower than that of cars that run on petrol or diesel.
• Expensive: This is one of the most evident concerns with electric vehicles that are available in the market today. All of them are high in cost.
• Lack of infrastructure: Sustainable and smooth use of electric vehicles requires significant and expensive infrastructure, in the sense that roads should have ample recharge stations. Such infrastructural backup is not yet available in India.
• Long recharge time: Electric vehicles need some prep time and in some cases, they can take significant time to get fully recharged.

How are hybrid vehicles different from electric vehicles?

Here are some major differences between hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles:

What is the cost of converting a petrol car into an electric car in India?

While there is no fixed cost chart for the conversion of petrol cars to electric cars in India, retrofitting electric cores can be an expensive process. The exact cost of to petrol-to-electric car conversion varies from kit to kit. Several competitive electric vehicle kit manufacturers and retailers offer retrofittable electric car conversion kits and electric engine cores. On average, these electric car conversion kits cost between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh.

FAQs

1. Is it possible to convert a petrol or diesel car into an electric car?

Yes, using retrofitting and an electric car conversion kit, a petrol or diesel car can be converted into an electric car.

2. Is changing car engines in India illegal?

To change car engines in India, you will first have to take permission for the same from your RTO. If the RTO approves, only then you can make the changes. Any other self-induced initiative to change car engines will be deemed illegal.

3. What is retrofitting?

Retrofitting is the process of converting your petrol or diesel-run car into an electric vehicle using an electric engine core and an electric car conversion kit. This involves changing or altering the original engine with a battery-operated engine and making other changes that are necessary to convert a petrol car to an electric one.

4. What is the average distance that can be covered by an electric car on one charge?

In general, an electric vehicle can cover a distance of 80 kilometres to 160 kilometres on one charge. High-end electric vehicles, like the one manufactured by Tesla, can run up to 320 kilometres on one charge.

5. How much does it cost to convert a petrol car into an electric car?

A fuel-run petrol or diesel car can be converted into an electric car by the means of retrofitting. On average, it costs between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 5 lakh.

6. How long does an EV take to get fully charged?

There is no standard answer to this query as the charging time for each vehicle will differ from company to company and model to model. Check the user manual of the vehicle or contact the vehicle dealer to know the answer.

7. How are electric vehicles better for the environment?

Unlike Internal Combustion Engine cars, electric vehicles do not run on fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel. The burning of these fuels causes major carbon emissions. Since electric vehicles run on electric motors and battery-source power, the carbon emissions stand significantly checked. Thus, electric vehicles help in restricting environmental pollution. Also, they produce less sound than the ICE car and help in checking noise pollution as well.

Conclusion

Converting your petrol or diesel car into an electric vehicle is a good option for those looking to shift to sustainable transportation, but do not want to purchase a new car. The initial cost of converting may seem a bit high, but in the long run, the reduced operational costs and environmental impact make it a decision that you will not regret. Ensure compliance with legal requirements, choose ARAI-approved kits and update your comprehensive car insurance to reflect the modifications. Not only does the type and coverage of your car insurance plan change, but the premiums change too. You may need to buy some add-ons or get a vehicle check conducted. Stay in touch with your insurance provider for any additional information during and after converting your car to an EV.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.