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. 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):
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 for 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 that 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—this is possible? Is it legal? If yes, how do you go about the 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
- 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.
Benefits of electric vehicles
Some benefits of electric vehicles include:
Fuel prices have been rising and do not appear to be going down any time soon. With an electric vehicle, you may stop buying petrol or diesel to refuel your vehicle, thus saving money
Air quality remains unaffected and air pollution is reduced by electric cars. These vehicles generate less noise pollution as well.
Most electric vehicles come equipped with this technology. In this, every time the vehicle applies a brake, the electric generator of the vehicle generates electricity and recharges the battery.
In the event of an accident, electric cars are less likely to sustain significant damage. This can be ascribed to their lightweight design.
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
While EVs are generally great, they too have certain limitations:
Covers less distance
The mileage offered by electric vehicles is relatively lower than that of those 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 expansive 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:
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Features
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Hybrid Cars
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Electric Cars
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Source of power
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Electricity as well as Petrol and Diesel
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DC Electricity using Battery Pack
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Engine type
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Electric Motor and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
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Electric Motor
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Efficiency of fuel
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Dependent on ICE and Battery Range
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Dependent Lon Battery Range
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Level of emissions
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Higher than Electric Cars
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Lower than ICE cars and hybrid cars
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Charging requirement
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Not needed
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Needed
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Price
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Similar to usual ICE cars
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Higher than both ICE vehicles and hybrid vehicles
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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 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.
No matter the type of car you have, don’t forget to secure yourself, your vehicle & your finances with adequate car insurance.
Things to know before converting to electric vehicles
Before making the switch, consider the following:
- Legal approval: Only use RTO-approved kits and certified garages.
- Battery quality: Opt for lithium-ion batteries for better performance and longevity.
- Warranty and support: Check for warranties on electric kits and after-sales support.
- Insurance update: Inform your insurer and update your car insurance policy post-retrofit.
- Charging options: Make sure you have access to a reliable home charging setup or public charging network.
Frequently asked questions about converting your petrol and diesel car into an electric vehicle
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 vehicle into an electric one is a smart way in which you align with the government’s goals of making green energy more popular.
While the initial cost and infrastructure might seem challenging, the long-term benefits—financial and environmental—are significant. Before shifting to EV, ensure you are informed about the technical, legal and insurance factors, especially updating your comprehensive car insurance and car insurance policy for the new electric setup. With careful planning, your transition to green mobility can be smooth and rewarding.
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