What Do You Need to Convert a Car to Electric?

While there aren't many automobile manufacturers building all-electric vehicles, a gasoline vehicle can be converted to electric with some basic mechanical skills and the right parts. One of the benefits of building your own electric car is you can customize the vehicle to give it the speed and range capabilities you need.

Donor Car

When converting a gasoline-powered vehicle to electric, find one that has a blown engine or major engine trouble, but is in otherwise good condition. Geo Metros are especially popular for this type of project because they are inexpensive, lightweight vehicles.

Electric Motor

Find an electric motor that best suits the vehicle you've selected. If you're on a tight budget, try to find an old electric forklift because those electric motors are easily adapted for a car.

Batteries

Batteries range from cheaper lead-acid versions to more expensive lithium-ion batteries.

Controller

The controller works the same way a throttle does in an gasoline vehicle and regulates speed.

Battery Charger

A battery-charging system makes it easy just to plug in one cord to make sure all the batteries in the pack are equally charged.