Building an Electric Car

The Donor Car

When it comes to building an electric car, most people actually convert a regular gasoline engine car to run off an electric motor. They find cheap used cars to convert, and some will even get their donor cars from a junkyard. It is important to note that manual transmissions will give you more power and a better range because they have more gears than automatic transmissions. Once a donor car is obtained, the next step is to remove the engine and the fuel system.

The Motor and Charging System

Once the old engine and fuel system have been pulled out, it's time to put in the new electric motor and charging system. In order to run, the new engine will need a DC electric motor, a motor controller, a charger and voltmeter. Some cars can take as many as 50 12-volt batteries for power. Once the DC motor is in, it will need to be connected to the transmission.

Finishing Up

When the motor, batteries and charging system are in place, other systems will need to be converted over. Power brakes will need a vacuum system to operate. Windshield wipers, headlights, brake lights and all other accessories will need to be wired in. Keep in mind when building an electric car that every state has regulations that every vehicle must meet to be "street legal."