How to Convert Gasoline Cars to Electric
America's century long love affair with the automobile, and in turn with the internal combustion engine, has led to a dependence and depletion of crude oil, increased greenhouse gas emissions, as well as costing the average motorist a fortune for fuel.To alleviate these ills, many motorists look to hybrid or battery-powered engines, even to the extreme of converting gasoline-powered automobiles to electric. Electric conversion kits are becoming more popular, particularly in the United States, where auto manufacturers have been steps behind in embracing hybrid technology. Converting a gasoline-powered car into an electrically powered vehicle involves a sizable initial investment that will pay for itself over the course of a few years, and help the environment as well.
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Instructions
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Remove internal combustion engine. In some instances, manufacturers install a gasoline-powered generator in its place that helps recharge batteries between charges. Hybrid vehicles rely on recharging batteries with energy generated from the braking mechanism in combination with gasoline for power. Therefore, hybrid emissions and fuel costs decrease without being completely eliminated. Electric conversion kits that rely completely on electrical power eliminate all fuel costs.
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Install steel adapter plates. Electric motors are mounted on steel adapter plates that require strength and durability other materials, such as aluminum, cannot offer. The plates must endure the high stress of motor acceleration.
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Select electric motors. Converting a front, rear, or four-wheel-drive vehicle requires installing the appropriate number of electric motors to the drivetrain. Cars will either require two or four motors to power the vehicle and utilize the existing transmission. All motors will connect to a single battery-powered controller.
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Choose batteries. Less expensive batteries are problematic because they require replacement every three to four years and their size and weight can be difficult for a drivetrain to handle. While lithium batteries incur a larger initial investment --- around $12,000 --- they also offer a longer lifespan along with a much more efficient size and weight. All-wheel-drive vehicles that require four motors will need two batteries to power the drivetrain.
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Tips & Warnings
Though initial costs of converting gas-powered vehicles to electric often rival the initial cost of the vehicle itself, federal tax credits can recoup up to 10 percent of the cost. States such as California offer discounts on electricity used to power electric-powered vehicles.
It 's important to note that converting a gas engine to electric means you will be replacing fuel costs with electricity bills. Weighing the difference, as well as finding ways to use electricity efficiently, can be essential in optimizing economic benefits of electric car ownership.
References
- Photo Credit gas or electric image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com
