7th October 2022
Electric cars have transformed the automotive industry in recent years and they have skyrocketed in popularity. However, for many, Electric vehicles (EV) still have a long way to go until they are affordable as prices average at about £44,000.
The steep cost of investing in a new electric vehicle has influenced some to convert their petrol car to electric. This guide, will explain everything you need to know about converting your petrol car to electric.
There are various options if you want to convert your car from petrol to electric. You can purchase ready-made kits or go down the DIY route. Using a ready-made kit would be the easier option, but to upgrade your vehicle from petrol to electric, you’ll need to have good knowledge and experience in dealing with high-voltage electrics and good mechanical knowledge. Otherwise, our recommended option is to take your vehicle to an EV conversion company.
There is a wide range of benefits to owning an electric vehicle. Not only can converting a vehicle to electric have better green credentials, it can also save you money in the long run, as electric vehicles are cheaper to run. Some of the benefits include:
The process of converting your petrol vehicle starts with removing components such as;
Once these elements are removed, they can be replaced with a battery and an electric motor. It’s important that the weight of the vehicle does not exceed the VIN plate, this is to ensure that if you crash, the safety of the vehicle is not compromised.
There are three options for converting your car from petrol to electric, these are:
Finally, when the vehicle is converted, you’ll need to make sure it’s registered on the Gov website and a new MOT will need to be issued. You’ll also need to contact your insurance company to let them know your vehicle has been converted.
The cost of converting your electric vehicle varies between £5,000 to well over £35,000, depending on which option you choose and the model of your car. The cheapest option is to DIY the conversion yourself. EV kits can vary in price between £5,000-£35,000. And finally, taking your vehicle to an EV expert will be the most expensive option, with prices starting at £15,000.
Although taking your vehicle to be converted by an EV specialist is undoubtedly the most expensive option, you’ll benefit from a higher resale value for your vehicle and the work is more likely to have a guarantee.
While electric vehicles don’t have as many parts as their petrol counterparts, they still need regular servicing and maintenance. Here at Merityre, we are fully equipped to service and MOT electric vehicles. Whether you have a conventional car or an electric vehicle Merityre can help with servicing, MOT’s, tyres and more so find your local branch today!