At Make Mine Electric we have a passion for using modern electric vehicle technology to update your vintage, classic, or antique car into an efficient, cleaner, cooler ride while preserving its unique style.
Take a WorkshopWhen converting a gas-powered car to electric, there are parts and systems that have to be removed, or integrated, into the new EV system.
Great care must be taken to keep the converted vehicle in compliance with the gross vehicle weight. Modification of the brakes and suspension are also required to keep the driver and passengers safe.
Mechanical and electrical experience is required, which is why most people hire a professional EV technician to handle the conversion for them.
Any car can be converted. It's a function of driving requirements vs. investment. In general, it is nearly always more economical to purchase a modern electric car with all the creature comforts and technology available. But, what's the fun in that?
Ecologically and emotionally converting or re-purposing an existing vehicle is a sound decision. It takes a tremendous amount of energy to produce an automobile. If the shell is in good condition, then converting it is environmentally net positive.
So, what are the best cars to convert? It's a personal preference. Just remember that you will be driving it for a long time, so choose wisely.
Converting a car to EV ranges in cost depending on the condition of the vehicle, whether you're doing it yourself, or hiring a professional.
One of the major costs of converting or purchasing an EV is the Traction Pack, or battery. To put this in perspective, consider that you are purchasing 80-90% of your fuel costs in advance. Instead of going to the gas station every week or two and spending $50-$150 on gas, you'll plug in every day or two and spend a few dollars on electricity.
It depends! At Make Mine Electric we have trained many DIYers and it typically takes them 200-400 hours. If they work every Saturday, that's 25-50 Saturdays, or 6-12 months. YIKES!
Experienced EV Conversion Professionals will spend half that time on a car model for which they have already done the design and integration work. For a car they've never converted, add 15-20% more time.
Take a workshop to learn how to convert your vehicle to electric or to add electric vehicle conversions to your existing business. Workshops are currently only held in Northern and Southern California.
