Towards a Zero-Carbon Future: All About Electric Car Conversion
- More About EV Conversion
- How It Works
- Industrial Transformation
- Pros and Cons
- Regulations in the UAE
- FAQs
In the wake of reducing carbon footprint, the automotive industry is slowly driving away from conventional fuel sources. Many of the newer mobility technologies are designed with a focus on sustainability. Alternative energy sources are in the phase of testing and deployment. Amid all these progressive developments, electric vehicles are gaining a lot of traction. With no carbon emissions, the scope of electric cars hints at a carbon-neutral future. Besides newer models, car enthusiasts around the world are converting classic petrol and diesel-powered vehicles into EVs. The phenomenon is known as electric car conversion. Let’s explore more about what EV conversion is and how it works.
Understanding More About Electric Car Conversion Process
The presence of the different types of EVs reflects the advancement of automotive engineering in the 21st century. The capabilities of technology know no bounds and it is evident by the phenomenon of electric vehicle conversion. A mechanical component replacement process that can convert any petrol-powered vehicle into an electric car.
How Does EV Conversion Work?
The environmental impact of an electric vehicle vs a petrol car is substantially low. This is why the trend of EV conversion is gaining momentum. The process involves the replacement of different mechanical components. For instance, all the car engine parts are removed and replaced by an electric motor and batteries.
EV Conversion: From a Mere Hobby to a Fully-Fledged Industry
In the US, the concept of electric vehicle conversion became popular back in the 1970s. Initially, the trend of EV conversion was common among hobbyists and affluent car collectors. However, in recent years, it has turned into a global phenomenon.
With the growing popularity of electric cars in the UAE, EV conversion has become an emerging trend in the region. Some workshops get a petrol or diesel-powered vehicle converted into an EV. Plus, ready-to-install EV conversion kits are also in the works.
Using advanced conversion technologies regular cars can be converted into a hybrid or an electric vehicle. Moreover, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of electric car conversion before proceeding.
Pros and Cons of the EV Conversion Process
There are many advantages and disadvantages of electric cars. However, the pros often outweigh the cons. Similar is the case of an electric car conversion mechanism, but we’ll take a look at both upsides and downsides.
Electric Car Conversion Pros
Cost Cutting
Among the noteworthy electric vehicle conversion pros is cost saving. As EVs involve less mechanical and moving parts, it requires considerably less maintenance than a regular car. This means switching to an EV can help a motorist reduce car ownership costs.
Environmental Benefits
Since fully electric vehicles run on electric motors, they do not produce harmful gases that impact the environment. Converting a petrol car into an EV, car owners can reduce their carbon footprint. Besides, if EV conversion isn’t a plausible solution yet, pick from these upcoming electric cars in the UAE.
Extended Car Life
EV conversion is something that goes beyond all the classic car maintenance tips. By giving the car a new electric motor and batteries, a car owner gives it a new lease of life. Plus, the instant torque and acceleration are among some noteworthy benefits of it.
Electric Car Conversion Cons
Costly
The trend of EV conversion is still limited; when the technology is uncommon, it is naturally expensive. A spokesperson from FUSE, a UAE-based EV conversion company quoted an estimated cost for a small-scale conversion. According to them, a small car can be converted into an EV with a limited range of around AED 40,000 to AED 50,000. This is how much it currently costs to build a project car in the UAE with EV conversion kits.
Range Anxiety
Those who drive petrol-powered vehicles don’t have to worry about their car battery running out on the way. However, electric range anxiety is one of the noteworthy electric car conversion cons. It becomes even more concerning for people who frequently take long-distance trips. There are EV range extenders available that can add some extra kilometres to the EV trip. That said, going for such a solution means putting back a small combustion engine in a vehicle.
Charging
Charging takes longer than refilling a tank, which could be done in a few minutes. However, there are Tesla Destination Chargers across the UAE that offer the facility of supercharger. Still, a supercharger may charge as fast as 15 minutes. Moreover, when taking an electric-converted car for longer trips, motorists may need to carry a mobile EV charger. These portable chargers are usually large and heavy, eating up substantial boot space.
EV Car Conversion Regulations in the UAE
The framework for the registration of EV-converted vehicles is in the works. FUSE, a privately-owned EV conversion company is in talks with the concerned governing body for EV conversion regulations. That said, the necessary UAE laws and regulations for EVs are already in place.
FAQs
Can any car be converted into an EV?
Yes. The trend of electric vehicle conversion is on the rise. In the conversion process, a conventional engine is replaced by an electric motor and batteries in a vehicle. Besides, here are some noteworthy things to consider before switching to an EV and bidding farewell to the petrol or diesel car.
How much does electric vehicle conversion cost in the UAE?
The process of electric vehicle conversion starts at around AED 40,000 to AED 50,000. According to the UAE-based EV conversion company FUSE, it’s the cost of converting a small, limited EV-capacity car. Besides, there are other hidden costs for EV owners in the UAE.
Can a converted electric car be registered in the UAE?
As the EV industry is young in the UAE, the framework for converted EVs is currently in the works. The authority weighs on commercial feasibility and practicality, among other noteworthy factors before giving necessary approvals.
Similar is the case for solar cars. Despite the sustainable concept they propose, there are several factors behind the commercial unavailability of solar-powered vehicles.
This was everything to know about the trend of electric vehicle conversion. When it comes to transportation and mobility, the GCC region is eyeing a sustainable future. The recently held MENA EV Show 2023 has reflected the region’s progressive perception and scope towards advanced mobility.
Moreover, the available used cars for sale in the UAE also offer an eclectic mix of regular cars, hybrids and EVs.
If you want more updates on electric car conversion working and process, keep following the dubizzle auto blog.