Guide for Small EV Conversions?

by Jeff Ray
(Hawaii)



Is there a guide to converting a small car to electric, and a complete parts list of the needed hardware? I want to learn how, but I need help to know how. What is the best motor, what are the parts needed?

Hi, Jeff!

Sure. Look around the "recommended reading" list over there and you'll find a conversion manual or two that I recommend. As for a parts list? Paul Holmes converted his VW Bug to electric for $2200, and included this parts list when he gave us an interview. You might find it helpful in your project, also.

As for the best motor?

The "best" motor is the one that matches your requirements most closely for the least amount of money. Right? So do you want to lay a trail of rubber on the pavement at each stoplight? Do you want a commuter workhorse? Are you the type to conserve your battery range and drive like a girl?

You can read what I think about the most popular electric car motors here. Your mileage may vary, of course; )

Regards,
Lynne

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"Build Your Own Electric Vehicle" truck

by Joe Draper
(Chagrin Falls, Ohio)

Build Your Own Electric Vehicle - the Old Version

Build Your Own Electric Vehicle - the Old Version

Does anybody know what the make is of the car that is on the front cover of his book?


Hi, Joe -
That's a Ford Ranger. (Isn't it?)

Regards,
Lynne


P.S. You can read my review of "Build Your Own Electric Vehicle" here (and even order your very own copy if you like). It's still just about the best conversion manual you can get. The author has since passed away, but a new edition of the book has been written by Seth Leitman, and I think it's quite a bit better than the original.

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Need an "Electric Car Conversion" Manual

by Jerry Wild
(Calgary)

Electric Car Conversion on a Ford F150?

Electric Car Conversion on a Ford F150?

I have a small delivery company and wanna try to convert one of our trucks, a 1997 Ford F150, into an electric truck. I have a list of what I need, but need a how-to manual if any such thing is available.


Hi, Jerry!
Check out my "conversion books" page.
There are two classic electric car conversion manuals I think you'll particularly like: "Build Your Own Electric Vehicle" and "Convert It".

Toward the bottom of the page is a downloadable step-by-step e-book (PDF) called "Electric Vehicle Conversions" which covers converting a Chevy S-10 pickup using a kit from Canadian Electric Vehicles.

Best of luck, Jerry!

Regards,
Lynne

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Build Your Own Electric Car

by G.B.
(Oregon)

Build Your Own: An Electric Car Conversion Classic

Build Your Own: An Electric Car Conversion Classic

My son-in-law converted an 88 Toyota pickup a few years back, and he used a book called "Build Your Own Electric Car". I've been looking for it, and can't find it. Is it out of print?

Hi, G.B. -
You're talking about "Build Your Own Electric Vehicle", a conversion classic by Bob Brandt. It's still in print, still widely available, and still the best-selling conversion book out there. Seth Leitman has just written a new edition, and it's even better than the original; )

Regards,
Lynne


P.S. Learn more about building your own electric car by reading my article here.

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