Build an Electric Car – Build Your Own Electric Car in 5 Easy Steps
Many have tried and testified how easy it is to build your own electric car. Electric car enthusiasts who succeeded with their projects were thrilled with the speed their battery-powered car can go. Along with this satisfaction is the happy knowledge of the saved gas money they are able to add to their savings.
With the advent of technology, information about this fast growing hobby is getting more and more accessible. Forums sharing ideas and expertise on this matter, as well as blog sites dedicated to personal experiences during the blogger’s electric car conversion, are widely available in the internet. Also, there are a number of companies willing to do the conversion of a regular car to an electric one for a reasonable price.
But nothing compares to the thrill of doing it yourself. Here are 5 easy steps to take to build your own electric car:
1. Decide on the vehicle type.
Deciding on the vehicle type is the first thing you need to do because all your decisions regarding the mechanical parts will center on the type of car you decide to have.
Consider the following factors:
a. Mileage: How far do I travel daily? How much battery life will I need to maintain to keep up with my travel needs?
b. Space: Is there enough space for me, my passengers, and other things I might need to bring? Is there enough space for the battery? (Remember, your electric car will be powered by batteries, not by gasoline / diesel.)
Keep in mind also these general rules when it comes to picking the right vehicle:
o As much as possible, look for vehicles that are lightweight and with enough space inside.
o Avoid vehicles that are over 10 years old to ensure longer and better working condition.
o Try to stick to vehicles that have parts which can be easily found in the market or can be swapped with others. Old vehicles, as well as new and exotic ones, may be harder to convert into electric cars because of the difficulty of finding compatible parts.
2. Search for parts.
You can either hunt for the parts you’ll need yourself or you can buy a conversion kit. A conversion kit contains most of the mechanical parts you’ll need for your electric car. You can either order a set package or you can contact the supplier, give your vehicle specifications, and they’ll advice you on the kit that will be best suited for your conversion.
It is advisable to keep a plan during this part of the process so you can track your dealings with suppliers and also to achieve your estimated timeframe for your car conversion. Especially when dealing with shipping where delays may possibly happen, a schedule is recommended. Having a plan for your search process will help you be better aware of everything that’s going on in your project.
3. Remove old parts.
Remove old parts after you have the parts you’ll need to transform your regular car into electric, or at least while waiting for the parts to arrive.
This is one of the importance of having a schedule: you have an estimated time of arrival for the new parts, thus making you aware of the best time to remove the old ones. You wouldn’t want to be left hanging in the middle of your project, especially if the delay in shipping becomes too long a wait.
4. Clean the vehicle.
Wash the car seats; scrub out all the stains; wash the carpet; clean out all the grease and grime. This part also includes repainting, reupholstering, or any changes you may want to do to achieve the right look for your new electric car.
5. Install new parts.
After the vehicle has been cleaned out and washed, it is now ready for its new parts. Wiring of the cables; installing the batteries, motors, engine – these may all sound very technical especially for beginners. It is advisable to ask for help from someone who has sufficient knowledge about cars and how they work. If you don’t know of anyone who can help you, try to browse online – there are guides for sale which can help you in your conversion process. You can also ask your conversion kit dealer to include a manual in the kit, if they haven’t included it already.
