If you need electric car parts for your project, you may want to know the cost of these items. Costs may vary according to your electric car plans. If you intend to use a conversion kit, many parts will be included.
Kits may be the easiest way to build an EV, according to some experts. However, they do not include the electric car batteries. These can be purchased separately. KTA Services is one of several kit suppliers in the U.S. The cost of the conversion kits will vary. The most costly items in a small conversion kit would include motor parts in the range of approximately $3,000, a battery charger for about $1,100, a converter for $525 and miscellaneous parts for about another $400.
Not only is the battery not included in conversion kits, but other parts will also need to be purchased. The Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington D.C. built an electric car using a conversion kit. The costs they incurred for converting a car totaled $7,926. That price included the cost of the conversion kit, as well as other parts that were necessary. The cost of the car was not included in the total.
Some suppliers, such as EVolve Electrics, advertise parts and conversion kits online. They also provide them for converting trucks, motorcycles and boats. Their kits come with a manual that includes diagrams, spec sheets and installation walkthroughs, maintenance suggestions and a DVD on safety tips. A kit for a 72-volt car (using 6 volt batteries, sold separately) would total a cost of $3,491. They also offer a plug-in conversion for hybrids and there are no restrictions on the year, model or make of the vehicle. This particular kit provides a 10 mile electric-only range at a cost of $2,995 installed. They also have a 20 mile electric-only range selling for about $3,995 installed. Check out their PHEV FAQ page.
Prices vary and it may be a good idea to shop around. All prices mentioned above have been for new parts. However, used parts can be found from surplus catalogs, or within the EV community. Used electric car motors, transmissions and controllers may be found for a reasonable price by contacting suppliers and electric vehicle organizations. For Electric Vehicle classified ads, you could visit The EV TRadin' Post. They claim to be the "web's best place to buy or sell an electric car." They allow you to post wanted ads and deal in electric car, truck or EV parts. Another website that lists classified ads, including used electric vehicles and parts is evfinder.
Whatever your needs for an electric vehicle project, new and used parts and supplies are abundantly available. Prices will vary according to several factors. Researching, comparing and contrasting will get you the best available prices for the quality and value you are seeking.
Will an Electric Motor Car Conversion affect My Car Insurance?
Electric motor car conversion is still one of those areas where there is no hard and fast information regarding your car insurance information. It is quite possible that if you follow your state's instructions carefully, and buy from only recognized suppliers that you may find your car insurance premiums dipping. This is because you are going to be driving limited distances where there are currently some very good premium breaks. Further, if your car meets all of the federal and state safety requirements, you may find that your insurance company will give you a break to help encourage the movement toward electric cars.
Where can I Buy Discount Electronic Parts for EV Cars?
Generally, you may find discount electronic parts for EV cars if you look at any of the classified ad sections of eBay Motors, or of one of the other major suppliers such as JCWhitney or AutoZone. EV (electric vehicle) conversions usually require specialized motors and braking systems, along with specialized transmission systems and the like. You will probably find that unless you can find some major price breaks, EV conversions aren't the way to go at the moment. Unless you have lots of money, time and a free car to work with.
Is there a Fully Electric Pickup Truck on the Market Right Now?
With the exception of two Chevy Truck Hybrids, the Silverado Hybrid and the Tahoe Hybrid, there isn't a real electric pickup truck on the U.S. market today being offered for sale. It is likely that once the Chevy Volt appears later this year, (it's not a hybrid--even though it has an engine, the engine turns an alternator that keeps the battery charged,) this situation will likely change rapidly. It's also likely that Ford will be right in there with its own electric truck soon. It makes sense, especially if you look at vehicles such as the Ford Transport that are used as delivery trucks around town, as they never really run out of the 40-mile range many electrics offer right now.
Are Electric Vehicle Components Generally More or Less Expensive?
Of course, electric vehicle components will be expensive until there are many more of them on the road. It's a simple law of supply and demand. As long as the demand for electric vehicle conversion components is low, then those who are supplying them can pretty much charge what the market will bear. However, there will come a point - probably in the not too distant future, as commercial electrics become available, where these same dealers will suddenly find they are competing with companies all over the country or world. They will have to adjust their prices to compete.
Is a Gas to Electric Car Conversion Illegal in some States?
Gas to electric car conversion, while somewhat controlled in California, is generally welcomed across the country. Indeed, just researching this question, we could find no state, city or town that was not willing to work with you to help convert your gasoline car to an electric. Indeed, they want to be involved because not only do the states gain experience working with these types of conversions, they also gain experience overseeing what you are doing under the hood, and making changes and suggestions that may help speed approvals. As noted, California is the only state we have heard of that has any sort of law on the books regarding conversions, and it is only minimal, at that.
