Electric vehicles are the future. In India, EV sales are rising. And with the various tax benefits that the Indian government is offering, more and more people are getting inclined towards buying an EV as their next car.

However, if you are someone who is wondering – how can I convert my existing car to electric, then this article is for you.

But before you read ahead, check your car insurance policy to see if your policy may get void due to this conversion. *

Conventional automobile conversion to an electric car

Even though it’s rare, we can turn a regular car into an all-electric vehicle (EV), a Plug-in Hybrid Electric car (PHEV), or a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).

The primary differentiation point between Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and Electric Vehicles is their power source. A gasoline engine, as well as an electric motor, is what powers hybrid cars and they function based on automatic balance. Here, the car switches between the fuel and electric modes for optimal performance.

Just like Hybrid cars, Plug-in Hybrid cars have both engines. However, they come with an option of plugging them in for charging. A fully electric car can only be charged by plugging into a wall outlet installed at your home or a charging station.

An HEV could be capable of being upgraded into a PHEV or an EV. These changes give people more choices than the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can offer.

Certified installers can affordably convert heavy-duty vehicles to run only on electricity, or these installers can improve traditional vehicle designs to work more efficiently. *

Conversions to a battery-powered all-electric vehicle (EV)

A company that specialises in performing conversion to electric cars can convert a vehicle with an internal combustion engine to an electric vehicle by removing the engine and installing a pack of batteries, one or more electric motors, high-voltage connections, and instrumentation. They would pay careful attention to the available space for packaging additional batteries and motors, as well as the ability of the original chassis to sustain the additional weight and positioning of these components while still passing emissions and crashworthiness standards. *

Just so you know, electric vehicle insurance helps protect the car, including the batteries.

Conversions to Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

It can be possible to transform HEVs into PHEVs by installing larger batteries and onboard charging infrastructure in the vehicle. When the auxiliary battery is depleted, certain converted automobiles can obtain a range of gasoline-equivalent vehicles. After this point, the vehicle functions similarly to that of an HEV. Conversions may, in some instances, render the original manufacturer’s warranty null and void. *

Conversions to Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Converting a conventional vehicle into a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) can be an appealing choice for fleets who want to improve their fuel economy and cut emissions.

Some businesses specialise in converting fleet vehicles that are already in use. Suppose a hybrid system is going to be installed on an existing vehicle. In that case, that vehicle needs to have enough payload capacity to accommodate the additional weight and space needed for the hybrid system components. This can only be done if the existing vehicle meets certain conditions. *

Just like in the case of PHEVs, conversions to HEVs may, in some instances, render the vehicle manufacturing warranty null and void. *

Whether traditional or electric, every car running on Indian roads must have car insurance.

It might be noted that electric car repairs would be expensive owing to the relatively new technology and so you should consider buying a comprehensive electric car insurance policy for your battery-operated vehicle. *

* Standard T&C Apply

‘Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. ‘