DIY Electric Conversions - The True Cost of Converting from Gas to Electric

[@brianemmis5715]

These days we are exposed to so many slick, glossy, hard sell presentations that range from the superficial to the downright dishonest. Your approach is a breath of fresh air which I applaud wholeheartedly. This comes from someone who had to work alongside advertising, marketing and PR companies for 40 years. What people want is information and facts not smoke and mirrors. You delivered the real thing!

[@ev4u]

Thank you very much for your comments.

[@grevberg]

I can't believe it! A informative sensible video without loud annoying music..

[@generollins7204]

At least you give us the true figures and the cost of everything involved in this conversion. Thank You Sir.

[@bigchadsmall]

You just crushed my dream of converting my vehicle to electric. Id like to thank you for that, i almost took a perfectly running vehicle and climbed into a project i would have NEVER finished. I now know what i need before i start and will be prepared when i do.

[@fartquad326]

Just saw your comment... I bought an old EV from the 1990s and put modern batteries into it for increased range. It was a huge project, and I didn't even have to install any motors or controllers since they were already installed. I can't imagine having to do it all from scratch.

[@999benhonda]

cost of not having to do oil, spark plug/wire, air filter and other maintanance? Priceless.

[@dysonspreybar4903]

24/7 carpool access

[@tempstep4058]

No smog tests

[@mattlikesbikes]

Or having to keep up with weather tuning my dual carbs.

[@rockroll9513]

Well, I know what I'm not going to build. It's nice to have somebody who breaks down actual costs instead of trying to sell you something that's too good to be true. Good video.

[@williampowers9966]

To some people these prices do seem "shocking", but that's the price range of a new car now. So if you think about it for the same price range of a new car, why not convert and never have a need to buy another gas vehicle that will go out of style in the next 7-10 years, assuming that the vehicle will last that long.

[@bertusviljoen4201]

Certainly with that sort of cost you want to install it on a worthwhile donor vehicle. Good to have the true cost and not some guestimate number.

[@roygardiner4002]

Excellent real World figures Richard, many thanks from England.

[@jonathandavies6862]

Roy Gardiner also from England love that it isn't just the states and that this has caught the interest of people all around the world. I'm 25 and this is start of something brilliant.

[@SolnaABDick]

Excellent description of the true cost of this process. Only makes sense if you want a unique vehicle or it is a hobby. As mentioned below a used Leaf is a better choice if you just want an electric vehicle. Thanks for your time in prepping this

[@deancary6676]

Excellent series of videos. Appreciate the detail put into your videos. Even if the viewer ends up simply buying a good second hand Nissan Leaf, you are helping people get used to the idea of abandoning fossil fuels and that's no bad thing, Thank you.

[@Wascott]

Thank you for doing this video. I have spent a year or so considering converting my uk car 1992 3 door Rover 216 GTI to electric one day. Slowly through occassional time on the internet I gradually got an idea on costs of certain parts but now having watched this I realise it's way out of my price range. I completely underestimated the cost by at least $13K with the kind of range I would need in the UK to be able to use it at weekends.

[@humansteaks]

What kinds of motors and batteries were you looking into? I assume the batteries are the expensive part.

[@marcbee1234]

@@humansteaks The price of the motor grabbed my attention.

[@rajaavadi04]

Dear sir, very informative and you are like a time traveller. With the present indian Market conditions i see that you are ahead by 4 years. Thanks for all. Hope to see more and more videos from you.

[@nazimrahman]

Thank you for fighting misinformation about gas to electric conversion.

[@R0JIBLANC0]

Thanks for the clear and educational video, no gimmicks

[@fly4doe2]

Great Video. Watched it on 2x speed and still got all the info. What an eye opener. Haven't checked his channel but additional videos in this vein would be Cost-Over-Time. or Net-Cost-Over-Time to own/operate converted vehicle for 3, 5 and 10 years. Net-Present-Value or Capital Budgeting targeted at businesses. Information about Tax Credits etc. Of course air pollution isn't the only pollution EVs help reduce. Noise levels will decline immensely in a progressively EV world with all those air intakes sucking day and night. Human stress levels will decline along with noise levels.

[@mihaisamaila7646]

Hello! First: Thank you for the very informative video, I wasn't expecting something like this to be on KZbin. Second: I absolutely HATE YT videos based on a whiteboard but yours was as interesting as a good action movie, you have a nice way of justifying things and overall keeping thing real - Congrats!

[@mikldude9376]

Very informative video sir , thank you ! i have an old Australian ford i have driven the hell out of that is 16 years old that i dearly am attached too , its getting a bit old and tired like me :) , the thought did cross my mind that i may be able to repower it with electricals somewhat cheaper rather than refresh the whole drive line etc , i see i was a tad ignorant of the materials and cost involved in converting . your video is an eye opener , many thanks .

[@garypriest1031]

thank you, they should start teaching this tomorrow in all high schools. awesome !

[@A7exandersca7es]

You look tired and overworked man! Stop working so hard, your a godsend sharing this info!

[@americanlife360]

Can you please share last prices of all required components to convert gas vehicle into electric and list of all updated components?

[@1971omi]

Thank you for your time and knowledge sharing true cost. I'm a dealer and can buy for example 2017 ford focus that they have approximately 100 miles or so in full charge with 60k around 6k at dealer car auction. It leaves all the hassle and conversion out and you don't have to reinvent the wheel.

[@ev4u]

What you say is true. However, a conversion is not about the money, it is about the car. So if you want a Ford Focus, you are in luck. If you want an electric classic, you will have to convert it.

[@DevilDog369]

I really appreciate the insight of all your experience and being real as to what it takes to build a DIY

[@tarabottogino]

Dear EV4U-CC, which is the very, very best battery pack on the market today in terms of range for a heavy duty truck, great video, thanks.

[@ev4u]

Can't help you with that. We specialize in vehicles under 5,000 pounds.

[@videomurln]

thank you for taking the time to share some real world numbers! Godspeed sir

[@mateusz1945]

does it make sense to buy old leaf for like 8k and move everything to nicer looking body of your project car?

[@ev4u]

It depends on your abilities and free time. Thanks for watching.

[@satibel]

an old electric car will have an older battery pack (thus less charge) on one hand, but if you can get your hands on one that has some non electric problems (suspension, brakes, went in a fender bender etc...) you might be able to find a pretty sweet deal, though you'd have to check if the battery is running properly, but 5k might be quite negotiable. as far as installation goes, it might be even easier than a diy, as you simply take all the parts off of the donor EV, and bring them to the project car, add a few couplings and drive away. but you might take more time to disassemble the EV than to simply assemble a kit. (I've been stuck on one bolt for a few hours multiple times.)

[@satibel]

also, with any conversion you should look at laws, because in some countries (F...rance) you can't have it street legal unless you spend an absurd amount of money (for France, that's half a million if you want to be able to make multiple vehicles, or 20k+ euros if you pay a prototype maker to look at your car and sign it.)

[@BrainSeepsOut]

You'll have to factor in if it's worth all the effort to then have an EV with already degraded batteries.

[@michaelramsey82]

It makes more sense to buy and old Leaf and just drive an old Leaf. For a conversion, trying to swap parts out of an existing car often isn't worth the problems and hassle. Better to just buy the parts you need.

[@lazygamer1116]

Wow that's like less than half of what new electric cars from reputable dealers cost, might as well convert. Great video

[@Housemouse7777]

God bless you bro. Thank you so much for your honesty and willing needs to share real figures

[@billmccaffrey1977]

Great to see someone providing a realistic cost for a conversion (parts only). Do you have a general number for labor? I ask this because half the people that start a project like this soon find themselves outside their comfort zone or capabilities and will have to hire someone to finish the project.

[@firstvr4]

I wonder if prices have came down substantially from a few years ago when this very informative video was made?

[@ev4u]

They have not. As a matter of fact, prices have gone up on most components.

[@dangr3957]

EV4U Custom Conversions Awesome video! I guess in the next 15-20 years this EV conversion will be a very profitable business, as many nostalgia and old timer owner will probably use this service so they can enjoy their car in the future! My question is roughly how much does it cost to convert a plug in hybrid? I just put my hands on a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2015 for as little as £7k (eBay auction) due to the lockdown. I would mind to pay some extra for making it a long range EV!

[@edsantos3019]

Richard, world class information you're a professional. No sugarcoating on this video I subscribed. By the end of the video I determined is cheaper to buy a used Tesla and hire you as my EV Tech.

[@cdurkinz]

Besides being very informative and interesting, your goatee is almost perfect.

[@boredbeingbored676]

thanks for all the great info.could you please do an updated video with current info?

[@ev4u]

It has been just over two years since we produced that video. No plans at this time for an updated video. However, I will give you a snap shot of the major components and the current prices. (May 2019) HPEVS AC-51 then $4,600. Now $4,850. CEV Adapter/Coupler then $825, Now $875. ElCon 2.5 kW Charger then $729, no change. 5 kW Charger then $1,600, Now $1,700. CALB 14.6 kWh Battery Pack then $5,940, Now $$6,820. 29.7 kWh Pack then $12,150, Now $12,950. Total cost of components listed here, then $25,115. Now $27,195. Price increase over the last two years, $2,080. Thanks for watching.

[@garrywagner7717]

I have a Ford leman Diesel in my boat. Would like to convert to a 300 hp electric . I think it is a perfect platform.

[@keranobrien1529]

That was excellent. I have a vw mk1 golf and would love to do this. Need to research roadworthiness and insurance implications. Im in the Republic of Ireland.

[@A_Litre_of_Farva]

Super informative, no-bs video, thanks so much!

[@smokingjoking]

I picked a floor scrubber with enough stuff to make a truck and 2 lawn mowers for $300 sold the old battery $110 I have $280 in it so far!

[@ronaldolomelino9562]

Thanks for the class. I live in Brasil and I intend to convert my wv bettle into a eletric car . i have alread a 16 hp DC . Do you have the whole project for this car? Thaks in advantage

[@ev4u]

[e-mail]

[@nicopamatian3843]

Hi do you have a complete video course and literatures? How much ?

[@ev4u]

www.EVWorkshops.com

[@dlittlester]

I thought I heard you mention Canadian Electric Vehicles. I've known Randy for years. Lost track of him since I retired, but as far as I know, he's still operating near to me here on Vancouver Island.

[@ev4u]

We ordered an Adapter/Coupler from CEV back in March, we're still waiting. According to their website the item is in stock and ships the next day. Well we know one thing for sure, they don't ship the next day. Thank you for watching.

[@lvtbus3167]

How would the numbers change for a 17 ton 35 ft diesel school bus conversion. Bus is empty, no seats, not a living camper or such as. 60 mile max range, 65 max speed. Blowing out $2000 a year on diesel fuel, 6 miles a gallon. Leaks a lot and thought about converting it instead of fixing all, doing good by the environment and kids. Thanks for the rather discouraging but detailed info. Also, what timeframe is needed to get this done?

[@ev4u]

Please direct questions to: [e-mail]

[@jdray]

I have a '65 Jeep Gladiator (4x4 pickup) I'd dearly love to convert someday, and this video is very helpful in establishing an idea of what it would cost to do that. I see in another comment that you specialize in sub-5,000 pound vehicles, and this truck's curb weight is around 6,600 pounds. That being said, does the ~$10,000 amount (using the larger value column) for everything but the motor and batteries apply to essentially any vehicle someone would want to convert?

[@ev4u]

Please address all questions or comments to [e-mail] Thank you for watching.

[@NestordelaZerda]

Can the battery containment be made of carbon fibre or fibreglass?

[@ev4u]

I don't know.

[@Pinakij]

Thank you...I'm going for sure

[@jpvill4th]

Since you are basing this on work that you have done can you project the cost in 2022?

[@ev4u]

We keep track of the costs of every conversion. However, things are changing at an ever faster rate. The only constant is change.

[@CG-xr5bz]

How has this changed now? What the best/Cheapest kit for 2000 Chevy Astro Safari awd?

[@ev4u]

Prices continue to rise. Not familiar with a kit for your vehicle.

[@CG-xr5bz]

@@ev4u Which motor would you put in? Or do you have video for my size vehicle. Thanks.

[@ev4u]

Please address questions to: [e-mail]

[@brianmathison2430]

Have these numbers changed much since 2017?

[@ev4u]

Thank you for watching. Check this more recent video. Become a subscriber and get notified of all of our new videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lV6pl6WYnMp6iqs

[@charles_cody]

How have the prices changed in the past 3 years? Do you expect continued decrease in cost relative to range/weight?

[@ev4u]

In general prices have gone up over the last twelve years.

[@ev4u]

With more EVs on the road, salvaged parts should come down in price, but new components will probably continue to increase in price. However, my crystal ball is old and defective.

[@trinisqueaks]

best informative video bar none, thank you

[@erwinmumbi6160]

Do you offer any online training and if so what is involved in taking the class on line? Also are able to provide information on the requirements to convert a non Canadian of non American vehicle e.g Toyota, Mitsubishi (Japanese Vehicles in other words)

[@ev4u]

Information regarding our Online EV Workshops is available on that website at: www.EVWorkshops.com The information provided is applicable to all vehicles.

[@maigematthews5620]

Where do most of your electrical parts come from?

[@ev4u]

Please direct your question to [e-mail] Thank you for watching.

[@markwilliams8892]

Great job on your multi-part series. I have watched this video and the your range calculation video, the weight of the car less battery pack was termed base-line weight. Do you have a "fuzzy feel" for what one might expected given the original manufacturer's curb weight specification how much heavier/lighter the converted vehicle might be before adding the battery pack weight? I am considering converting a 2006 3,050 VW New Beetle Diesel with 1 passenger (150 lbs) for driving 120 miles max (infrequently 55-70 mph). More frequent (3-4 per week) trips would be less than 30-50 miles at 45 mph with 2 passengers (150 lbs each). Current odometer reading is less than 80K miles. This family heirloom will be passed to the grandkids in a few of years.

[@ev4u]

Please address questions to [e-mail] Thank you.

[@Stratocruizer51]

Thank you for a very informative video. Finally, I have an idea what the real cost is. It is expensive but the only other option is to pay the same or more for one of those hideous 4 door (robo) sedans. Apparently, the manufacturers don't seem to think buyers have any personality. I assume the conversion does not include AC or auto transmission. Also, how long will the $12K battery last?

[@ChunkyMonkaayyy]

Advances in cell technology is moving at a rapid pace, they're getting both better and cheaper to buy. What about the technology and costs of the other stuff, like controllers and motors?

[@ev4u]

Not changing much at this point. But economy of scale will eventually kick in.

[@moonlightmelodrama]

Can you do a video about how long the major components would be expected to last?

[@ev4u]

They should outlast you and me.

[@moonlightmelodrama]

@@ev4u Can you be a little more specific? Electric motors eventually need repairs. Windings, magnetic, etc. Any idea how long an automobile electric engine may last? 100 thousand miles, 200 thousand miles before major repairs?

[@ev4u]

The electric motor will outlast the rest of the car. There will be no major repairs to the motor. Unless you abuse it somehow, it will not be an issue.

[@moonlightmelodrama]

@@ev4u Thanks man. So, for what we can call the drivetrain of an electric car. No major replacement/repair issues to anticipate. Correct?

[@ev4u]

That is correct.

[@samlee443]

So why we don't buy an old 2015 Nissan LEAF and use its part ?

[@ev4u]

Check out this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqqXpmSlgt-chZY

[@adamr9639]

Do you offer conversion workshops with a focus on Marine Vehicles?

[@ev4u]

What is taught in the Workshop is also applicable to marine vessels.

[@djflashlinx5150]

I am assuming if you do not do the work yourself, labor cost is equal or close to the parts cost?

[@ev4u]

The component cost is much more than the installation labor cost.

[@sujoybha]

In the video you mentioned a complete parts list for the EV conversion. Can you put up a link to that or share that somehow? Also which company batteries do you recommend?

[@ev4u]

Contact [e-mail] for that information.

[@collinstlaurent5731]

Do you believe that the battery expenses have massivley altered since 2017?

[@ev4u]

No

[@collinstlaurent5731]

@@ev4u Okay. Looking to convert my Volvo 1996 850 for a senior project for the the coming year, I would love to discuss some tips and tricks if you have any to give.

[@ev4u]

[e-mail]

[@12vLife]

Are these numbers for Lithium? 2002 Chevy S10 Blazer project truck. If I were to convert it I would want no transmission and no A/C. Also no pumps, all electric. Possible to convert power steering to rack and pinion or not have power steering? Possible to fit all components under the hood considering space saving of compressors, pumps, fans, etc. What's a good cost for gutting a car and disposing of all the gas parts and the transmission? Need to know... How dangerous is a DYI EV conversion project? possible to die from touching something, or must it be fire related?

[@ev4u]

Please direct all questions or comments to: [e-mail]

[@fourbypete]

How many times can you recharge LiFeP04 batteries before they need to be replaced and when they are replaced, who takes them and can they be recycled?

[@ev4u]

Please address all questions or comments to: [e-mail] Thank you.

[@jamessteidl5260]

Thanks for the info! My question is this, if I was able to get a truck with no engine for free, would it make financial sense to put an electric motor in it, and mount solar panels to the ladder rack on the top, or would that vehicle be too large?

[@ev4u]

Only you can answer that question.

[@MichaelSchwabTX]

It's really tough to get solar panels to add much to a car's charge.

[@MichaelSchwabTX]

Consider this, if you need 14KWh to go 60 miles in a ~2000lb vehicle and assuming you can fit 3 or 4 200 watt panels on top of a truck bed, and assuming you can get 100% of that into your batteries (not true of course) using appropriate charge followers and voltage converters. Even under full sunlight you're only adding a total of 600-1200watts/hour to the pack. That means it takes you around 12-24 hours of direct sunlight to charge up your 60 miles of range. I suppose if you only drive a few times a week or on very short trips the panels could keep things topped off.

[@lr937]

How many days to convert a 1972 vw beetle with 60 mile range? And how much would it be?

[@ev4u]

Address questions to [e-mail]

[@MeekFighters]

Excellent insights, thanks for the heads up!

[@darrell1462]

Where are the workshops?

[@ev4u]

For information regarding our Workshops visit our website at EV4Unow.com

[@tarabottogino]

Hi Richard, how are you man? great, great video I was just wondering if you can upload a video on commercial vans, kind of like Frito lay, UPS type of van? and my other question is what is the max range you can get with an electric commercial van with todays batteries, assuming I use the most expensive parts, batteries, electric motor, top of the line, what would the max range I can expect from? would that make a difference? could it be more than 100 miles? or even more? and maybe if possible you can explain, how can Tesla get 500 miles range truck, 0 to 60 (tractor only) in 10 sec., 0 to 60 max load 20 sec.!!! I mean that is crazy but I guess it true, sorry for all the questions Richard I think I ask too much, thank you Richard.

[@ev4u]

EV4U only deals with vehicles under 5,000 pounds.

[@willlafreu]

That's not bad 27,000. .. think of all money you save. Now I need to do home work on my 94 mustang. To make this happen

[@MichaelSchwabTX]

Yeah, I'd like to see that analysis. I keep all costs on the vehicles I drive (daily commuters and support of 2 small businesses). On the average our cars cost about $5500/year to operate , including fuel, maintenance, insurance and financed price. Fuel costs are around $2400 of that. So assuming the fuel cost of electric is 0 (not true, but still illustrates the point). Then that means the electric vehicle conversion cost is a 10+ year ROI.

[@bobweglin9644]

Does the donor car need to have a standard transmission or is an automatic transmission a possible option?

[@ev4u]

An automatic transmission is not a good option. Recommend using a manual transmission.

[@privatehand]

It's December 4th, 2018. Have battery prices dropped appreciably over that time?

[@ev4u]

No they have not.

[@diyhydroponics8426]

I have been pondering converting a vintage class a motor home ev. for the of guessing the cost of this and using, my question is as follows: the curb of the of the "donor vehicle " is 22,000 lbs and I would like 150 - 200 mi range with pwr steering, brakes and about 30k btu of ac . Based on this video I'm guessing at a cost of $200,000 plus. Not including labor Supposing that there is a somewhat linear relationship. Can you comment? This early in the brainstorming phase and this may be the best time to scrape this idea.

[@ev4u]

Not sure how linear it is, but the cost does increase with the increase in weight.

[@cdurkinz]

Have you done a conversion that could get 200-300 miles on a charge by any chance? If so what did you do, more battery packs? Second, you didn't seem to touch on the regenerative braking, what would something like that add to the cost, and complexity? I'm starting to wonder if I should just buy a Tesla and be done with the headaches, lol.

[@ev4u]

No we have not done a conversion that gets 200-300 miles on a charge. Regenerative braking is standard on the AC induction motor powered conversions, which are discussed in the video. No additional cost or complexity for you to deal with. If you are interested in doing a conversion, then I highly recommend you attend one of EV4U's 3-Day Hands-On Conversion Workshops.

[@cdurkinz]

Nice, thank you for the reply.

[@abrahamgutierrez7400]

does it cost a lot more for a truck like a suburban?

[@ev4u]

Yes, greater the weight, the greater the cost.

[@prionspourlecongo5479]

Hi ! I want to know if you can make a system to charge batteries in the EV vehicle while it running, like the alternator, in the traditional cars, charges batterie while the vehicle is running ?

[@ev4u]

This video answers your question. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5jJi2ier5KHmK8

[@reptilianskin]

Really well done 👍

[@michaelcoghlan9124]

Thank you for your time on this, very interesting an helpful. M

[@go8663]

Wow never thought of all this. Thanks. Im getting into ebikes though.

[@joseegirona5885]

how can I obtain a electric motor

[@ev4u]

[e-mail]

[@joycesander]

Instead of refurbishing different cars, why not create your own and roll them out from an assembly? I'm sure many people would want to work for you! The car would have to have everything that people need in all environments and some storage space. I think you guys are so lucky to be doing such great work. I'm subscribing.

[@orastojames7468]

Thanks alot for the information though the price is shocking, especially people like us from Africa, but am praying one day God to help me achieve my dream by converting my Mitsubishi lancer to Ev. 🙏

[@oscarjung5405]

what can you sell the old engine for?

[@ev4u]

I guess that would depend on the engine.

[@liljosemiami]

How much is the cost for the 3 day class?

[@ev4u]

$495 Visit EV4Unow.com for all the information.

[@shaunkennedy3916]

Very thorough video, thank you sir!

[@Ardentautosports]

Super informative! Thank you

[@Teeveepicksures]

these videos are fantastic

[@bbjnimens]

Excellent presentation. Thank you Sir.

[@d.m.7059]

Thinking about converting my 2006 Bentley GT to electric this is very informative.

[@angelluna2938]

Nice i ha a square back i really need to convert..👍

[@martinwalsh7674]

Thank you for an excellent video.

[@helmhurst]

Thank you

[@roguerock22]

Very info-rich video. Could you try an interview format with a good "social butterfly" gearhead chick? It should give it that live and interactive feel with a touch of entertainment. 👍

[@ev4u]

I have been looking for her. If you find her, send her by.

[@Alrukitaf]

Great vid. Very useful stuff.

[@fromproximab9839]

This tutorial is incredibly informative. I love it. Do you still run fast track courses for conversion?

[@ev4u]

Visit our website for all the information. EV4Unow.com

[@robertreamer7977]

I have a Hummer H2 and I want to make it electric what will it cost?.......oh it's 6800 lbs. I'm in Wausau Wisconsin and I'm thinking this is the future and want to maybe start up a business. I'm also thinking on such a large truck maybe a system like a train. Electric motor and a generator to charge the battery and run the drive motor.

[@ev4u]

Please address questions or comments to: [e-mail]

[@light-upchannel2547]

thank you for this video sir!

[@rolflarsson9884]

Thank you..First time I heard the truth And it appears you know what you talking about

[@djcb4190]

Don't worry. I'vbe set the bar only onee.

[@natytrueheart]

Brilliant :) Tnx From Heart of Europe :)

[@NoFlyZone01]

Great vid. Thanks

[@cparedes2302]

Many thanks for posting this really interesting and informative video! I would just love to have an EV Karman Ghia! I am subscribing to your channel!

[@jkp2319]

A tempting Karman Ghia with a shot engine is what brought me here :) it seems like a great conversion project