Electric cars have been a subject of fascination for years with hobbyists, and the technology to build one of these vehicles has matured in recent years.

  These newer components make it possible for you to build your own electric car and drive for free by simply charging the batteries.

  The conversion process is not a trivial matter, but with enough time and dedication almost anyone can convert their cars from running on gasoline to running on batteries.

Find out how to build an electric car here!

  One of the most difficult things to do when you start to build your own electric car is removing the old engine and mounting the batteries.

Replacing the gas engine ⇒

  The current internal combustion engine is heavy and great care needs to be taken when removing it from your vehicle.

  The electric motor that you’ll use as a replacement will be heavy as well and will require the same care in mounting.

In addition to the motor, you’ll also need to mount a set of batteries to power the vehicle.

  The number and size of these batteries will vary depending on the style of vehicle you are converting, but they will take up quite a bit space that needs to be accounted for when you build your own electric car.

  These batteries will also be heavy and you will need a way to secure them to the vehicle so that they don’t shift around when the vehicle is moving.

  Most drivers will mount this battery bank in the trunk of the vehicle and may also construct a custom battery box to hold them to help prevent movement.

Determining how many batteries are needed ⇒

  Once you have these issues sorted out you can decide what type of power system works best for you. There are a few choices on the type of voltage to run your electric vehicle on and this is mostly determined by the size of the vehicle you are converting.

   The higher the voltage you choose when you build your own electric car, the more power it will typically provide. The challenge with this is that you will need to carry more batteries to support this higher voltage and this will add weight to the vehicle and require an even bigger motor.

  Most drivers that are doing this type of conversion will strike a balance between speed, distance and price to find the perfect combination for their needs and their budget.

Regenerative Braking ⇒

  Another recent consideration that is getting some attention is the option of regenerative braking. This works by using the motor to help the car slow down by keeping it engaged.

  If the motor is being driven by the momentum of the car, it acts like a generator and can produce electricity as it slows the car. This power can then be sent to the batteries to help charge them.

  You’ll need to use a motor and a controller equipped for this type of regenerative braking, but it can have a very positive impact on the vehicles range.

  This option can add some complexity and cost to the conversion but will allow you to drive farther on a single charge.

Heating and air conditioning ⇒

  One other consideration when you build your own electric car is the heating and cooling of the cabin. In a standard vehicle the water that is heated as it circulates through the engine to cool it is run through a small radiator in the cabin of your car to heat the interior air.

  Because you have eliminated both the engine and the radiator, this type of heating is no longer possible. Most drivers that do an electric vehicle conversion install a small electric heater in place of this radiator and heat the cabin with it to make their drives more comfortable.

  A compressor can also be added in the engine compartment rotated by a belt attached to the drive shaft to operate an air conditioner on hot days as well.

 Find out how to build an electric car here!