Electric car conversion kits: A smart way to go green in India

Do you own a diesel car or petrol vehicle and wonder if you could make it more eco-friendly without buying a new one? The good news is — yes, you can. Thanks to electric car conversion kits, you can now transform your existing car into an electric vehicle (EV). This process is not just a trend, but a major step toward reducing carbon footprints, saving fuel costs, and making your vehicle future-ready.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about electric car conversion kits — the benefits, types, process, cost, legal approvals, and how to get started. Whether you own a Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, or even a Tata Ace, converting your car to electric might be the best decision you make this year.

Why switch to electric car conversion kits?

More Indians are now looking at EV conversion kits as a smarter alternative to buying expensive electric cars. Here's why:

• Low maintenance costs compared to conventional engine-based vehicles
• Freedom from rising fuel prices
• Significant reduction in environmental impact
• Use your existing car and save money

If you're emotionally attached to your Swift Dzire, Maruti Alto, or Hyundai Accent, a car conversion is a way to retain it and still go electric.

What is an electric car conversion kit?

An electric car conversion kit is a bundle of components that replaces the internal combustion engine of your vehicle with an electric motor, battery pack, and other supporting systems. It typically includes:

• Electric motor
• Battery management system (BMS)
• Lithium-ion batteries
• Wiring and controllers
• A charging system
• A compact or integrated electric powertrain

You can choose from different types of conversion kits, including AC conversion kits or DC-based systems, depending on your driving needs and vehicle categories.

How does the car conversion process work?

The conversion process involves taking out the diesel or petrol engine and replacing it with a powerful electric motor. The battery is usually placed in the boot or under the car floor, and the entire system is managed by a Smart BMS battery capacity controller.

Steps include:

• Removing the existing engine and fuel system
• Installing the electric motor and battery pack
• Integrating the battery management system
• Setting up the charging system
• Wiring and safety tests
• Getting ARAI certification and RTO approval

Yes, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) needs to approve your modified vehicle, and you must ensure it meets safety and emission norms.

Key components in electric vehicle powertrains

The heart of the conversion kit lies in the electric vehicle powertrain. It consists of:

• Electric motor: Replaces the old engine and drives the wheels
• Battery: Stores electricity, usually a lithium-ion battery
• Controller: Manages power delivery to the motor
• BMS: The battery management system ensures safety, regulates charging, and prolongs battery life
• Charging port: Connects to standard EV chargers

A compact electric powertrain makes retrofitting easy, especially for hatchbacks and sedans like Honda Amaze and Maruti Wagon R.

Which cars can be converted to electric in India?

Many traditional vehicles in India can be retrofitted with electric car conversion kits. Popular models include:

• Honda City
• Swift Dzire
• Hyundai Accent
• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
• Tata Ace (popular for commercial use)
• Honda Amaze
• Maruti Alto

Make sure your car is in good condition, and check the chassis type — conversion kits work better with manual transmission vehicles.

Top EV conversion kit brands in India

Several companies now offer certified electric car conversion kits in India. A few noteworthy names are:

1. Loop Moto

A leader in the Indian market, Loop Moto offers plug-and-play conversion kits with ARAI certification. They're known for:

• Easy installation
• Battery options based on your range need
• Good after-sales support

2. Bosch eAxle Kit

Bosch’s eAxle kit is more suited for new EV builds, but retrofitting is possible. It's ideal for heavy-duty electric vehicles or commercial vans.

3. Other providers:

• E-Trio
• Northway Motorsport
• Bharat EV
• GoGoA1

Always ensure that the kit you choose comes with ARAI certification, as non-certified kits can get rejected by the RTO.

What’s the cost of converting a car to electric?

The price of a conversion kit depends on several factors:

• Type of car (compact, sedan, SUV)
• Battery capacity (range you want)
• Brand of the conversion kit
• Type of motor used
• Whether it includes a charger

Approximate cost in India:

• Hatchbacks (like Alto, Wagon R): ₹3.5 – ₹5 lakhs
• Sedans (like Honda City): ₹5 – ₹6.5 lakhs
• Commercial vehicles (Tata Ace): ₹6 – ₹7.5 lakhs

Though it seems high, the long-term savings on fuel, maintenance, and tax benefits make it worth it.

Battery pack, charging time & maintenance

Your EV’s battery pack determines the range and charging time. Common features:

• Lithium-ion batteries with 8–10 years lifespan
• Charging time: 4–8 hours using standard home chargers
• Fast chargers (if supported) can do it in under 2 hours

The battery management system keeps the battery healthy by preventing overcharging, overheating, and deep discharge.

Maintenance tip:

Unlike conventional vehicles, EVs don’t need oil changes or engine servicing. Just keep an eye on battery health, wiring, and charging system.

Legal approval & ARAI certification

In India, any conversion must be approved by:

• ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India)
• Regional Transport Office (RTO)
• Your kit must have an ARAI certificate, and your vehicle must be re-registered as an electric vehicle. The RTO will inspect:
• Chassis modification
• Weight distribution
• Top speed and braking
• Electrical safety standards

Is converting a diesel car to electric worth it?

If your diesel car is BS4 or older, it might be banned in a few years in cities like Delhi. Instead of scrapping it, EV conversion gives it a new life.

Pros:

• Avoids scrappage
• Extends vehicle use
• Cheaper than buying new EVs
• Cuts down carbon footprints

Cons:

• Adds extra weight
• Limited warranty on some parts
• Initial investment is high
• Still, if you plan to keep the car long-term, the conversion kit pays off in 3–4 years.

Impact on environment and society

Converting your car to an electric one helps reduce:

• Air pollution
• Noise pollution
• CO2 emissions

It also helps reduce dependency on imported oil. With India's EV push and government incentives, retrofitting can become a mass movement.

Home charging system for converted electric vehicles

Most conversion kits support Level 1 (slow) and Level 2 (fast) charging. Here's what you need:

• 15A socket at home
• Separate circuit for safety
• Surge protector (optional)
• Basic EV charger (included in most kits)

Charging system should be checked every few months to avoid power surges.

Tips before you convert your vehicle

• Choose only ARAI-certified conversion kits
• Check warranty terms on the motor, battery, and controller
• Inform your insurer and update vehicle category
• Avoid DIY unless you are trained
• Consider resale value — many converted EVs get higher value now

Common myths around EV conversion

• Myth 1: Converted EVs are slow
  Fact: Most kits offer top speed of 80–100 kmph, good for city use.

• Myth 2: It's unsafe
  Fact: With a good battery management system and proper installation, it's perfectly safe.

• Myth 3: It voids insurance
  Fact: Informing your insurance provider and updating the RC book is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the life of a conversion kit?

Most electric motors last 10–15 years. Batteries last around 8–10 years with proper care.

Q2. Can I convert an automatic car?

It’s difficult and expensive. Manual transmission cars are easier to convert using available conversion kits.

Q3. Can I travel long-distance with a converted EV?

Yes, depending on the battery pack. Range varies from 80 to 180 km. Charging infrastructure is growing rapidly across India.

Q4. Will I get government subsidy?

Currently, there is no direct subsidy for car conversions, but some states may offer RTO tax discounts for electric vehicles.

Q5. Is the conversion legal?

Yes, if done using ARAI-certified kits and approved by your local RTO. Always ask your installer for legal paperwork.

Q6. Can I do the conversion myself?

Not recommended. Only certified retrofitting services should perform the job for safety and legal compliance.

Q7. Is it better to buy a new EV or convert?

If your car is in good condition and you don’t want to spend ₹10–15 lakhs on a new EV, converting is a great option.

Final words: Is EV conversion right for you?

If you love your car and want to save money while protecting the environment, electric car conversion kits are worth a serious look. In the coming years, car conversion could become the norm, especially in a country like India, where millions of vehicles are already on the roads.

With lower maintenance costs, better fuel savings, and reduced environmental impact, converting your car into an electric vehicle isn’t just a smart move — it’s a responsible one.

Stay tuned to this space for more guides, charging system tips, and updates on EV conversion kits across India. Your next drive could be silent, clean, and electric!

All Rights Reserved.

ARN: Zuno/Blog/DM/Electric car conversion kits: A smart way to go green in India/06/25/32