EV Conversion Checklist Infographic

This post includes EV conversion checklist infographic: The essential  steps and components

The list below gives an idea about the scale of an EV conversion  project. Note that more steps than the listed eight may be needed depending upon the selection of the base car.

Design

A good design on paper will bring to light even the most minute detail.  It  should entail all mechanical, electrical and  electronic blue prints. From the selection of motor (DC/AC), a suitable car body  to an electric vacuum pump for brakes, all should be reflected in the design.

Engine Removal

Engine removal requires substantial skill. In certain cases ramp as well as a garage hoist might be needed. To make room and reduce weight, not only the engine needs to be removed, but also the auxiliary components like engine cooling system and fuel tank.

Electric Motor

Electrical motor DC or AC have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Most modern cars use an AC drive for their ability to retain torque at high RPM and the ability to recover energy through regenerative braking system.

Controller

The controller varies the amount of current across the electric motor and can even control voltage  based on feedback from the driver. It is the brain of an EV and can be programmed. If it wasn’t for the limited availability of motor specific controllers, most scrap yard motors could have been used in EV conversions.

EV conversion checklist

The essential checklist for EV conversion

Battery Pack

Efficient Battery Packs  take up less space, have less weight and can be cooled effectively. Lithium Ion batteries despite their numerous  advantages  are not as sturdy as lead acid and have to be treated with care.

Battery Management System

Modern battery management systems not only manage the normal/ flash charging of the cells but can also provide information  on  individual cells  regarding their life, state of charge and  temperature.

Electrical Safety Switches

Electrical safety is important particularly as batteries are flammable and high voltage is dangerous. Isolation switches and safety devices such as contactors, emergency stop buttons and fuses should be tested thoroughly.

Fire Safety and Water Proofing

It is important that the battery pack can cope with vibrations expected in a car. Moisture should not be permitted in the battery compartment as well as near electrical connectors and joints. At the same time provision  for cell gas venting should be made.  Adding a  Fire extinguisher can prove handy.

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