Is It Affordable to Electrify Your Vehicle?

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY TIM CACHELIN AND THE EVBG TEAM

JOHN “Johnny” Garcia’s Hilux was converted with a refurbished Tesla drive unit and a battery pack.

AS the automotive world pivots towards a more sustainable future, interest in electric vehicles has grown significantly. However, for many car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, the prospect of purchasing a brand-new EV can be daunting due to high price tags. This has led to a burgeoning interest in converting existing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric powertrains. But the pressing question remains: Can this conversion be done affordably?

The Basics of Electric Conversion

Converting a vehicle to an electric powertrain involves replacing the traditional ICE components with an electric motor, battery pack, and associated electronics. This process typically includes the removal of the engine, transmission, fuel tank, and exhaust system. In their place, electric motors, battery modules, inverters, and controllers are installed. While this might sound straightforward, the reality can be far more complex and costintensive.