Can I convert my ICE car to an EV?

Can I convert my Maruti XL6 into an EV? If yes, how much will it cost, and is it safe? Also, what are the legal formalities I need to go through?

Abhinav Srivastava, Hyderabad

Autocar India says: It is not advisable to retrofit an EV kit in an ICE vehicle as the conversion would entail a thorough changeover of all major vehicle components. This would pose a huge risk to the dynamics, safety and reliability of the vehicle.

Additionally, the risks involved with a high-voltage EV powertrain can be humongous – the quality of critical components such as the battery pack, motor, controller and wiring harnesses being the key determining factor in the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.

Given the complexity, it is not easy to precisely calibrate each sub-system of an EV powertrain with the limited resources and capabilities of aftermarket players. Hence, there are high chances of encountering troubles in the long run, wherein it could be tough getting the desired service support from small-scale installers.

An EV retro fitment could cost anywhere between Rs 3 lakh-5 lakh, while also making a significant dent on the existing resale value of the vehicle in its ICE form. Since the EV space is continuously evolving, we would not recommend retrofitting at this juncture. You could instead buy an EV from trusted carmakers like Tata Motors, MG Motor India, Mahindra & Mahindra and others.

Also see:

India’s greenest Dzire: Driving a Dzire EV with a manual gearbox

Delhi allows EV retrofitting of diesel cars, SUVs older than 10 years