Converting Your Petrol-Diesel Vehicle To Electric? Costs, Benefits, And Drawbacks Explained

Delhi's battle with toxic air intensifies every winter, as falling temperatures trap pollutants and worsen AQI levels. Residents often find themselves choking on smog caused by stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial activity. While authorities have experimented with smog towers, stricter norms, and cleaner fuels, the scale of pollution demands stronger solutions. Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly seen as a practical way forward. 

EV Policy 2.0

The Delhi government is preparing to introduce its updated Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0, designed to accelerate the shift toward cleaner mobility in the capital. The draft, currently under review by the Transport Department, outlines a stronger push with higher incentives, support for local manufacturing, and significant upgrades to the city's power infrastructure to handle the rising demand for EVs.

Convert Petrol And Diesel Cars Into EV

In a notable first, the draft also recommends incentives for retrofitting existing petrol and diesel vehicles with electric powertrains. Under this scheme, owners would receive Rs 50,000 per vehicle for the first 1,000 retrofits. Officials believe this initiative could fast-track the adoption of cleaner mobility solutions, offering an immediate alternative to waiting for new EV sales to catch up.

Convert Petrol And Diesel Cars Into EV: Cost

Converting your diesel or petrol-powered car into electic car is quite easy. It involves the integration of an electric drivetrain with the existing gearbox. These conversion kits are sets of components designed to convert petrol or diesel vehicles into electric ones. Typically, they include an electric motor, controller, battery pack, charging system, and other essentials. In the process, the internal combustion engine and related parts are replaced with an electric drivetrain. Much like a standard EV, the motor drives the vehicle, the battery stores and delivers energy, while the controller manages electricity flow to ensure smooth performance and efficiency.

Talking about the prices, the cost of converting a petrol or diesel vehicle into an electric vehicle can be estimated to be around Rs 2-3.5 lakh. These prices may vary as per the age, type of vehicles, specific labour costs, and more.

Convert Petrol And Diesel Cars Into EV: Benefits

Lower Operational Cost

Electric vehicles are cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars, thanks to lower electricity costs per kilometre. Over time, this translates into meaningful savings for owners.  

Extending Vehicle Lifespan  

With Delhi's strict age limits on petrol (15 years) and diesel (10 years) cars, conversion kits offer a lifeline. By switching to electric power, older vehicles can continue on the road legally and sustainably.  

Cleaner Roads, Cleaner Air  

EVs eliminate tailpipe emissions, cutting down harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases. When charged with renewable energy, they further reduce environmental impact, supporting a greener ecosystem.  

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Low Maintenance Charge

Fewer moving parts mean EVs require less upkeep. No oil changes, no exhaust repairs, and fewer mechanical issues result in lower maintenance costs and fewer trips to the workshop.

Convert Petrol And Diesel Cars Into EV: Disadvantages

Component Overhaul Risks  

Retrofitting an EV kit into an ICE vehicle requires replacing most critical components. Such extensive changes can compromise the car's dynamics, safety, and reliability.

High-Voltage Safety Concerns  

An EV powertrain operates on high voltage, and the quality of parts like the battery pack, motor, controller, and wiring harness is crucial. Any compromise here can lead to serious risks in safe and reliable vehicle operation.  

Service Challenges  

Properly calibrating each subsystem of an EV powertrain is complex. Aftermarket installers often lack resources and expertise, increasing the chances of long-term issues. Getting reliable service support from small-scale players can also prove difficult.  

Cost And Resale Impact  

Retrofitting costs between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3 lakh or more, which is significant. Moreover, converting an ICE car to EV can reduce its resale value.