FAQ

I come across various questions when reading forums or I’m even asked questions directly so I’ve decided to put the common questions I come across and answer them below as best as I can.This page will be updated as I come across questions or get asked questions. If you have a question you would like answered, you can submit your question via the contact page.

There is also a glossary which has common terms, definitions and abbreviations related to Electric Car Conversions. That may have answers to many of your questions so check it out.

Q) I want to do an Electric Car Conversion, but I want to convert a car that is simple. What would you suggest?

A) If you want a car that is simple and you don’t need it to be registered, I would pick a go kart as my first ‘car’ to convert. A go kart is a lot of fun to drive. A go kart will teach you lots of things about engineering and because there are no complex items on the go kart, you can focus your energy on doing the conversion instead of worrying about things like air bags, heaters etc. A lot of professional racing car drivers (formula 1, Indy, ALMS, NASCAR, touring cars) started in go karts and developed their race craft in go karts. I’m of the opinion that go karts are a great learning platform when learning about how to do an Electric Car Conversion.

If you are looking to do a road car that can be registered, I would pick a car that has the least amount of options and least amount of luxury features on the car. I would pick a car that many people have done already and a car where you can get a kit and plenty of  instructions and help from those who have done that car before. I would look at EV Album for cars that others have done. In my opinion, cars like the original Volkswagen Beetle or the old Porsche 911/912 are great for doing an Electric Car Conversion because the motor bolts in the gearbox (transmission).

Q) What is the difference between how power is quoted for an electric motor compared to a gasoline motor?

A) Gasoline motors quote their peak power which is usually not the power you get when you are driving a gasoline powered car at cruising speeds. Electric Motors usually quote their continuous power (which is the power it can run at continuously), although many also quote their peak power along with a time amount of how long the Electric Motor can run at peak power. If the motor literature does not list it, seek clarification from the manufacturer.

Q) What is Regenerative (Regen) Braking?

A) Regenerative (Regen) Braking is when the Electric Motor puts energy back into the battery whilst the vehicle is braking.

Q) What is plug braking?

A) Plug braking is when the controller shorts out the motor armature, thus preventing the feedback loop from forming a strong field. The energy generated is wasted as heat in the controller.

Q) What is dynamic braking?

A) Dynamic braking is when the traction electric motors are used to generate electricity slow down a vehicle. If the generated electricity is fed into a bank of resistors (which ends up as heat), then it is known as rheostatic braking. If the generated electricity is fed back into the batteries, then it is known as regenerative (regen braking).