# Electric Vehicle Conversions Are The Best - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/11/electric-vehicle-conversions-are-the-best/ - Published: 2010-11-17T19:26:14-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy Here’s a book excerpt on electric vehicle conversions. In the real world, where time is money, converting an existing internal combustion engine vehicle to an electric vehicle not only saves money in terms of large capital investment but also optimizes operational efficiency by reducing long-term fuel costs. Additionally, this process saves a significant amount of labor, minimizing the resources needed for maintenance and repairs common with traditional engines. In fact, electric vehicle conversions are becoming increasingly popular for this reason, as more individuals and businesses recognize the environmental benefits and the potential for tax incentives associated with eco-friendly alternatives. Furthermore, the advancements in [battery technology and electric](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/11/solar-energy-storage-will-be-a-mass-market-reality/) drivetrains have made these conversions more feasible and appealing, allowing for a smoother transition that can extend the lifespan of older vehicles while contributing to sustainability efforts. Starting with a late-model [vehicle offers advantages for EV](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/05/build-an-electric-vehicle-your-comprehensive-guide/) converters. The existing structure includes the body, chassis, suspension, steering, and braking systems. These components work together seamlessly. They undergo design, development, testing, and safety validation. Consequently, electric vehicle conversions leverage these features. This approach [simplifies the entire process](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/lafarge-leed-app-simplifies-certification-process/). ## Electric Vehicle Conversions Provided the converted electric vehicle does not greatly exceed the original vehicle’s( gross vehicle weight requirement) GVWR or GAWR (weight per axle specifications), all systems will continue to deliver their previous performance, stability and handling characteristics. Additionally, the EV converter inherits another body bonus. Its bumpers, lights, safety-glazed windows, etc. They are already pre-approved and tested to [meet all safety requirements](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/11/2022-and-2023-model-year-q4-e-tron-and-q4-sportback-e-tron-models-meet-requirements-for-highest-honors-from-iihs/). There’s still another benefit; which is you [save more money](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/08/save-gas-save-money-save-carbon/). Automobile junkyards make money by [buying the whole car](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/05/the-free-market-wants-electric-cars-and-green-cars-just-make-them-and-the-free-market-will-buy-them/)( truck, van, etc) and selling it off as pieces. Essentially for more than they [paid for the car](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/car-diesel-euros-bonus-get-paid-to-upgrade/). Importantly, electric vehicle conversions do not just save money, but also help [reduce waste by reusing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/09/green-goals-to-get-your-business-over-the-4th-quarter-finish-line/) existing vehicles. When you build (rather than convert) an EV, you are on the other side of the fence. Unless you bought a complete kit, building from scratch means buying chassis tubing, angle braces, and sheet rock plus axles/suspension, brakes, steering, gauges, instruments, dashboard/interior trim/upholstery, etc. These are parts that are bound to cost you more a la carte than buying them already [manufactured and installed in a completed vehicle](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/gm-takes-next-step-toward-future-with-electric-self-driving-vehicle-manufacturing-in-michigan/). Therefore, [electric ](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/05/ecv-electrification-hybridization-cost-effective-solutions/) vehicle conversions[ offer a practical solution](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/05/ecv-electrification-hybridization-cost-effective-solutions/) to costly new builds. ![A modern electric suv parked in a workshop showcasing its sleek design and shiny exterior Electric vehicle conversions](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/ uploads/2010/11/image-7.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "image - The Green Living Guy") ## Source [My book with TAB McGraw-Hill](https://www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Electric-Vehicle-second/dp/B004XIN8VS/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=1NSKHX6ZEUOYF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.B3iZDwI1U4a3fkhzW7juhibtsO3sbxVIc-BP4EMpiXdkkhnepmUaYhiYs7dav_JdscVf8LpkatfVrA-E9XADGhiteImWnzn6OPGxFCLzRATEY9uxb9EYPu6l_Z6oNDmBCmm9U5PlwC-dkVUlyuxPBW5Qda2Gal89980cz5tvxZPvEXLZIk630ViVybikXi5cBcpPrinUgjGEyxtIIAqtkQ.empkINPwh7-9kB6sTjgHtVvJJ1NTR8AmKQujAZKWtP0), Build Your Own Electric Vehicle ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)