The best EV conversion kits for ICE cars in India

Electric vehicle conversion kits are gaining in popularity as an affordable way to go green and cut expenditure down on ever-rising fuel costs. These conversion kits came about because there was a growing population that wanted to contribute to the green revolution (and consequently slash their fuel costs), but didn’t have the budget to buy a new electric vehicle.

The concept works in a similar fashion to retrofitting a CNG kit to your internal combustion engine-powered vehicle. However, there are a lot of intricacies that need to be considered before you can convert your existing car into an electric vehicle with a conversion kit. Before that however, it’s important to understand that an EV conversion kit is a collection of components that transforms petrol and diesel vehicles into electric vehicles. These kits usually include an electric motor, controller, battery pack, charging system, and other necessary components.

So what are the best EV conversion kits available in India? How much do they cost? What are their benefits, and does it really make sense to get your vehicle retrofitted with an EV kit? In our guide, we will take a deep dive into everything you should know about the conversion process.

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List of top EV conversion kits for car in India

1. doReal Motors

Price: ₹3 lakh-₹9 lakh

doReal Motors is a Haryana-based EV retrofitment company that started as a company that focused on converting internal combustion engine-powered vehicles to EVs. As business grew, the company also began manufacturing EV batteries, and even refurbishing them. Their focus is on retrofitting batteries for two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers (for OEMs).

Their business involves assessing vehicles, selecting motor and battery packs, integration of the controller and charging system, transmission adaption, power inverter installation, cooling system implementation, wiring adjustments, and a thorough testing of the vehicle, too.

doReal Motors can convert a number of vehicles into EVs, including cars like the Maruti Suzuki 800, Alto and Wagon R, Hyundai Grand i10 and i10, Toyota Innova and Fortuner, and even light trucks and vans like the Tata Ace and Maruti Eeco. Depending on the kind of vehicle, doReal Motors charges anywhere between ₹3 lakh and ₹9 lakh for the EV conversion.

doReal Motors specifications

2. Bosch eAxle

Price: N/A

One of the more innovative EV conversion kits is the eAxle system by Bosch. It is designed for both battery-electric vehicles and hybrid applications. The unit integrates the electric motor, transmission, and power electronics, thereby driving the vehicle’s axle directly. Its compact design is aimed at saving installation space and simplifying the conversion process.

A point to note about the Bosch eAxle system is that the company is currently still on the lookout for partnerships with OEMs and general expansion, which is why the kit doesn’t have a price tag yet.

That said, there is good reason to be optimistic about when it does launch. The highlights of the eAxle kit include a 96% efficiency thanks to the use of silicon carbide semiconductor technology. This helps price more range while reducing battery size, according to Bosch.

Moreover, Bosch states that it’s highly scalable (50-300 kW), has multiple voltage levels (400V/800V), and hence can be used for a wide variety of vehicles. Most importantly, because all the components have been integrated into a single compact system, it eliminates the need for extra parts and expensive connecting cables, which should enable Bosch to price it affordably.

Bosch eAxle specifications

3. Loop Moto

Price: ₹3 lakh-₹5 lakh

Loop Moto provides EV conversion kits and retrofitting for a variety of cars sold in India. Their compact electric powertrain includes lithium-ion batteries, a battery management system, and other essential accessories to convert ICE-powered vehicles into EVs for a price range of anywhere between ₹3 lakh and ₹5 lakh.

As per the company, their kits have been used for cycles, cars, and small commercial vehicles. The lithium-ion battery comes with LiFePO4 technology and a 7.8 kWh battery management system. The battery claims a range of up to 180 km on a single charge. Their conversion kit comes with a 3.3 kW AC charger, and a 15 kW 3-phase AC motor. Lastly, Loop Moto claims a top speed of up to 80 kmph and after sales services across India.

Loop Moto specifications

4. Folks Motor

Price: N/A

Folks Motor claims to be India’s first hybrid-electric retrofitting car company. As per the company, their expertise lies in hybrid electric retrofit cars kits for converting regular cars into hybrids, and green car care services. They also claim an impressive 40% increase in fuel efficiency, a 30% decrease in running costs, and a 2 years/50,000 km warranty.

Folks Motor specifications

5. E-Trio

Price: ₹4 lakh onwards

E-Trio is a company that focuses only on developing electric cargo vehicles for India and other markets. The company makes EV conversion kits for ICE vehicles, and has also received approval from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for the same.

So far, the company has been converting low-cost vehicles like the Maruti Suzuki Alto, Wagon R and Dzire for prices starting at ₹4 lakh. They have two kinds of kits on offer: EV-150 and EV-180. According to E-Trio, said vehicles can be converted into an EV within 48 hours.

The conversion kits include a lithium-ion battery, motor, traction controller, onboard charger, aux parts like power steering, a converter, and even a gearbox designed in-house. To account for the added weight, E-Trio also modifies the suspension.

E-Trio specifications

6. Bharat Kit

Price: ₹5 lakh

Bharat Kits, or Bharatmobi, is a company that focuses on retrofitting hatchbacks and sedans. They make conversion kits too, and have received ARAI and ICAT certifications for their conversions on cars like the Maruti Suzuki Alto, Wagon R, and Swift Dzire.

The conversion kits include a battery, controller, motor, gearbox, converter, onboard charger, instrument cluster, AC kit, vacuum pump, charging gun and kit gear selector. As per the company, their customised LiFEPO4 battery provides a range of 80 km on a single charge, with a charge time of about five hours. Top speed is rated at 80 kmph.

Additionally, the battery capacity varies according to the vehicle. For hatchbacks, the capacity is 12 kWh, while sedans get a 15 kWh battery. The conversion time, according to Bharatmobi, is one full week for a price of about ₹5 lakh.

Bharat Kit specifications

7. Northway Motorsport 

Price: Up to ₹14.5 lakh

Northway Motorsport (or Northway Motors) specialises in designing, developing and manufacturing units for electric vehicle powertrains. They also provide conversion kits for cars and even light commercial vehicles like the Tata Ace.

Their most popular conversion kits are for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. The Drive EZ kit for the Dzire gets a range of 120 km, while the Travel EZ kit for the Dzire gets a range of up to 250 km. Northway states that the charging time for the former is 5-6 hours, while the Travel EZ is up to 10 hours. As for the price, it depends on the car, but the bigger Travel EZ kit can go up to ₹14.5 lakh.

Northway Motorsport specifications

Why EV conversion kits exist

EV conversion kits exist in order to cater to a demand created by a segment of the population that wants to go green and reduce their fuel costs, but cannot afford a new electric vehicle. Instead, EV conversion kits allow car owners to convert their existing vehicles into electric vehicles at a fraction of the price.

In addition to having a zero-emissions vehicle and saving on fuel costs, EV conversion kits also have the benefit of being easier to maintain. This is because electric vehicles have fewer moving mechanical components, and with fewer moving parts, there’s a lesser chance of something going wrong, technically speaking.

Benefits of EV conversion kits

EV conversion kits (and as a consequence, EVs) have plenty of benefits compared to ICE-powered vehicles. 

1) Lower running costs: electric vehicles are generally cheaper to operate than petrol or diesel vehicles. In the long run, you can save a significant sum by eliminating fuel costs.

2) In places like Delhi, where a petrol car needs to be scrapped after 15 years and a diesel car after 10 years, EV conversion kits can technically come to the rescue. This is because the government has stated that ICE cars older than their legal age can be run as long as they are converted into EVs.

3) EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Using renewable energy sources to charge EVs can further reduce the environmental impact, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy ecosystem.

4) EVs have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, leading to less wear and tear and lower maintenance requirements. There is no need for oil changes, exhaust system repairs, or other engine-related maintenance, which translates to fewer visits to the mechanic and reduced maintenance expenses.

Types of EV conversion kits for cars

There are a number of EV conversion kits for cars available today in India. Depending on the type of motor used, conversion kits are classified as either AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current). AC kits are normally more expensive, but they provide greater efficiency and regenerative braking. DC kits are less expensive, but they may be less efficient. The cost of an AC conversion kit ranges from roughly ₹4 lakh to ₹10 lakh or more. DC conversion kits can cost between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh.

There are also DIY conversion kits that include all of the components and instructions needed to complete the conversion on their own. These kits are generally less expensive, with prices ranging from roughly ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh or more, depending on the complexity and customisation choices.

Factors to consider before converting your car

Before you take the plunge and decide to convert your ICE-powered car into an EV, it is important to keep the following points in mind:

1) EV conversion is legal in India, but only ARAI-approved conversion kits can be used for the purpose. Such an approved kit is necessary because the converted vehicle must be re-registered with the RTO. If not, the RTO will not issue a new registration certificate for the vehicle, and the conversion will be considered illegal.

2) Not every petrol or diesel vehicle can be retrofitted with an EV kit due to restrictions, especially on the vehicle platform front. So, before converting a car with an internal combustion engine, it must be determined whether the vehicle is suitable for retrofitting. Several companies in India, including Bosch eAxle, Loop Moto, and E-Trio manufacture ready-to-use EV conversion kits and you can check if your car is compatible on their website. However, some companies make custom conversion kits, which are expected to cost more than plug-and-play units.

3) Choosing the right battery for your electric car conversion is critical to improving performance and range. Some popular battery types include lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel-based, and solid-state batteries. It should be noted, however, that temperature, depth of discharge (DoD), charging and discharging rates, and maintenance all affect battery performance. When selecting an electric motor, it is important to consider the required performance of the car. However, the manufacturer will help you choose the best battery for your car. 

Charging infrastructure and costs

One crucial aspect to keep in mind is that getting your car converted to an EV is just one step of the process. It is also important to understand whether the charging infrastructure exists for the kind of travel that you are planning for your converted vehicle. Over and above that, understanding the various types of chargers, their pricing, is critical to understand what kind of ownership and running experience you will have with your EV.

Types of chargers and costs involved

For a start, it should be noted that there are AC chargers and DC chargers. The former has two levels: Level 1, and Level 2. Level 1 is the most basic type of charging and involves plugging your vehicle into a 120V electrical socket. This is a very slow method of charging, but are reasonably priced at about ₹12,000 if you want to attach one at home. Level 2 is what you would typically find at specialised charging stations, and they use a higher voltage (typically 240V) to charge your EV faster. The flipside is that they cost more, ranging anywhere between ₹30,000 and ₹1 lakh. DC chargers are the fastest, and are the most expensive.

To estimate charging costs, consider the energy rate charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as well as your vehicle's charging efficiency. To calculate the cost per charging session, multiply the kWh rate by the charging efficiency and battery capacity. Keep in mind that electricity rates can vary depending on how you use your power, the season, and where you live.

How to get your vehicle retrofitted into an EV

While the thought of getting your ICE-powered vehicle converted to an EV and going green is laudable, it is important to understand whether your vehicle is eligible for EV retrofitment first.

In Delhi, four-wheeler diesel vehicles greater than 10 years with re-registration can be retrofitted with an EV kit, but only up to the 15th year after retrofitment. Thereafter, they will have to be scrapped. Needless to say, diesel vehicles under 10 years old are allowed EV conversions. For petrol or CNG two-, three-, and four-wheelers greater up to and beyond 15 years, retrofitting an EV kit is allowed, but only once the re-registration for a petrol vehicle after 15 years of age is completed. Interestingly enough, transport vehicles older than 15 years cannot be retrofitted with an EV kit in Delhi, regardless of the fuel type.

It is also important to fill out a vehicle retrofitment request form 22 Part-I to the registering authority before finalising the conversion. Once you have submitted the form, your permission will be granted or denied within seven working days of the receipt of Form 22.

Conclusion

There are lots of merits to getting your ICE-powered car retrofitted with an EV kit. The fuel savings and the environmental impact are the biggest highlights of switching to an EV. That said, it’s not as clear cut as that.

For a start, one should remember that retrofitting any component to a vehicle means you’re changing components that were specifically designed for that particular vehicle. These components were thoroughly tested by the manufacturer of the vehicle in question, and had certain standards and quality checks baked into the package. By replacing them, there is an inherent risk of certain components failing after a certain duration.

Additionally, the risks associated with high-voltage EV powertrains should not be understated. EV manufacturers put their vehicles through countless hours of testing to ensure that they are ready for mass consumption, all the while making sure that the componentry used is high-quality and long lasting. While the aftermarket retrofitters might have a great reputation for dependable and reliable conversions, it is not the same as an OEM-backed warranty. The use of sub-par components can very easily lead to electrical surges and fires.

A case can be made for car owners that have an emotional attachment to their vehicles and that they don’t want to see their cars scrapped. In that case, an EV retrofit makes sense, but for all intents and purposes, EV kit conversions shouldn’t be done without serious thought and consideration.

FAQs

Q. Is EV conversion legal in India?

Yes, EV conversion is legal in India, especially for cars approaching their scrapping age.

Q. Can you convert any car to EV?

Yes, any car can be converted to an EV.

Q. What is the cost of EV conversion in India?

The cost of EV conversion in India can vary from as less as ₹1 lakh to as high as ₹15 lakh, depending on the car and the type of EV conversion kit.

Q. Can I convert my 15 year old car to electric?

Yes, you can convert your 15-year-old car to electric, just as long as you re-register with your RTO.

Q. Is EV cheaper than petrol?

In the long run, EVs are cheaper than running ICE-powered cars.

Q. Which is the cheapest EV conversion kit?

One of the cheaper EV conversion kits on sale in India is the one offered by Loop Moto, with prices ranging between ₹3 lakh and ₹5 lakh.