Converting petrol car to electric. Legal issues

NOS Power · 22nd June 2008, 07:37

Hi All.

I got this query from a group of engineering students asking the possible issues (legal, non legal, etc...) one could face if they convert a normal petrol car to fully electric.

Need your advice on this as they want to run the car on the road instead of wasting it as a show piece.

condor · 22nd June 2008, 08:24

Are they going to be using it on the streets after their project is completed ? Dont think so.

NOS Power · 22nd June 2008, 21:01

They want to use it on the streets. Thats why they asked me this question.

Need answers from all.

GTO - Touring · 22nd June 2008, 21:05

Is this a regular petrol hatch / sedan that they have converted to electric, or a car that has been built from the ground up? Getting the relevant permission from the local transport authorities will be a nightmare. Unlike an engine swap job that runs on petrol / diesel, they have dumped an electric motor in the bay. I wouldn't think too many RTO officers would have a clue of how to go about testing and legalising it.

If they are up to it, I am sure that some of us would love to help them with making their electric car street legal. Or atleast try to. Can you have those engineering students come onboard and post some more details of their car?

Rehaan · 23rd June 2008, 01:12

Maybe Mr bobby_jayaram could help you with some information since he is involved with the Reva.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO - Touring

Is this a regular petrol hatch / sedan that they have converted to electric,...

If it is the case above, then i bet the car wont stick out like a sore thumb when on the road and attract attention from the authorities.

Cant you put a "ON TEST" on the numberplate

cya
R

NOS Power · 23rd June 2008, 19:12

They want to swap the engine of a regular petrol car with an electric motor and run it on the road for regular use after their project is over.

They want to know of any issues that could crop while renewing PUC tests, registration, insurance, tax etc....

pingping · 23rd June 2008, 20:06

As long as the project is non - commercial and for research / study purpose no body can question you since it comes under "fair-use" doctrine. But you should make sure that it doesnot create any cumbersome effects for public / road / traffic etc.

please appreciate your students to go ahead with the project.

My best wishes.

22nd June 2008, 07:37	#1
NOS Power BHPian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Kolkata Posts: 404 Thanked: 79 Times View My Garage	Converting petrol car to electric. Legal issues Hi All. I got this query from a group of engineering students asking the possible issues (legal, non legal, etc...) one could face if they convert a normal petrol car to fully electric. Need your advice on this as they want to run the car on the road instead of wasting it as a show piece.
	() Thanks

22nd June 2008, 08:24	#2
condor Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Speed-brkr City Posts: 15,864 Thanked: 16,013 Times View My Garage	Are they going to be using it on the streets after their project is completed ? Dont think so.
	() Thanks

22nd June 2008, 21:01	#3
NOS Power BHPian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Kolkata Posts: 404 Thanked: 79 Times View My Garage	They want to use it on the streets. Thats why they asked me this question. Need answers from all.
	() Thanks

22nd June 2008, 21:05	#4
GTO - Touring BHPian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 710 Thanked: 54 Times	Is this a regular petrol hatch / sedan that they have converted to electric, or a car that has been built from the ground up? Getting the relevant permission from the local transport authorities will be a nightmare. Unlike an engine swap job that runs on petrol / diesel, they have dumped an electric motor in the bay. I wouldn't think too many RTO officers would have a clue of how to go about testing and legalising it. If they are up to it, I am sure that some of us would love to help them with making their electric car street legal. Or atleast try to. Can you have those engineering students come onboard and post some more details of their car?
	() Thanks

23rd June 2008, 19:12	#6
NOS Power BHPian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Kolkata Posts: 404 Thanked: 79 Times View My Garage	They want to swap the engine of a regular petrol car with an electric motor and run it on the road for regular use after their project is over. They want to know of any issues that could crop while renewing PUC tests, registration, insurance, tax etc....
	() Thanks

23rd June 2008, 20:06	#7
pingping BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pondicherry, Chennai Posts: 77 Thanked: Once	As long as the project is non - commercial and for research / study purpose no body can question you since it comes under "fair-use" doctrine. But you should make sure that it doesnot create any cumbersome effects for public / road / traffic etc. please appreciate your students to go ahead with the project. My best wishes.
	() Thanks