Frequently Asked Questions

Q:        How do I find out if an EV is really for me?

A:        See the links section for contact information to the various EV clubs in your area.  Talk to the owners there and get yourself informed.  The feedback and support you will get will be invaluable.

Q:        Does it make sense to own an EV?

A:        If you enter into ownership with the intention of doing something for the environment, desire an alternative to fossil fuel, or just an interesting hobby car then you will make the commitment and will be very satisfied with your EV.  If you are doing this just to save money then you will be very disappointed.  There are many ways to save money on transportation which are much cheaper than an EV.   No EV conversion will ever be able to fully replace your gas car for all uses. 

Q:        How far can I really drive on a single battery charge?

A:        It really depends on you and the battery.  The standard lead battery will not deliver more than 80 km range and that is really its absolute maximum.  Most conversions will not get more than 60 km.  For daily driving I would not suggest you count on no more than 30 – 40 km range.  You have to allow for aging of the battery over time.  Actual range will also depend on your driving style.  

Q:        How fast can I drive?

A:        Electric conversions are capable of driving the speed limit on all local highways.  Most are capable of much faster speeds but this will only abuse your batteries and result in expensive repairs or traffic tickets.

Q:        How much does it cost?

A:        A complete conversion of a typical small car will cost in the order of $20,000.  This will be a fully operational street legal conversion which has been prepared for summer and winter operation.  This does not include the cost of the donor car.  Larger vehicles will cost more.

Q:        Can I convert any vehicle?

A:        Within reason.  REV Consultants Ltd. will convert cars and trucks up to 2500 kg GVW.  Results will depend on the efficiency of the donor vehicle.  A small efficient car will perform better than a 4wd monster truck.  Each vehicle will have its pros and cons.  We will discuss your choice of donor car and try to predict the performance.

Q:        What is the best vehicle to convert?

A:        The one that best suits your needs.  I have had great results with the 1985 – 1992 VW Jetta.  Later year Golf would also be a good candidate.  Small pick up trucks work well but will cost more due to their weight.  Compact cars will have more room for the batteries where as sub-compact cars may have to have the rear seat removed for battery access.  Each vehicle must be examined for suitability.

Q:        What maintenance is required?

A:        Looking after the batteries and general cleaning is all that is required.  If flooded lead acid batteries are used you will have to check the water levels and give the batteries a quick cleaning once a month.  If sealed batteries are used the cleaning and checking will be an annual event.  The electrical wires and connections should be checked annually.

Q:        How long does it take to recharge the batteries?

A:        Normally the charger is sized to recharge the batteries completely overnight.  Faster charging can be done if a larger charger is used but you must have a special electrical service to take advantage of this option.

Q:       Do I have to wait until the batteries are run down before I recharge?

A:        No, the batteries can be recharged at any time.  If you have an electrical plug available for an hour or two it makes sense to take advantage of it and plug in. This is called opportunity charging.  This will extend your daily driving range and will not hurt the batteries in anyway.

Q:        How much does it cost to operate?

A:        The electrical energy used is around 200 – 300 WH/km.  Ontario Hydro is charging around $0.11 per KWH.  This means that you can drive for about 3 cents per km.  Less than a dollar a day for the typical driver.  Remember you have to add the cost of the battery replacement to this.

Q:        How long will the batteries last before they have to be replaced?

A:        This is where the battery selection, use and charging make a big difference.  It can be as little as 3 months to as long as 5 years.  A well selected battery pack should last 1 to 2 years if driven daily for commuting.  You get what you pay for.  Better quality batteries and charger will last longer.  Keeping the batteries properly charged and taking care to not over discharge the batteries will have a big impact on battery life.

Q:        How much will a battery pack cost to replace?

A:        Lead Acid battery pack will cost from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on type and size.  A smaller EV will save you big time here.

Q:        Can I still drive in the winter?

A:        Sure you can!  REV Consultants Ltd. takes extra care to prepare its vehicle conversions for winter operation.  There are several options for interior heating.  Yes driving range will be reduced by about 10% because the driving conditions are tougher.  If you purchase a standard conversion kit from else where you will not have the benefit of our winter preparations and you will suffer from cold batteries and severe range reductions.

Q:        What is the story on better batteries?

A:        There is a lot of talk out there on the internet about EV’s going hundreds of km on a single charge.  Most of the claims come from experimental companies or individuals trying to overstate the facts to attract attention.  Yes Li-ion batteries exist that will more than double the range of an EV but the cost is very high, far beyond the practical spending limit for most individuals.  The EV-1 and Toyota Rav-4 did get very good range but these cars were not EV conversions and they did use expensive Nickel Metal Hydride batteries.

Q:        Can I still have AC?

A:        Due to the power required to drive the normal car AC system we suggest that it be removed from an EV conversion.  If you really desire AC a more efficient aftermarket system could be added.

Q:        What other power options do I have to do without?

A:        None.  12 volt accessories such as headlights, stereo, power windows and locks really have no impact on the driving range of the EV.  A 12 volt power brake vacuum pump is added to keep the power brakes operational with no ill effects on range.  Power steering can be modified in several ways.  Using the original hydraulic power steering pump driven from the traction motor is the cheapest but will cause a small reduction in range.

Q:        Can I have an automatic transmission?

A:        Yes, there will be a reduction in driving range and performance just as with the original gas car.

Q:        Are the safety features of the car affected?

A:        Air bags, and ABS brakes are not affected in the conversion process.  Traction control may be affected.  The added weight of the batteries will make the car heavier.  We always try to keep the final conversion weight within the rated GVW of the car.  This is where the selection of the donor car can make a difference.

Q:        What about adding a range extender or hybrid option?

A:        Many people are looking into this.  There is no problem in towing the unit behind your car on a trailer but adding a range extender generator or some other power unit to the vehicle is a grey area under the law in respect to modification of emission controls.  Therefore REV Consultants Ltd. is not willing to offer this as a normal option. 

Q:        Can I purchase a kit to convert my car myself?

A:        REV Consultants Ltd. does not sell do it yourself kits.  We offer full conversion services and technical assistance.