Many people are dream to buy one electric car. But the problem is the price. The news that gives hope and comfort to those who are worried like this is that petrol and diesel cars can be made electric. But the question is how it will be done. Although they say that they will get an electric kit, most of them are worried about whether the thing will be successful. In this case, let’s take a look at its properties.
Beginning in Delhi
A notification issued by the Delhi government in 2021 has led to the promotion of electric vehicles. The verdict of the Green Tribunal was that the use of diesel vehicles more than ten years old will not be allowed in Delhi. However, in the above notification, it was said that these vehicles will be allowed to continue to be used if they are converted to run on electricity using a conversion kit. In its wake, a parallel industry has emerged in India that provides materials to convert any vehicle with a fuel engine into an EV (electric vehicle).
ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) is a central government organization that tests and approves electric vehicle conversion kits. They have strictly fulfilled the quality and other standards that should be there for these products. Conversion kits used for 2 and 3 wheelers, cars, light commercial vehicles, buses and trucks are tested and approved for sale in the market after receiving ‘Type Approval’ from ARAI, which ensures safety and functionality.
There are two hurdles to get approved. First, the motor, battery, inverter, wiring harness, connectors, electronic controls, display etc. included in the kit should be submitted for testing at ARAI. Once these are approved, the vehicle converted using the kit should be given to ARAI for testing. Passing rigorous tests will result in ‘type approval’. Only after this, dealers should be appointed and the kits made available for sale. According to the CMVR (Central Motor Vehicle Rules) only vehicles manufactured after 1st January 1990 and which do not have a permit to carry dangerous goods are allowed to be converted using a kit with an approval certificate.
Companies in the market
1. E-TRIO
The company, which manufactures kits for 3 and 4 wheeler light commercial vehicles, is headquartered in Thela
in Ngana (www.etrio.in).
2. LOOP MOTO
Headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, the company manufactures kits for electric bicycles, cars (Maruti, Hyundai, Honda) and light commercial vehicles. It operates conversion centers all over India (except Kerala) (www.loopmoto.com).
3. NORTHWAY MOTOR PORT
Based in Pune, they mainly manufacture kits for Tata Ace vehicles. They have experimentally converted a Maruti Dzire car (www.northway-motors com).
4. GOGO A1
They manufacture kits for 2 and 3 wheel vehicles and have a presence in fourteen states including Kerala (www.gogoa1.com).
5. REXNAMO ELECTRIC
Based in Ghaziabad, UP, this company manufactures kits for vehicles like Swift, Indica and vintage vehicles (www.rexnamo.com).
6. EV RETRO ENERGIES
This Hyderabad-based company manufactures electric hybrid conversion kits for 2 and 4 wheelers as well as battery packs (www.retronev.in).
Apart from these, there are many start-ups in this field in India and companies that only sell kits (buyer has to convert). Although converting an existing vehicle into an EV is much cheaper than buying a new one, it is important to ensure that the approval of the state motor vehicle department is obtained before taking the plunge.
In Kerala, such centers require the approval of the Department of Motor Vehicles. The steps are being taken. State Sir for ARAA Certification
The vehicle should be provided for fitting of EV kits at the authorized centers of the car.