With nearly 10% of yearly global emissions being produced by the auto industry, reported by Green Peace, electric vehicle (EV) conversions have emerged as a pivotal solution towards a greener future. The conversion of existing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles into these EVs offers a sustainable alternative, giving new life to old vehicles. The following illustrates the audience of this innovative solution, alongside the vast associated environmental and economic benefits.  

 

Vehicles with internal combustion engines average 4.6 tonnes of CO2 per year from tailpipe emissions alone, according to the EPA Green Vehicle Guide. Tailpipe emissions refer to the CO2 production from a vehicle burning gasoline during operation. This is often the only source of CO2 production reported in the vehicle industry. This discrepancy of data causes the vast emissions produced from vehicle and fuel production to be disregarded, leading to a disconnect from the perceived and true emissions produced.  

 

When considering emissions from the manufacturing and maintenance of a vehicle, using the Canadian National Inventory, the average ICE vehicle in Canada produces 10 tonnes of CO2 throughout its lifespan. These emissions increase to 13 tonnes for traditional EVs. Conversely, EV conversions only produce 2.5 tonnes of emissions, which is solely from battery production. EV conversions represent a 75% reduction of CO2 production than that of an ICE vehicle and 81% of a traditional EV vehicle. 

 

Canada’s clean electricity production generates less than 5% of the emissions produced by an equivalent amount of energy from gasoline. This is reported by the Canadian National Inventory, where it’s further stated that over 80% of Canadians have access to this clean electricity. This electricity provides a power source for EVs that vastly decreases their lifespan emissions, unlike that of a gas-powered ICE. ICE vehicles long-term-footprint can be reduced through the switch from gas to clean electricity, facilitated by EV conversions. This solution is feasible in Canada, as these clean electricity sources are vastly available to the greater population.   

 

Repurposing existing vehicles, rather than manufacturing new ones, heavily reduces emissions produced in the manufacturing and material process. The manufacturing process for all vehicles is energy and resource intensive. By retrofitting old gas cars with electric drivetrains, EV conversions minimize the demand for raw materials, energy, and water associated with production. This allows transportation to fall into circular economy, where resources are utilized efficiently, and waste generation is minimized. 

  

Overall, EV conversions represent a valuable strategy for promoting sustainable transportation and reducing the environmental footprint of the automotive industry. By extending the lifespan of vehicles, reducing emissions and conserving resources, EV conversions contribute to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation ecosystem. 

 

EV conversions offer unique economic advantages, making them a financially competitive option for many Canadians. Using CanEV, a Canadian EV conversion kit company, to compare prices, a kit can range from $25,000 to $35,000.  According to Statistics Canada, the average household private transportation expense was $9,501. Due to the lowered operating costs, a consumer can expect to justify this expense in only 3-4 years. 

 

These economic advantages can be broken-down into three main categories:  

 

• Lower Operating Costs: According to Statistics Canada, from August 2014 to August 2024, Canadian gas prices have increased by 20%. Unlike traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles, EVs eliminate the need for gasoline, resulting in significant savings over time.  

 

• Reduced Maintenance Expenses: EVs have fewer moving parts and require less upkeep than ICE vehicles, leading to lower maintenance costs throughout the vehicle's lifespan. Statistics Canada reports the average EV owner saves around 70% in maintenance costs when compared to an ICE vehicle owner. 

 

• Optimizing Value: When an ICE vehicle has reached the end of its lifespan, through engine failure, an EV conversion can save the vehicle, reduce waste, and extend its lifespan. This conversion may present upfront costs but eliminates the cost of purchasing a new vehicle.  

 

With the rise of EVs, the shift to EV conversions has gained traction, from kits to companies, resulting in distinct ways to turn your vehicle electric. In the UK, Electrogenic sells EV conversion kits for specific vehicles like Land Rovers, Porsches, and Jaguars. Companies like Everrati sell pre-converted luxury cars. US companies like Zelectric transform classic Volkswagen and Porsche models into EV’s. Zero Labs Automotive will transform any outdated combustion vehicle to an EV. Another competitor in the EV conversion market is EV West, an online boutique for electric vehicle components, offering conversion kits for a variety of vehicles. The contribution of Canadian student clubs in this field does not go unnoticed. Queen’s Relectric Car Team (QRCT) is demonstrating the innovation of EV conversions through their transformation of outdated vehicles. 

 

While traditional EVs continue to grow in production, they are still a work in progress. Many economic and environmental drawbacks hinder their growth, as demonstrated in “Electric’s Combatting the Current Limitations of EVs”, written by Madighan Ryan. For EV conversions to be a feasible solution, offering an economically friendly and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional EVs, a streamed approach must be developed. Currently, consumer products in the EV conversion industry are scarce, giving importance to university organizations, such as QRCT, to drive innovation in the industry. QRCT is currently in the process of a full EV conversion of a 1997 Jeep. This project will inform the development of this streamlined conversion approach, with the hope to bring this to fruition in the market. These developments aren’t possible without continued innovation and research from these students, working to create a greener future in the automotive industry.

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