Can I convert my Maruti XL6 into an EV? If sure, how a lot will it price, and is it protected? Also, what are the authorized formalities I must undergo?

Abhinav Srivastava, Hyderabad

Autocar India says: It will not be advisable to retrofit an EV package in an ICE car because the conversion would entail an intensive changeover of all main car elements. This would pose an enormous threat to the dynamics, security and reliability of the car.

Additionally, the dangers concerned with a high-voltage EV powertrain could be humongous – the standard of essential elements such because the battery pack, motor, controller and wiring harnesses being the important thing figuring out issue within the protected and dependable operation of the car.

Given the complexity, it’s not straightforward to exactly calibrate every sub-system of an EV powertrain with the restricted sources and capabilities of aftermarket gamers. Hence, there are excessive possibilities of encountering troubles in the long term, whereby it may very well be powerful getting the specified service assist from small-scale installers.

An EV retro fitment may price anyplace between Rs 3 lakh-5 lakh, whereas additionally making a major dent on the prevailing resale worth of the car in its ICE type. Since the EV area is repeatedly evolving, we’d not advocate retrofitting at this juncture. You may as an alternative purchase an EV from trusted carmakers like Tata Motors, MG Motor India, Mahindra & Mahindra and others.

Also see:

India’s greenest Dzire: Driving a Dzire EV with a handbook gearbox

Delhi permits EV retrofitting of diesel cars, SUVs older than 10 years