Choosing to build your own electric car is an easy process. Owning a lightweight, economy coupe that has been converted to electricity is not only efficient, but it is an excellent choice! If proper care is taken during the conversion process in the placement and selection of the components, such a vehicle can be expected to last longer than it would have with a conventional, gasoline engine. Conversion kits are easily obtained, especially for those lightweight models whose motor is located in the rear such as the Volkswagen Beetle.

Converting lightweight vehicles to build your own electric car allows the owner to utilize a smaller electric motor, which is less expensive and weighs less. With this lighter overall weight, the vehicle will require less power to start, to take off, or to accelerate. Likewise, the traveling range per recharge is dramatically increased in many common driving conditions.

A compact coupe or sedan is also an excellent choice if you are thinking about building your own electric car. Owners who need more load capacity or more room to place the batteries will find that a compact sedan is more suited to their preferences. Some of the most commonly sold EV Conversions, such as the latest Ford Ranger EV, are made using this size vehicle. The Honda Civic, for example, was converted to an electric vehicle by retaining the back seat, sinking nine lead-acid flooded batteries deep into the trunk in the space where the spare tire would have been placed, and adding an additional nine batteries in the engine area. A 1987 model Mitsubishi Tredia was converted by placing batteries above the floorspace in the trunk, sealing and externally venting them.

Several major manufacturers are attempting to create new hybrid, plug-in electric vehicles for the general public. These latest conversions are designed to allow the driver to operate the vehicle for up to 40 miles by total electric power, after which the gasoline-powered engine would turn on and recharge the batteries. They are accomplishing this feat by replacing the nickel-metal hydride variety of batteries along with a different system for battery management.

Before attempting to build your own electric car, check with state and local authorities. In some locations, the gross vehicle weight rating must be at or below a certain level, including the passengers and driver. If the conversions cause the total vehicle weight to exceed the recommended, original design weight, driving such a vehicle may be illegal. In some cases, such a vehicle may even cause insurance cancellation. In order to avoid such catastrophes, hobbyists are advised to increase the spring rating, increase the shock length, make suspension modifications, and to use the smallest and lightest sized batteries and motor to suit their needs.