‘Upcycling’ means you take something old, worn out, or damaged and create something new but did you know you can even upcycle cars

As we move towards an electric future, prices of new electric cars are still too high for many and a shortage of used vehicles for sale is an issue. But instead of opting for a shiny new model, some people are popping the bonnets of their diesel and petrol cars and swapping engines and gearboxes for batteries. Once converted, re-registering a car as an EV for tax purposes is relatively straightforward and requires an inspection by an automotive engineer.

Generally, there are three ways to convert a petrol or diesel car into an electric:

Do it yourself

Electric car conversion is not a new idea. For more than a decade Video-sharing sites like YouTube has introduced enthusiastic amateurs to a new world of electric car converters from New Zealand to the US who share hints and tips. However, EV conversion is not for the faint-hearted and most people have a background in electronics before embarking on a full-scale conversion. As a DIY project, car conversions require time, skills, and commitment. There is, however, a growing community of engineers and hobbyists who are willing to share a wealth of knowledge on everything from sourcing parts to avoiding mistakes.

Acquire the skills and know-how

More people are learning the skills from the Wicklow-based, New Electric Ireland. Over recent years they have been converting cars to run as zero-emissions electric vehicles (EVs) and have also been involved in conversions of buses, ambulances, and marine transport. They also run training courses on how to start your own project. Classes, now on hold due to Covid, were popular pre-lockdown and it is hoped they

can resume very soon. There are over 500 people on a waiting list for their weekend courses and more than a two-year wait for some of their commercial projects. In terms of costs, labour and batteries are the most expensive elements. At the lower end of the scale, you can expect to get an 80km-range battery for €2,000, 160km for €5,000, and as much as 320km for €10,000. But costs are likely to fall significantly as the entire landscape is changing. And over time Experts predict kits could be designed for each car make and model that would take as little time as an afternoon to fit at your local garage.

Buy a vehicle already converted

Hidden in the wilds of the Wicklow Mountains, AVA creates some of the world's most desirable electric classic cars and brings together a team of Formula 1-grade engineers. From one-off cars to a series of personalised editions their combined credits include some of the world's breakthrough supercars, from the Jaguar C-X75 to the Aston Martin Rapide E.

But it's not only supercars that are being converted early this year MINI announced a plan to covert some of the original MINIs by a dedicated team at MINI Plant Oxford. The electric conversion of classic Minis combines traditional values with future-oriented technology. A one-off, classic Mini Electric was built in 2018 and presented at the New York Auto Show. The reactions were so positive that a dedicated team from MINI Plant Oxford set to work and developed the plan to make a corresponding offer available to customers who own a classic Mini. Pricing and further technical information will be announced when launched later this year.

Upcycling is not just for cars. EV conversion has the capacity to transform farming too and reduce emissions from agriculture as many farm vehicles are suitable candidates.

There is little doubt electric vehicle conversions could play a key role in our zero-emission plans, especially given all new cars sold will have to be electric by 2030.

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