Just about any vehicle can be converted to electric power.  However, the lighter and more aerodynamic the vehicle chosen, the greater the distance that can be traveled per battery charge. One of the key conversion considerations is whether to use DC or AC power and then to decide the voltage at which the system will run.

The voltage decision controls how many batteries the car will need, and what sort of motor and controller the car will use. DC is selected more commonly, but if travel range is an issue, AC may be the best choice, as it accommodates larger capacity batteries.  Once the power decision is made, then decisions about the batteries, motor and controller can be made.

The most commonly available and affordable batteries are lead-acid flooded type. More powerful and expensive are the AGM (Absorption Glass Mat) sealed maintenance-free batteries. Lighter, longer lasting and maintenance-free are the new lithium ion batteries.

These new batteries are showing promise for electric vehicles in the near future, but can be expensive and difficult to find.

Other necessary components include: the charger (to restore energy to the batteries which is mounted in the vehicle or at a designated fixed location), the power controller (to regulate flow of energy between the battery and the electric motor), an electric throttle, one or more electric motors and their mechanical attachment to the driveline, power conductors ( to connect the battery, controller, and motor), accessory equipment (to power auxiliary systems such as power brakes or the heating system), control circuitry and equipment (to allow control and interlocking of the various components) and instrumentation specific to the operation and maintenance of the conversion.

The vehicle to be converted is the initial cost. Parts can be purchased individually, or complete conversion kits can be purchased. Either way, parts will cost several thousand dollars. Batteries, motors and controllers range between $1,000 and $2,000 each, and adapter plates and other miscellaneous items such as small motors, wiring, switches and the like will run another $1,000 to $2,000 total. 

If paying a mechanic, there are about 200 hours of labor involved in the typical conversion, as well.  The total cost for electric conversion then, can range from about $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the approach taken. For comparison's sake, hiring a company to do the conversion ranges from $12,000 to $18,000 while a new electric vehicle costs about $40,000.

The greatest immediate benefit of converting to an electric vehicle is the reduction of pollutants. The significantly cleaner and lower cost of electricity over gasoline is particularly attractive to consumers also. Since there is nearly no maintenance involved with an electric vehicle, this greatly reduces its cost. There are tax advantages for alternative fuel and electric vehicles also, to the tune of $4,000 to $7,500. The current tax code would need to be reviewed for specific eligibility.

Collectively, as more people switch to electric vehicles, the demand for mass production of electric vehicles will increase, which will drive down the cost to produce them. As more people can afford electric vehicles, the collective reduction of petroleum products will positively impact both the environment and the economy as petroleum dependence is reduced.