[ppihlstrom]

About 15 years ago I started thinking of converting an old car to electric, but life happened and I never got around to it. Recently I started thinking about it again, and now it seems I might get going… I have worked on cars as a hobby since I was 16, so I’m not new to that, but I’m a complete newbie to EV… I am looking forward to learning, and I hope you all will be patient with me as I ask lots of stupid questions 😜

 

[remy_martian]

Thinking is good. Cash pile enables it.

 

[ppihlstrom]

yeah, cash… that constant trouble… anyway, I have a 1998 Jeep XJ Cherokee Sport, that is in really good shape. It’s a 4.0L inline 6, with an automatic transmission. Almost completely free from rust, really solid. We’ve had it for about 10 years, and before that it belonged to a friend since it was almost new. I think we’re the third owners. We started talking about buying an electric car in about 18 months when our current car lease is up, but looking at the cost, yikes 😳 . So then we thought, how about a new project 😂

 

[remy_martian]

A conversion will likely cost you the same as, or more than, a new electric car...people have been buying new Chevy Bolt EVs for $18k after rebates and credits.

Tesla is not the only game in town, especially since you clearly have a place to plug in for overnight charging if you're contemplating an EV conversion.

If the Jeep has sentimental or other value, or you want a Master's degree in converting a car, then money to do it becomes a stupid detail.

 

[reiderM]

yeah, cash… that constant trouble… anyway, I have a 1998 Jeep XJ Cherokee Sport, that is in really good shape. It’s a 4.0L inline 6, with an automatic transmission. Almost completely free from rust, really solid. We’ve had it for about 10 years, and before that it belonged to a friend since it was almost new. I think we’re the third owners. We started talking about buying an electric car in about 18 months when our current car lease is up, but looking at the cost, yikes 😳 . So then we thought, how about a new project 😂

Almost converted an XJ, bought a 2-door '96 XJ w/ 5speed stick shift for $1k with a blown engine and it was too rusted to work with. Unibody rails were completely gone on the inside!

Don't expect to do better than OEMs on price with an EV conversion but the cool factor could make it worthwhile 😁

 

[ppihlstrom]

Prices of available EV's in Sweden right now, base model, starting price:

Nissan Leaf: $33500
Maxda MX-30: $36650
Toyota bZ4X: $51170
KIA EV6: $56500
Ford Mustang Mach E: $59500

so... using used parts, and my own "free" labour, you're saying I can't get it built for less than $33500?

 

[Duncan]

Prices of available EV's in Sweden right now, base model, starting price:

Nissan Leaf: $33500
Maxda MX-30: $36650
Toyota bZ4X: $51170
KIA EV6: $56500
Ford Mustang Mach E: $59500

so... using used parts, and my own "free" labour, you're saying I can't get it built for less than $33500?

The equation that I use is
If you can DIY then it will cost twice as much as a second hand Leaf - and be half as good as a car
If you have to pay somebody then it will cost twice as much as a brand new Tesla - and be half as good as a second hand Leaf

twice as much as a second hand Leaf - how much is a 10 year old Leaf in Sweden??

Converting is like "Hot Rodding" - do it because you want to - not to save money

Also
Sweden
The very first thing that you need to do is to check that you will be permitted to drive your converted machine
Some countries its quite easy to get a modified car on the road
Some countries its nearly impossible to get a modified car accepted for road use

You need to check YOUR country

 

[remy_martian]

You also have to import most of your components from "breakers" in Norway and there are no taxes to do that, are there?