[Fuubar]

For the new car discussion:
It all comes down to whether the federal government considers the car to be used or new, with the NHTSA being the group that has to make the call. If the car is new, I need to meet all the safety requirements (with waivers available), but I get a tax credit. If the car is used, I get no credit but I only need to meet state requirements for titling a kit car. Kit cars are already a grey area, but an electric kit will be even more grey. Normally, the NHTSA points to reuse of the drivetrain from a single vehicle. If I'm using tesla drive units, custom axles, and impreza/corvette spindles with a new frame and body, it becomes harder to define the donor.

I would go down the road of lobbying the regulators of air quality and present a business plan for a conversion kit rebate. I would start in California where it is the rage right now. Even if the EV market is wildly successful, there will still be millions of ICE vehicles on the road for decades. The regulators just might jump at a way to convert existing cars sooner by offering a rebate for kits. The kits need to be more complete in my opinion. There are still too many pieces and parts. Motor, battery, brains, and chargers with plugs between them is within reach.

That is a really good point. I suspect that we're in a chicken and egg situation. The conversion kits and services don't exist because there is no incentive and there is no incentive because politicians don't consider there to be a market.

If someone had the resources, there may really be an opportunity for hybrid or EV conversions. I think a $5K-$10K credit would really open up the market for PHEV conversion kits. A cheap kit to add 40-50 electric miles and/or extra performance to any car would be pretty enticing. For RWD/longitudinal vehicles, you'd be looking at a lexus GS450h, or equivalent, OEM controller, 10-15 kWh Batteries, and labor. For FWD/transverse, It may take a bit more work, but options should be possible. I bet a shop or etailer could make a tidy profit if there were a credit. Unfortunately, i don't have the resources or connections to get the ball rolling.

edited for typos.

 

[MesquiteTim]

A local shop used to convert cars and pickups to CNG. It was years ago. Certify the conversion shop and give a credit for a completed conversion. Even if the range is low, it takes an ICE off the road. I am NOT a tree hugger, I just happen to like all things EV.

 

[cricketo]

Folks need to remember the purpose of these incentives - it is to bootstrap EV the industry. It is not to reward the consumers for making responsible choices, it is to ensure there is a supply of clean vehicles at affordable prices. Kit cars, hobby conversions, or even custom professional builds are a drop in the bucket considering the big picture, only by accident will those fit the whatever requirements legislators have put in place

 

[MesquiteTim]

Disagree. A conversion costs a fraction of the cost of a new EV. The point is that they are missing out on an entire path to "ensure there is a supply of clean vehicles at affordable prices". A conversion rebate better fits the definition of "bootstrap" than given Tesla another trillion in dollars. Every ICE engine shut down drives toward the clean air goal. If I buy an EV, my old ICE is still running because I sold it.

 

[cricketo]

I disagree with your disagreement! But then legislators disagree with both of our opinions, and in the end that's the only one important here.