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Beginner EV Conversion: What Should I Know Before Swapping a Motor?


Aria James
04-29-2025, 01:39 PM
Hey everyone,
I’ve been looking into converting an older compact car into an EV using a DIY electric motor kit, mostly for fun and learning. I’m still in the early stages, but trying to wrap my head around battery sizing, motor-controller matching, and what kind of range is realistically achievable on a budget. If anyone here has done a basic EV conversion or knows someone who has, I’d really appreciate any tips on what to watch out for especially in terms of drivetrain compatibility and electrical safety. Not looking to break records, just want a simple, working conversion.

Been reading/watching a bunch to get started:
https://www.theengineeringprojects.com/2022/03/introduction-to-electric-vehicles.html
https://www.evbuildersguide.com/ev-conversion-basics
https://www.autoblog.com/article/how-to-convert-your-car-to-electric/

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