Has anybody converted a PHEV in to a fully BEV?

[leejones781]

As the title says has anybody heard of anyone that has replaced the batteries with higher capacity batteries for a full BEV retrofit? I'm quite fond of the Outlander and would really like a BEV version, is it feasible or worth the cost?

 

[jaapv]

Anything is possible, I guess, but I'd research the cost of batteries first - plus the costs of conversion - plus the hassle of getting the car re-registered after a structural change. Probably more rational to buy a couple of Teslas.

 

[greendwarf]

Its not only the cost of the batteries and changing out a lot of the electronics but you would have to redesign and modify the suspension due to the change in weight distribution - which would certainly mean that insurance would be almost impossible to obtain for normal road use. A better route might be adding extra battery capacity perhaps under the boot floor and on the roof or replacing the fuel tank with a much smaller one to provide extra space..

 

[kpetrov]

Its not only the cost of the batteries and changing out a lot of the electronics but you would have to redesign and modify the suspension due to the change in weight distribution - which would certainly mean that insurance would be almost impossible to obtain for normal road use. A better route might be adding extra battery capacity perhaps under the boot floor and on the roof or replacing the fuel tank with a much smaller one to provide extra space..

Extra battery capacity on the roof is a nonsense. Cables, rising the center of gravity.
Replacing the ICE with an battery pack wont change the weight distribution so much, certainly wont call for a suspension redesign and modification.

 

[greendwarf]

Really - you take out the engine and it doesn't change the weight distribution?

Also the roof rack is designed to take quite a lot of weight (without changing weight distribution :lol: ) - I don't know the figures off hand, but if you have solved the other problems, it is "free" space for extra batteries.

 

[kpetrov]

Yep really, You don't simply take out the engine. I have said replace it with battery pack.
Changing a bit the wight distribution between front and back axle is not so big of a deal. What is happening when you fully load the trunk of your car? Do you need suspension redesign?

The roof rack is designed to take quite a lot of weight (without changing weight distribution :lol
Are you laughing at yourself?

Make a sudden avoiding obstacle maneuver or sharp turn with significantly raised center of gravity and you will find an permanent parking spot.

 

[AntsCar]

There's a few companies that'll do conversions to electric. Not seen any info on people starting with a phev but as both petrol & diesel can be converted, it shouldn't be any more difficult

Google ECC or www.newelectric.nl/automotive/

They've got indicative pricing on their site, it will be expensive

 

[greendwarf]

Unfortunately kpetrov's video clip adds nothing to the discussion as there is no indication this is a result of a raised centre of gravity. Cars are designed to be able to carry a certain amount of weight on the roof without causing handling problems - otherwise Volvos would fail the "elk" test. So long as you stay within that limit, mounting extra capacity there should be perfectly safe without sacrificing interior space.

I would suggest that the alternative of swapping the engine mass for extra batteries in a position directly over the steering wheels is more likely to cause the sort of handling problems illustrated. Manufacturers spend a lot of time calculating and testing to get this right, so your insurance company is unlikely to believe you have the same knowledge to do this safely.

 

[leejones781]

Was just wondering if it feasible really cheers for the replies folks

 

[kpetrov]

Like someone said before anything is feasible, especially if you have the know how and the skills.
People are building their own el. vehicles for decades.

 

[greendwarf]

Not for road use this side of the pond.

 

[leejones781]

Found these chaps in Ireland https://rangetherapy.org/ and they are extending rage with 22Kw packs and doing all the suspension works etc

 

[greendwarf]

But not yet and not conversion to BEV

 

[leejones781]

Might do it to extend the range though, got a mail from them they hope to start doing it in August this year

 

[kpetrov]

Actually I converted mine to an full BEV but without extending the range.
With a press of a button I can go from full BEV to PHEV.

Pure Electric Vehicle Mod - Hack. Stop ICE (engine)

 

[user 5728]

Obviously, no one has converted so far. However, battery capacity may be multifold from today's capacity so that a replacement may make sense. Doubling the capacity would lead to assumed 95% EV driving considering my driving situation. Long distances would remain fueld though.

Giving a few years, I think, would allow for a swap.