The future is electric, and it’s moving toward us with the force of a thousand volts. The electric vehicle (EV) revolution isn’t just coming; it’s here, electrifying the streets and highways of America. And who’s leading the charge? You, the innovators, the dreamers, DIYers and fleet managers alike. You’re not just converting cars; you’re also changing minds. Let’s explore the different archetypes of people pioneering EV conversions.

DIYers are the ones who stress over the specs, who weigh the pros and cons of each different kit on the market.

1. Empowering the DIYer

You’re the mavericks with a wrench in one hand and a blueprint in the other, transforming the rumble of a gas engine into the hum of the future. You have a thirst for knowledge, the latest EV setups, the most reliable components, and the wisdom only the insights from experienced DIYers and their real-world experiences can impart.

Those with the spark of curiosity know that the next step is the information. Several resources for formal training exist, including Legacy EV’s EV Fundamentals Certification Bootcamp, EV4U’s EV Workshop, and Fellten’s Certified Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Training.

After training, compatibility concerns among EV components are the #1 preoccupation of DIYers as they seek the best components for the best price. DIYers are the ones who stress over the specs, who weigh the pros and cons of each different kit on the market. They’re the ones who do deep dives into forums, trying to find the best stories of trials and triumphs.

DIYers love to share, show, and find valuable insights from experienced DIYers. The website Evalbum.com showcases thousands of EV builds from around the world, while forums like DIY Electric Car are another valuable resource. Finding the proper setup for a specific vehicle requires time, a desire to learn, and patience.

A can’t miss event for those interested in undertaking their own EV conversion is the annual Ohm on the Range conference slated for July 12-13 in Denver. There, the air is charged with the spirit of creation, camaraderie, and knowhow. Attendance is one of the best investments for any DIYer. There, you will listen, talk, see, and learn all things EV conversion.

2. Seamless Conversions for EV Enthusiasts

For the EV enthusiast, the automobile is more than a machine; it’s a vehicle of memories, a vessel of history. Converting to an electric powertrain isn’t just about embracing the future; it’s about preserving the past. They’re the ones who seek the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, who want the heart of a classic with the pulse of the modern. They’re not looking to spend their days in the garage; they’re looking to spend their moments on the road, in a car that’s as timeless as it is forward-thinking.

This cohort doesn’t DIY. This cohort venerates precision and high-level engineering. Most importantly, this cohort doesn’t want to worry about the outcome of their project. They’ve got a dream car and a vision that’s non-negotiable. That’s where they play it smart; they dial up a conversion collective like Fuel2Electric. Why? Because they know it’s the only place that’ll pair their prized possession with a craftsman from a lineup of over 70 workshops.

3. Section: Turnkey Solutions for Restomod Shops

There’s a seismic shift in restomod shops. The halls of automotive tradition are trading in their carburetors for capacitors, their fuel pumps for power cells. This transformation reflects a growing awareness of environmental concerns and a desire to modernize classic vehicles with sustainable technology. The consequences of this shift are palpable on both the customer and technical team fronts.

For the customer, it’s a journey into the new without losing sight of the old, a promise of performance that pays homage to the past while powering forward. The move to electric signifies a departure from traditional fuel-dependent systems, promising enhanced efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and a forward-looking approach to automotive restoration.

On the technical team side, there’s a large shift as skilled mechanics adapt to new technologies, electric drivetrains, and battery systems. The learning curve is steep, but it opens up exciting opportunities for skill diversification and expertise in cutting-edge EV technology. Even their management needs models in the industry and success stories of restoration shops adopting EV conversions to meet customer demands.

The challenges? Integrating the new without losing the essence of what makes a classic car classic. Building networks, forging partnerships, finding the right kit that fits not just the car, but the vision of what it can become.

In their quest for electrification, restomod shops seek patented kits or platforms and explore options prioritizing ease of installation, servicing, and maintenance.

4. Revolutionizing Fleets: EV Conversions for Sustainability

Motivated by a dual commitment to environmental sustainability and the long-term economic benefits of electric fleets, business owners and managers are actively exploring and implementing strategies to electrify their vehicle lineup. This transition aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and positions fleet managers at the forefront of innovation in the automotive industry. Business owners see beyond the horizon, where a brand-new EV truck slashes emissions of CHGs by a factor of three compared to diesel, while converting an existing vehicle to electric slashes them by tenfold.

However, the road is not without its bumps. Gas or diesel-powered shuttles, buses, and trucks currently in use don’t always have an electric version available. Consequently, fleet managers have limited alternatives, making EV conversion a practical choice. These vehicles are often equipped with specialized features such as wheelchair ramps, tanks, toolboxes, cranes, etc; and these custom options constitute a significant percentage of the overall vehicle cost. Therefore, EV conversions are often preferred when compared to brand-new custom EV vehicles.

Despite the evident benefits, the transition from conventional vehicles to electric ones presents a unique set of challenges for fleet managers. One major hurdle is the robust charging infrastructure to support the growing fleet of electric vehicles. But building charging infrastructure is more than a technical hurdle; it’s a commitment to the future. It’s about placing charging stations strategically, about planning routes meticulously, and about understanding usage intimately.

And let’s not forget the people behind the wheel. For drivers, this new electric era is a quiet revolution, a smoother ride, and a cleaner conscience. But it also demands adaptation—new routines, new limits, new landscapes and the new awareness of availability of charging infrastructure.

For the technicians, it’s a call to learn, to adapt, to master the electric drivetrain, battery management, and the charging infrastructure. It’s about training, about growing, about becoming the mechanics of the electric automotive world. You’ll have to reevaluate skill sets and make necessary changes.

No matter what breed of EV enthusiast you are (DIYer, shop owner, or fleet managers), it’s important to be a part of a network that understands the value of a vehicle. The automobile can be much more than a tool. It can be a companion, a point of pride, and a business partner. You need a network that addresses the concerns that matter, be it idle time, worker comfort, safety, warranty, maintenance, or training. For social clubs, there are networks like Plug In America. For conversion collectives that take your project from an idea to a reality, you have networks like Fuel2Electric. For many, the conversion process is a long one. It’s crucial to get comfortable for the ride.

---