New Electric Vehicle's are not green, because they don't have a zero emissions through their lifecycle. Although they do not produce CO2 when they are on the move, they do it in three other ways. During the manufacturing process, energy production to charge the batteries and the disposal at the end of the cars lifecycle. The mining for the raw materials that make up these EV's especially the rare earth metals like lithium, nickel, cobalt or graphite is of course very polluting and energy consuming.
So this got me thinking. Believe it or not even though I am into ICE cars and own a few, including a diesel, petrol V6 and 5.0 V8, I do actually consider myself quite green and care for the environment. Now either I'm deluded or I make up for it justly in other ways. For example I recycle, try and fix things where possible rather than throw away, I litter pick on the way to the shops and buy products from more ethical sources where possible. Maybe I'm deluded....
Anyway after mentioning on social media that I care for the environment a certain 5.0 V8 TVR gets thrown at me. Not mentioning any names, but you know who you are.
Now this got me thinking, bearing in mind all the neigh Sayers that poo poo electric cars for not being green, is there a way of having a more eco-friendly electric car???
I think I have a solution!!!
In the wise words of John Belushi " Jesus H God damn Christ, I have seen the light"!
It has been done in part, excuse the pun, already. by buying used batteries and motor, on the pretence of saving money.
My idea is this:
Step 1: You find a suitable ICE car for electric conversion that is spares or repair, ideally broken engine or similar, essentially at the end of its life and not economically variable to repair. This straight away puts you in to some might say a minus footprint, utilising a car that is about to be disposed of.
To do this you can contact a breakers yard, get on ebay, Gumtree or ask around on social media.
Step 2: Source as many parts as possible for your conversion 2nd hand. For example the main parts and most expensive being batteries, solar panels and the motor. Also If you can find suitable inverter, BMS (Battery management system), metal for battery boxes and all other parts you can second hand. There are some items that will have to be new, hey I'm doing my best here! If you want it to be greener, just get a push bike!
Step 3: Design and build the car as efficiently as possible minimising waste and making it as green as possible along the way.
Step 4: Source some used solar panels (You will need to use some of the batteries to store the energy in your home ideally) Then attach to the suitable side of your roof for maximum sunlight and this will in turn charge your Green ICE EV with renewable energy. Therefore making an EV with a lower carbon lifecycle.
Now none of this as it stands today is cheap, however as electric cars become more popular the used battery prices (Batteries being about 50% of the build cost) will come down including the parts cost as popularity increases. Not including the solar panels and if you can do the conversion yourself I would envision you might get the cost close to £12,000. An alternative option to buying and fitting solar panels is swapping your energy provider to a company like Octopus who only supply electricity from renewable sources.
Now the car to conversion isn't going to be new, more than likely over 15 years old, so there will be other costs to take into consideration. For example bodywork, tyres and brakes. So choosing the right donor car will be essential.
As the worlds population heads towards the electrification of their transport system it makes sense to me to utilise the cars we already have around us. If it reduces the number of new EV's made by even the smallest percentage I think it will be well worth it. Not only the reduction in CO2 emissions, but also keeping some good looking and interesting cars on the road, which no doubt will be more exciting drive. As let's be honest not all chargeheads want traction control in their EV. 😈
I would love to see this through and put my money where my mouth is, I would have to sell my TVR to help fund this. I would need to call out some favours, to any suitable company or companies to assist with the building of the car. I'm happy to source the parts for the donor car of course.
Fellow chargeheads please highlight this project to anyone who might be interested or would like to get involved. I live in Higham Ferrers in Northamptonshire so the closer the better.
Also my TVR is for Sale £25000 ono I will do an advert in the for sale section, as its free😉
Feel free to message below or contact me privately.