Converting car to electric

[paulywombats]

Hi all, if I took out the petrol engine from a car and replaced with electric motor, would it need an SVA and new MOT?

[The North]

Yes and yes i think they would view it a little different from a fuel type swap and i dont think you can change fuel types on an existing mot, when i used to diesel up old astras and cavaliers back in the day as runabouts i used to have to mot them even then to be right with the law.

[nabsim]

You used to be able to swap petrol and Diesel engines round didn't you, have they stopped that? I remember having an old short wheel base me 1 Landy at the quarry that started life in the forces as a long wheel base petrol.

If you can still do that wouldn't it be the same kind of thing changing from fossil fuel to electric?

I always thought the batteries they use in current electric cars can cost around ten grand though so how are you thinking of getting round that if it is allowed?

[paulywombats]

Thanks for all replies guys, very much appreciated. I have been following a guy in the good old US of A. He has converted a small fiesta like car, base model, no power steering, electric windows etc. He has used a forklift motor and lead acid batteries @ 72 volt. Removed fuel tank and cut floor out of boot and replaced with battery box.
I only need short range to commute to work, where I can charge.

[phunkie hiboy]

 Cutting the monocoque (boot floor)? At that point there, it will require an IVA

[Olds]

In the 70s the fork truck company I worked for converted a small van (morris marina I think) to electric. Worked quite well but carrying capacity, was much reduced due to the weight of the batteries. This of course was long before the need for SVA.