| Odds are, you probably own a gasoline or diesel | | | | project that is definitely not a do-it-yourself deal. |
| powered vehicle. If you are considering making | | | | Pretty much every active component of your |
| the switch to an electric car, there are some | | | | vehicle will have to be replaced with versions |
| things you should consider before getting started. | | | | designed for electric vehicles. But the costs will |
| Should I Buy a New Vehicle? | | | | probably not be much more than purchasing an |
| If you are in the market for an electric car, the | | | | electric vehicle, and you may like the results much |
| easiest option is to simply go new car shopping. | | | | better. |
| There are a few production electric cars out | | | | Get in touch with some companies that specialize |
| there right now. Be aware that while an electric | | | | in alternative energy sources, such as solar power |
| car is more expensive up front, if it suits your | | | | or fuel cells. Even if they can't help you with your |
| commuting needs you can save a lot of money in | | | | specific project, they can probably point you |
| the long run on fuel costs. Most production electric | | | | towards someone that can. The company that |
| cars have more limited range than a gasoline | | | | you finally settle on will have quite a few issues to |
| vehicle, but as long as you don't drive more than | | | | discuss with you, such as the battery types, or |
| 50 miles on a daily basis, they will be just fine. | | | | whether to go pure electric, or hybrid. |
| Along with the electric car, you will usually receive | | | | Electricity-generating fuel cells are another option, |
| a power station for your home, where you plug | | | | but can be expensive to maintain. There are |
| your car in to recharge overnight. Remember, | | | | many different ways to go when talking electric |
| power isn't free, and has to come from | | | | car conversions, and many need to be worked |
| somewhere. You can expect a rise in your | | | | out with someone who knows what is what. |
| electricity bill, but usually you are still saving | | | | It's All Worth It |
| money over a gasoline vehicle. And check the | | | | But once you actually perform the conversion, |
| laws in the state you live in! California, for | | | | you will be amazed at the difference. Electric |
| instance, offers some very nice incentives to | | | | vehicles are nearly silent, and you'll never have to |
| owners of green alternative fuel vehicles. This | | | | pump gas again. They have a very futuristic feel |
| includes electrically powered vehicles. | | | | about them, with computerized systems and |
| Converting Your Existing Vehicle | | | | displays as finishing touches. And they produce no |
| If you just don't want to give up your gas | | | | emissions whatsoever, so you are doing a major |
| guzzlers style or storage capacity, it is possible to | | | | favor to the environment. Imagine how much less |
| convert your vehicle to run on electricity. Just be | | | | smog there would be in your city if everyone |
| aware from the get go that this is an expensive | | | | drove zero emission electric cars. |