Retrofitting of an Internal Combustion Engine Car into an Electric Car

The depletion of fossil fuel and surging price of petrol (gasoline) in the international market has made the internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles expensive to use as a means of commuting from one place to another. This paper presents the retrofitting of an electric car through a conversion process of transforming a 2002 model Nissan saloon ICE car into an electric vehicle (EV) car with the purpose of using it to commute over a long distance at a relatively cheaper cost. The methodology used for this work involves (1) carrying out design calculation vis-a-viz: the analytical determination of the rolling resistance; an evaluation of the aerodynamic drag force and acceleration force required for the propulsion of the EV car, (2) replacement of IC components with EV components and (3) carrying out the performance test of the developed EV car. According to the results of the design analysis, the total tractive effort is 323.982 N, the rolling resistance is 198.79 N, and the aerodynamic drag force resistance is 125.129 N. The torque needed on the drive wheel is 47.625 N and the battery life cycle is 650 cycles. This research work used the lead-acid battery which must be replaced after a certain period of time, however, it can be recommended that lithium-ion batteries which have a longer lifespan and are far more dependable for efficient functioning can be used in place of lead-acid batteries. Retrofitting cuts down emission of particulates from cars with carburettors typically having CO level of around 30,000 ppm and also for nitrogen oxides (NOX) as well as the level of noise (decibel or db).