Cost of Retrofitting Kits in India
EV retrofitting is the process of converting a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle into an electric vehicle. It involves replacing the original engine and drivetrain with an electric motor, a controller, a battery pack, and other components. EV retrofitting can offer many benefits, such as reducing emissions, saving fuel costs, and extending the lifespan of old vehicles.
In India, EV retrofitting is gaining popularity as a way to promote electric mobility and reduce pollution. The government has allowed the old diesel vehicles (10+ years) to continue and bypass the National Green Tribunal’s ban if fitted with an electric vehicle kit. The government has also set out clear technical requirements and approval procedures for EV retrofitting kits. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is the testing agency that regulates EV retrofitting kits under the AIS 123 standards.
Several companies in India provide EV retrofitting kits or services for different types of vehicles, such as cars, scooters, bikes, rickshaws, and buses. Some of the top companies are E-trio, Loop Moto, EV Retron Energies, and Cell Propulsi. These companies have converted thousands of vehicles to electric so far and have partnered with various fleet operators, car dealers, logistics, and transportation companies to provide EV conversion services.
EV retrofitting is expected to grow further in India in 2023 as more people become aware of its advantages and more options become available in the market. EV retrofitting can also help in creating a circular economy by reusing and recycling old vehicles and batteries. EV retrofitting is a promising solution for India’s transition to a greener and cleaner future.
The cost of EV retrofitting kits in India for 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers varies depending on the power, model, battery capacity, and range of the vehicle. Here are some approximate estimates:
✅ For 2-wheelers, the cost of EV retrofitting kits ranges from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000.
✅ For 3-wheelers, such as auto-rickshaws, the cost of EV retrofitting kits is around Rs 50,000.
✅ For 4-wheelers, such as cars and trucks, the cost of EV retrofitting kits is much higher, ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
The conversion kit itself is costly. The price of conversion kits varies according to manufacturer, features, compatibility, and performance. DIY conversion kits are often less expensive, with prices ranging from roughly ₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 or more. Depending on the intricacy and customization, professionally fitted conversion kits might cost anywhere between ₹4,00,000 and ₹1,000,000
☑️ In addition to the conversion process itself, you may need the assistance of an electrician and a mechanic to ensure the electrical connections and mechanical adaptations are properly executed. Depending on their experience and location, these specialists may charge an hourly rate ranging from ₹500 to ₹2,000
☑️ While an average electric four-wheeler costs about Rs 15 lakh in India, retrofitting an existing old vehicle costs the owner of that vehicle
☑️ The cost of ownership for electric retrofitting kits is also a factor to consider. The company sells India’s first RTO-approved electric motorcycle conversion kit
☑️ A new electric vehicle and retrofitted vehicle price come too close to make it a compelling option for the end buyer (with the resale value)
☑️ Top retrofitting companies in India include Egaadi, which offers a range of retrofitting services and conversion kits
In conclusion, the cost of retrofitting kits in India varies depending on the manufacturer, features, compatibility, and performance of the kit. DIY conversion kits are often less expensive, but professionally fitted conversion kits might cost anywhere between ₹4,00,000 and ₹1,000,000. Additionally, the cost of ownership for electric retrofitting kits is also a factor to consider.
Several companies in India provide EV retrofitting kits or services for different types of vehicles, such as cars, scooters, bikes, rickshaws, and buses. Some of the top companies are:
E-trio is a Hyderabad-based company that offers EV retrofitting kits for four-wheelers. It claims to be the first company in India to get approval from ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) for retrofitted car kits. E-trio has partnered with various fleet operators and car dealers to provide EV conversion services.
Loop Moto is a Gurugram-based company that offers EV retrofitting kits for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. It also provides customized solutions for electric mobility, such as battery swapping stations, charging infrastructure, and fleet management software. Loop Moto has converted over 500 vehicles to electric so far.
EV Retron Energies is a Hyderabad-based company that offers EV retrofitting kits for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. It also provides battery leasing and recycling services. EV Retron Energies has converted over 1000 vehicles to electric so far.
Cell Propulsion is a Bengaluru-based company that offers EV retrofitting kits for four-wheelers, especially commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses. It also provides end-to-end solutions for electric mobility, such as battery management systems, telematics, and fleet operations. Cell Propulsion has partnered with various logistics and transportation companies to provide EV conversion services.
RACEnergy is a Hyderabad-based company that offers EV retrofitting kits for three-wheelers, such as auto-rickshaws. It also provides battery swapping and charging solutions for electric mobility. RACEnergy has converted over 300 vehicles to electric so far.
