As a society we're all becoming savvier when it comes to new Electric Vehicles, but when you’re looking at converting a classic, it can feel like you’re driving into the unknown. So fear not, the team at Retroelectric are here to answer your Frequently Asked Questions.
First up, ‘Is my car going to become an icebox in the winter? Or will it take hours to charge?’
The short answer is no they won’t, but you’re probably looking for a bit more detail. So, let’s get your most frequently asked questions answered. . .
Can I get fast charging on an electric conversion?
Absolutely you can, it's something we provide on many conversions. However there is a caveat to that. If your build is going to be below 200 V then fast charging won’t be possible. It’s also arguably not always necessary if you choose a small battery capacity that would charge quickly using a wall pod or household socket.
If you do go for a motor build of over 200 V then it’s certainly an option you’ll want to consider. With DC fast charging, you’ll be able to get the battery to almost full capacity in less than an hour.
Why’s this? When you charge from a DC charging station, the power goes straight to the battery instead of travelling through the onboard charger. With AC charging, the power goes through the onboard charger first before powering the battery, and typically you are looking at 7 kW wall pods so will take longer.
Will my conversion have regenerative braking?
You’ve probably heard lots of people refer to regenerative braking, but what on earth is it?
Put simply, as you lift your foot off the accelerator and the car begins to slow down, the motor spins in reverse. The kinetic energy from that is converted into electricity and used to recharge the battery. So, it’s not the brakes themselves that are producing the energy, but the motor.
Although it’s just a small boost of power, over time this will increase the ability to drive further and reduce the wear and tear of your brake discs – a huge bonus.
As with most EVs and hybrids, all the motors we install use regenerative braking.
Will my car need the brakes and suspension upgrading when it’s converted?
The old saying “If it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it” applies here in some ways so it would be down to your preference, but there are some advantages.
If the conversion is adding more weight or speed to your car, then it’s something we’d recommend you do to ensure optimal handling. It’s also likely that because of its age, the brakes and suspension are going to have to be replaced at some point. With that in mind, it makes sense to have this looked at when the conversion is taking place.
We’d discuss this with you in the consultation stage to help you come to a decision.
Will my heater work once the car is electric?
Usually, the heat in a car is produced by the combustion engine, which of course will have been removed. So you’re not left freezing, we can install a new heating system as part of the conversion process.
There are a few options on the market for heating electric cars, but we’d usually fit an electric heater that connects to a blower fan. The system uses a metal element that quickly converts electricity into heat, so you won’t be cold for too long. If you want a bit of added luxury, we can fit heated seats to keep you extra toasty.
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