Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Interesting segment on Ford "crate motor" electric conversion kits:
I've been thinking about whether conversions are practical. My guess is a converted electric vehicle wouldn't have much range. Look at electric vehicles with 200 or more miles of range. They are very heavy because of battery weight. I think the Ford F150 gas version is 1500 pounds less than the Lightning electric version. The extra power can move the weight just fine but the structure, brakes, tires, suspension etc. won't be designed for it. A lighter battery is easy, just cut the range.
It is a shame because they show a pickup, and my pickup has a lot of space for batteries under the bed. I bet I could remove the gas engine and tank, electric motor under the hood, figure out how to connect the motor to the driveline, add electronics and be done. But 1500 pounds of batteries means no payload at all.