Today we’re back with the owner’s review of an EV Suzuki Mehran. Waqar, the owner, shares his experience with this EV Mehran and talks us through converting this gasoline hatchback to an EV. After seeing the electric revolution initiated by Tesla around the world, the owner was very intrigued to do something of this sort and decided to convert a gasoline vehicle into an EV. He started this experiment on a motorbike which gave him a roadmap of the feasibility of this conversion in a car.

Powertrain

The owner has installed batteries in the Toyota Prius and an 8kWh electric motor. This is paired with a 6kWh inverter which controls the amount of energy that is being distributed. The engine has been completely removed, which makes this a full-fledged EV rather than a hybrid. The transmission has a 1-speed forward gear but is configured with the car’s stock gear lever, for which the car has to be put in 3rd gear to be able to drive.

Conversion Process

As per the owner, it took him only two days for the complete conversion, which, according to him, was pretty easy. He sourced the batteries from a Toyota Prius, and all other necessary components were installed, including the electric motor, charging system, voltage indicator, inverter, and transmission system. The batteries have been installed in the engine bay; hence the front frame has also been reinforced for collision safety.

Range And Charging

This EV Mehran takes around 2.5 hours to fully charge, which enables it to travel up to 55 kilometers. It can be easily charged at home while the owner also carries a generator for backup. As for the electricity consumption, full charging takes only 2 to 3 units, which is very nominal. Due to limited power, this Mehran is limited to a top speed of 70 km/h, while peak efficiency is achieved when driving at 30 to 40 km/h. As per the owner, the range can be increased with the help of more batteries, but installing them in the engine bay will adversely affect the center of gravity. Hence the owner plans to place the batteries on the floor bed like other EVs, through which top speed and range can be increased.

Interior

Coming to the interior, it is almost stock but with some tweaks. The charging system has been mounted under the dashboard from where the wires are connected. Other than that, there is a transmission switch to sift between neutral, reverse and drive. Moreover, there is a meter indicating the range and power consumed. Air conditioning is not present in this EV Mehran, which is a downside for the passengers, but overall seating and comfort are the same as a stock car.

Price

As per the owner, the batteries serve as the main contributor to the cost; old batteries will come at around 6 to 7 lakh rupees. While other components, including the motor, will cost around 2 to 2.5 lakhs. Add another lakh in fittings; according to the owner, the total conversion will cost over a million rupees.

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