[KevinK]

Greetings Friends. I have this exciting opportunity, with just one wrinkle in the plan: Me.

• I have a 2007 Toyota Rav4 in complete working order, except a blown engine.
• I know 0% about any of this process, including where/how to start.
• I'm wondering about a rough estimate of the expected cost.
• Also how much time to complete, given all materials available.

I'm hoping for any suggestions on how to proceed.

Thank You for any guidance offered.

 

[simon-g]

Conversions of simple classic cars like a Fiat 500 run to around £20k. Around 20kwh of battery for 60-70ish miles range, no rapid charging. Also by “simple” nothing in the way of AC, power steering, modern electrical issues to solve.

Bigger car, more batteries, more challenges would mean more money. Enough to buy a Kona or eNiro instead.

 

[mikegs]

If it was working it would be only worth £3-4k. It's scrap.
At 15 years old it basically had it's useful life. It's scrap.

I have this exciting opportunity

Jumping off a cliff is an exciting opportunity.

I know 0% about any of this process, including where/how to start.

This is a major engineering exercise ... and at the end DVLA might say you can't use it on public roads and/or no-one will insure it.
If you have endless patience and determination and a bottomless bank account then you have a chance of 'success'.

I'm hoping for any suggestions on how to proceed.

Don't.

Sorry to be negative, but although anything is possible, many things are best left undone.

 

[Edd Beesley]

For a small bit of money you can shoehorn in a forklift truck motor and some lead acid batteries. You can make it move, maybe at a reasonable speed, and for a few miles. A fun project and a funny toy. A dream of turning it into something with the range and power of a Tesla is just that - a dream.

scrap it and buy a cheap 2011 Leaf. It will be better than a DIY rav 4 conversion in every way and cost you less time and money.

 

[KevinK]

Thank you for the responses. The comments from Edd Beesley are guiding me in the direction I want to go with the project.

Some clarification might help:

• I am not trying to rival a current day off-the-rack EV at all.
• The range needed is no more than ~10 miles in town.
• No AC versus DC, just EZ and cheap as possible.
• It's a fun hobby project, not an engineering marvel.
• I'm seeking info on "how to," not "why don't."

FYI, this Rav4 is in excellent condition, and Rav4s are known-and-loved for lasting "forever" - except for the engine.

Thanks again.

 

[Eddie49]

You will probably get more encouragement and ideas on the DIY site "diyelectriccar", such as:

EV 4x4 Toyota Conversion Project

Hi, I'm contemplating an EV conversion on a late 70's / early 80's 4x4 Toyota pickup. From research that I have done, I know that folks highly recommend staying away from heavy 4x4 components but I live in a location that 4x4 is needed with snowy winters. Does anyone have any advice or links...

www.diyelectriccar.com

 

[KevinK]

Thank you, Eddie49.

 

[AlanByVale]

Greetings Friends. I have this exciting opportunity, with just one wrinkle in the plan: Me.

• I have a 2007 Toyota Rav4 in complete working order, except a blown engine.
• I know 0% about any of this process, including where/how to start.
• I'm wondering about a rough estimate of the expected cost.
• Also how much time to complete, given all materials available.

I'm hoping for any suggestions on how to proceed.

Thank You for any guidance offered.

There is a TV series called Vintage Voltage which covers the conversion of electric classic cars which might give you an insight into the technical issues. Obviously their costs include labour and restoration of the body work which you won't need. However, I can see a lot of issues with software to control the electronics for charging and power delivery. They also mention a number of times about the big issue of reclassification with the DVLA and insurance. Both those need checking before you try to do any work at all.

 

[cah197]

Why not import an electric RAV4?

Probably easier and cheaper?

Have fun, just don't expect to save money with a conversion.

 

[Edd Beesley]

Another good website (assuming you’re in the UK ?) is BVS

Battery Vehicle Society - Index page

Good luck with your project, please keep yourself out of the local newspaper

 

[dk6780]

If the learning element isn't key, consider importing an official one from California and transplanting it into your shell.
If the learning is important enrol at your local FE College on one of the IMI EV courses. Then you'll be able to laugh at all of the failed repair efforts reported on here.

 

[mikegs]

It's a fun hobby project, not an engineering marvel

That's great. Enjoy.
But:

The range needed is no more than ~10 miles in town.

Do check carefully the hoops you'll need to jump through to get it roadworthy, which seem to get tighter every year. Some of the information you find on previous conversions may no longer pass current regulations.