Can Converting Internal Combustion Engines to Electric Cars Offer an Eco-Friendly Alternative?

Recently, the upward trend in electric vehicle adoption has been slowing down due to a series of factors, including recurring fire incidents, decreasing government subsidies, and inadequate charging infrastructure. In this context, attention is turning towards Electric Vehicle Conversions (EV-conversion). Innovatively gaining traction primarily in the United States and Japan, EV-conversion involves the transformation of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles into electric cars.

 

Furthermore, the government is currently working on establishing standards for the EV-conversion industry.

 

EV-conversion refers to the process of converting ICE vehicles into electric cars. This entails removing the existing engine and fuel tank from the ICE vehicle and replacing them with an electric motor and batteries. As a result, the converted vehicle gains advantages such as increased power, reduced noise emissions, and zero exhaust emissions, similar to conventional electric cars. Moreover, this kind of conversion allows the preservation of the exterior design of older cars, which appeals to consumers who have an attachment to their existing vehicles. Furthermore, the cost of converting a vehicle to electric power is significantly lower compared to purchasing a brand-new electric car.

 

In countries like the United States and Japan, the EV-conversion industry is already thriving. The U.S. federal government offers a 10% tax deduction incentive for EV-conversions, promoting the growth of the industry. Additionally, companies are emerging that provide DIY conversion kits, allowing individuals to convert their own ICE vehicles into electric ones. Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism permits converted electric vehicles to use the roads if they pass safety standards, and startups are launching services for electric vehicle conversions.

 

However, there are still significant barriers to the growth of the EV-conversion industry in South Korea. Regulations under the Automobile Management Act and rules related to car tuning require EV-tuning businesses to possess facilities and equipment not only for electric vehicle conversion but also for maintaining ICE vehicles. This has made it challenging for companies to engage in EV-conversions domestically, leading some to expand their businesses overseas to circumvent these regulations.

 

Nevertheless, in July, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, along with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held a review committee for the "Industrial Convergence Regulation Sandbox" and granted a special case to the EV-conversion company 'J.M. Wave.' 'J.M. Wave' possesses technology for dismantling engine parts of old ICE vehicles and installing electric motors and batteries, converting them into electric trucks. Consequently, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism introduced new regulations that allow businesses to meet tuning requirements by securing facilities and personnel capable of handling high-power electric devices, instead of having the facilities to maintain ICE vehicles.

 

Furthermore, the government is currently working on establishing standards for the EV-conversion industry. The project designates Jeollanam-do Province as a "EV-conversion Vehicle" special zone and aims to verify the safety and set standards, with the program expected to conclude in 2024. Afterward, it is anticipated that aging delivery vehicles and others will be converted into electric vehicles, becoming eco-friendly transportation options.

 

Automobile industry insiders emphasize that "EV-conversions are an option worth considering for many consumers due to their significantly lower operating costs compared to ICE vehicles." They also emphasize the need for strict adherence to safety regulations because this involves adding new components to existing vehicles. Additionally, they point out that the performance of converted vehicles may be slightly inferior to that of traditional electric cars, underscoring the importance of improving quality through industry development efforts.

 

In summary, EV-conversion presents a promising eco-friendly alternative with substantial potential. With ongoing efforts in South Korea to address regulatory constraints and establish standards, there is a significant possibility that more people will choose EV-conversion as an eco-friendly mode of transportation in the future. The activation of the EV-conversion industry marks an essential first step in promoting environmental conservation and expanding the adoption of eco-friendly transportation options.