The Elusive Electric Car

Why are we still using gasoline? In fact, why are we using fossil fuels at all? We have the technology to use cleaner burning, more efficient energy sources. I'm still hoping for Mr. Fusion to run my car so that, "...where we're going, we don't need...roads." I want to fly my car with the refuse I find in the trash bin. Is that really too much to ask?

I guess it is, but until then, I'll have to settle for better running, cleaner burning fuels. We already have fuel cells. There are those who claim that we can run our cars on water. (Questionable. I'll have to check into that later.) We have hybrid cars, which seem to be the best of both worlds, but still use a resource that is getting more and more expensive.

Enter the Electric Car Conversion

Now, I'm no tree hugger. In fact, I think that green living is incredibly impractical for most people. However, if you're passionate about saving the planet, and you're willing to make sacrifices, both in terms of convenience and money, go for it. Just, please, don't try ot make me feel guilty because I like to eat meat and let the trash man pick up my organic waste because I don't compost.

OK. Enough ranting. Frankly, I'm really looking to save money. That's why I ride a motorcycle. I think it's the greenest, most practical vehicle on the road today. I get 50 mpg and my insurance is about $200 a year. Costs me about $12 to fill the tank.

Then I started looking at converting a car to electric. Turns out, it's not only possible, but can be done pretty cheaply. There are people who will convert your car for about $12,000 - $18,000. If you try to do it yourself with a kit, expect to spend about $8,000 - $11,000. However, with a little ingenuity, and the right plans, you can do it for less than $500.

Which Plans do I go With?

There are a plethora of plans on the internet for electric car conversions. You need one that's easy to follow and, more importantly, will tell you where to get the parts necessary on the cheap (sometimes free). I found a lens reviewing convert-2-ev.com. Seems like this is the way to go, not just for the electric car plans, but if you go with the going green pack, or whatever they call it, you can get four more books regarding alternative fuels. Check out the review by clicking the link above, or you can go straight to the site here.