In June, the Delhi government came up with an order to allow petrol and diesel vehicle owners to convert their vehicles into electric vehicles through retrofitment. As a step to make the retrofitment process faceless, the module for retrofitment of electric vehicle (EV) kits in diesel vehicles has been made available online on the Vahan portal.

It’s a boon to anyone looking to convert their petrol or diesel vehicles into electric vehicles. It also is beneficial for people who are driving diesel cars older than 10 years.

As per the November 2021 notification of the Delhi government, vehicles which are older than 10 years, especially diesel vehicles, won’t be allowed to move on the roads in the city. However, owners of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles should not worry.  They can swap their old cars with electric vehicles. 

Now a process has been created to convert your old vehicles into a hybrid electric vehicle. 

The conversion process

Delhi is the first state to launch a faceless service for EV retrofitment for vehicles. Citizens can soon get their vehicles converted into electric vehicles at the comfort of their homes. The move will also benefit a large number of diesel vehicle users who would want to convert their vehicles.

“Delhi is now open for ICE to electric retrofitting! Vehicles if found fit can convert their diesel to the electric engine,” Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot had tweeted last year.

Currently, citizens take their vehicles for a one-time inspection at the RTO where post verification of the vehicles, the details of the same are updated on the Vahan portal for alteration. Old cars will also require additional structural support to protect the EV components.

What is retrofitting?

Retrofitting can be done by replacing the combustion powertrain with an electric driveline. 

In Europe, diesel trucks and buses are retrofitted to convert into zero-emission commercial vehicles. The method helps to reduce carbon emissions in the city.

How much will this cost?

Few agencies in India undertake EV conversions for a price range of Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh.

In Delhi, some hybrid-electric retrofit car companies charges upto Rs 2 lakh to convert a manual gearbox IC-engine car into a hybrid one. These prices vary based on the make and model of the older car.