How to Convert a Petrol Car to Electric in India: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

With rising fuel prices, stricter emission norms, and growing environmental awareness, many car owners are asking: how to convert a petrol car to electric in India.
Electric Vehicle (EV) conversion—also called retrofit—is now legally permitted in India under specific government regulations.

This guide below explains the process, cost, legal requirements, and benefits of converting a petrol car into an electric vehicle in India.

1. Is It Legal to Convert a Petrol Car to Electric in India?

Yes. The Government of India allows EV retrofitting under MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) guidelines.

Key legal points:

• Conversion must be done using a government-approved retrofit kit

• Installation must be carried out by an authorized retrofit agency

• The converted vehicle must be certified by testing agencies such as ARAI or ICAT

• RC (Registration Certificate) must be updated to reflect “Electric” fuel type

Without approval, the conversion is considered illegal.

2. Which Petrol Cars Can Be Converted to Electric?

Most small and mid-sized petrol cars are suitable for conversion, especially:

• Hatchbacks

• Compact sedans

• Light commercial vehicles

Common examples in India:

• Maruti Alto, WagonR, Swift

• Hyundai i10 / i20

• Tata Indica

• Old petrol taxis and fleet vehicles

Very old vehicles, luxury cars, or heavily modified cars may not qualify.

3. Step-by-Step Process to Convert a Petrol Car to Electric

Step 1: Choose an Approved Retrofit Kit

An EV retrofit kit usually includes:

• Electric motor

• Motor controller

• Lithium-ion battery pack

• Charger

• DC-DC converter

• Wiring harness and mounting hardware

Always ensure the kit is ARAI / ICAT approved.

Step 2: Remove ICE Components

The following petrol components are removed:

• Engine

• Fuel tank

• Exhaust system

• Gearbox (in some cases)

This reduces vehicle weight and maintenance needs.

Step 3: Install Electric Powertrain

The installer fits:

• Electric motor (direct drive or coupled to gearbox)

• Battery pack (usually underfloor or boot-mounted)

• Controller, BMS, and charger

• Throttle and dashboard indicators

Step 4: Testing and Certification

After installation:

• Vehicle undergoes safety and performance testing

• Retrofit agency issues a compliance certificate

• Emission testing is no longer required (zero emission)

Step 5: RC Update at RTO

Submit documents to the local RTO to:

• Update fuel type from Petrol to Electric

• Record new motor and battery details

Only after this step is the vehicle road legal.

4. Cost of Converting a Petrol Car to Electric in India

Typical conversion cost in 2026:

Cost depends on:

• Battery capacity (kWh)

• Driving range

• Motor power

• Certification and RTO charges

5. Driving Range and Performance

Most converted EVs offer:

• Range: 120–200 km per charge

• Top Speed: 80–100 km/h

• Charging Time: 3–6 hours (AC charging)

Ideal for city driving, daily commute, and commercial use.

6. Benefits of Converting Petrol Car to Electric

      Zero fuel cost compared to petrol
      Lower maintenance (no oil, clutch, exhaust)
      Environmentally friendly (zero tailpipe emissions)
      Extend the life of an old vehicle
      Suitable for taxis and delivery fleets

7. Limitations to Consider

⚠ High upfront cost
⚠ Limited highway range
⚠ Charging infrastructure varies by city
⚠ Warranty depends on retrofit provider

8. Is EV Conversion Worth It in India?

EV conversion is worth considering if:

• You own a well-maintained petrol car

• Daily driving is under 150 km

• You want lower running costs

• You plan to keep the car for 5+ years

For old, poorly maintained cars, buying a new EV may be more economical.

Conclusion

If you’re wondering how to convert a petrol car to electric, the process is now clear, legal, and increasingly popular. With approved retrofit kits and authorized installers, EV conversion offers a practical transition toward sustainable mobility—especially for urban users and fleet operators.

As EV technology improves and costs continue to drop, petrol-to-electric conversion is expected to grow rapidly across India.