Kei Truck Electric Conversion​

The Kei Truck Electric Conversion Kit is specifically engineered to electrify kei-class mini trucks and other light-duty vehicles with a gross weight under 2.5 tons. This complete solution is built around a robust 144V 20kW AC induction motor system, providing the optimal balance of power, efficiency, and durability for commercial or personal electric vehicle conversions.

Designed for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) applications, the 144V 20kW kit offers strong low-end torque, smooth acceleration, and a whisper-quiet operation—making it ideal for urban logistics, agricultural use, warehouse transport, and custom EV builds.

This conversion kit is widely used by EV hobbyists, small business owners, and professional retrofitters to modernize traditional kei trucks, replacing internal combustion engines with clean, low-maintenance electric drive systems.

The kit includes all essential components for a successful EV conversion: motor, controller, wire harness, gear selector, dashboard, DC-DC converter, rear axle assembly, lithium battery pack, charger, programmer unit, and BMS (Battery Management System) monitor. Each component is selected and configured to ensure compatibility, safety, and performance in compact truck platforms.

Whether you’re upgrading a Japanese mini truck (like Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet, or Honda Acty) or similar models, this kit provides a reliable and cost-effective path toward zero-emission transportation.

Kei Truck Electric Conversion

Kei trucks, also known as compact utility trucks, are lightweight, mechanically simple, and incredibly efficient. Their small size also makes them great options for annual farm tasks, small business transport, and delivery service in urban areas. They have simple and easy-to-repair engine bays and, for this reason, are very compatible with other EV systems, including but not limited to PMSMs, AC induction motors, and simple, affordable EV conversion kits like those provided by CMVTE.

Most owner also appreciate trucks for their easy repair and modifiable systems since trucks have lots of space for high capacity batteries, motor controller gearboxes, 3 in 1 drive systems, electric front axle systems, and compact chargers.

Why Convert a Kei Truck to Electric?

Environmental, regulatory, and performance benefits are obvious. Electric systems like those from CMVTE, which offer PMSM and AC induction motors are meet zero emission regulations. They also free their user from low-emission zones since they have no pollutants from their drive systems.

There is also no performance loss since high torque and seamless, customizable electric systems are available. There are also significant operational cost savings from the fact that electric drive systems have a lot fewer moving systems and parts. The fuel for electric systems is also a lot cheaper. Operating cost to the user is also significantly less, providing more savings.

Electric Conversion Process for Kei Trucks

The first step in the conversion process involves the removal of the combustion engine and prepping the frame to receive an electric powertrain. Builders must then decide between an array of components, including: AC induction motors, PMSM motors, CMVTE car electric engine kits, or universal EV conversion kits.

For the installation, the motor is usually mounted with a rear axle (in the case of a car) or an electric axle (in the case of a truck) first, then the CMVTE motor controller is integrated with the harness and DC-DC converters, and finally the batteries (that are often modular packs from CMVTE conversion kit suppliers) are fitted into the chassis. The wiring incorporates throttle signal integration, BMS connections, and charger setup.

Kei Truck Electric Conversion Kits

Our EV conversion kits include a complete set of high-grade CMVTE custom parts made for kei trucks and small utility vehicles. Our kits come with controllers (AC and PMSM), wiring looms, and optional driving systems like CMVTE rear-drive electric vehicles or electric truck axles. Every one of our kits includes a complete set of parts, from compact 2kW and 3kW AC air-cooled systems to liquid-cooled 70kW PMSM kits with high output options of 5kW, 7.5kW, and 10kW. and of course, a complete set of parts from 36V to 72V.

We offer parts with different voltages to pair with our other parts, and we pair accessories to go hand in hand with the higher parts, like the CMVTE BMS, rapid chargers, regen-braking controllers, and other parts to complete your vehicle’s liquid-cooled system, EPS/EHPS systems, and automotive air conditioning. We offer parts to with all the different generations of kei trucks on the market. The full range we cover includes the Honda Acty, the Suzuki Carry, and the Daihatsu Hijet.

DIY vs Professional Conversion

For people with a passion and knowledge in DIY work and electronics, there is a self (DIY) conversion system available. From our collective CMVTE EV conversion kits and other products, there is a range of options to choose from in the self-conversion system, balancing cost and customizability.

Doing the conversion work yourself is cheaper than using our pre-built kits, but you have to take on the risk of doing the wiring, programming the controllers, setting up your BMS, and ensuring your battery is securely mounted. Customizability is the biggest benefit of doing the conversion yourself.

Performance Expectations

The kind of CMVTE motor kit you apply, i.e., spanning from 2kW up to 70kW high-performance systems, influences expected outcomes. Standard kei truck changeouts fitted with 3kW – 7.5kW kits, battery capacity determining exact range, are able to complete daily utility jobs. Time efficiency is determined by the charge stations, with modern charge stations and CMVTE onboard chargers working together for ideal time efficiency.

Top speed improvements come from steady torques achieved with the PMSM or AC motors; smoother acceleration is attributed to the absence of combustion engines. Systems such as the 5kW PMSM or the 10kW AC motors possess immense torque, and when combined with a matching CMVTE controller, enhancements are witnessed.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Electric kei truck alterations must comply with DOT/EPA regulations as modified vehicles, which involve appropriate labeling, wiring, and parts such as the certified CMVTE chargers, high-voltage insulated lines, and regulated brake systems. Battery mounting, controller installation, and performance of complementary systems such as CMVTE EPS/EHPS, DC-DC converters, and lights are some of the inspection criteria for certain states. Collection of conversion documents, receipts, and updates on the conversion’s weight are typically the final steps in the registration.

Electric Conversion Incentives & Tax Credits

Some government places offer incentives for EV conversions, such as rebates, tax credits, and lower registration fees. Although there are federal programs for new EVs, many state and local governments continue to offer benefits to conversions and provide CMVTE-certified electric car motor kits, AC electric controllers, and batteries.

To qualify, builders often need proof of purchase of the motors, controllers, chargers, and other necessary components like DC-DC converters or braking system upgrades. To make the operation of the EV even more convenient for the user, there are additional incentives that cover the installation of residential or commercial charging stations.

FAQs About Kei Truck EV Conversion​

1. How do you convert a kei truck to electric?
   Removing the engine of a kei truck, an electric motor, a controller, batteries, and a charger, adding wiring and a BMS, and then testing all of the systems for safe EV operation is the general conversion procedure.
2. What is the cost of an electric conversion for a kei truck?
   It costs between $5,000 and $15,000.
3. Is it legal to drive an electric-converted kei truck in the US?
   Yes, of course, it is legal.
4. What are the best kei trucks for electric conversion?
   Top picks are Honda Acty, Suzuki Carry, and Daihatsu Hijet.
5. Can I do a DIY kei truck electric conversion?
   Yes, any DIYer capable of obtaining an electric vehicle conversion kit, is knowledgeable about the electrical system, and has the appropriate mechanical skills, tools, and safety equipment, may tackle the conversion themselves.
6. What are the benefits of converting a kei truck to electric?
   Driving an electric vehicle (EV) is better in several ways. A conversion will have lower maintenance costs, and it’s zero emission, much quieter, and more torque is available.
7. How long does it take to convert a kei truck to electric?
   If done professionally, completing the conversion takes about two to six weeks for completing it. If there is a backlog for parts, the timeline increases, as will the timeline for custom fab.
8. What kind of battery and motor are used in kei truck conversions?
   Electric kei trucks are the lightest platforms, and more compact PM motors and battery packs can be more efficiently configured. They have the most available torque to improve acceleration and higher performance for an all-electric drive vehicle. 
9. Where can I buy a kei truck electric conversion kit?
   Universal electric vehicle components can be paired with options for complete conversion packages from specialized suppliers and a parts retailer, or with the EV conversion kits directly from companies offering them.
10. Are kei truck electric conversions eligible for tax credits or incentives?

Completed EV conversion requests to homologate may need to satisfy additional requirements to qualify for aio subsidy.