Zoomi Life

There are conversion options for all kinds of changeovers for your vehicle.  CNG, biodiesel, propane, and others are all easily had and have been for some time.  What about full-electric conversion, though?

In most cases, it’s an extremely expensive proposition and there are very few shops doing the work.  Those that are tend to specialize in specific models of car or clientelle.  Ree-V, a Colorado-based company, is changing that.

Just about any car can be converted to all-electric operation (using lead-acid batteries) for around $18,000, depending on the model.  Smaller cars are cheaper, of course.  A representative at Ree-V says my Toyota 4wd pickup could be converted (even keeping the 4wd) for $21,000, but I’d lose a fair amount of bed space to the batteries.  Still, that’s not that bad considering the price of a Roadster or Karma.

Here’s the kicker, though: in Colorado, there are conversion credits of up to–get this–100% of the cost!  Cars older than 10 years are eligible for a 100% credit while newer cars get an 85% credit.  Suddenly, that $21,000 price tag looks better.

That’s probably why Colorado is the base of operations for a company like Ree-V.  His converted 1995 Geo Metro has a top speed of 70mph and a range of 25-35 miles, so these are realistic conversions, not just makeovers.

Now the question for me is: do I want to establish residency in Colorado so I can get the credit, or stay in Wyoming where there’s no state income tax?

Source: Fast Company