Discussion
What the article doesn't touch on, but something that will at somepoint rear its ugly head, is the total lack of regulations and rules on installing high voltage electrics in a classic car not designed for those electrics!
Most of the aftermarket conversions are, conmpared to an OE BEV, absolutely lethal. Some of that is poor design, poor craftsmanship and a almost total lack of validation and testing, and some is simply because classsic cars are just not a good package to put a load of batteries and HV cables and junction boxes into. (and the reason that generally speaking the OE's move to a new BEV platform for their EV's and not just convert an existing ICE platform)
At some point, someone is going to be injured or even killed as a result of receiving a HV shock from one of these aftermarket cars, and at that point, things will have to change.......
Most of the aftermarket conversions are, conmpared to an OE BEV, absolutely lethal. Some of that is poor design, poor craftsmanship and a almost total lack of validation and testing, and some is simply because classsic cars are just not a good package to put a load of batteries and HV cables and junction boxes into. (and the reason that generally speaking the OE's move to a new BEV platform for their EV's and not just convert an existing ICE platform)
At some point, someone is going to be injured or even killed as a result of receiving a HV shock from one of these aftermarket cars, and at that point, things will have to change.......
I'm inclined to agree. Lunaz are quietly pushing the safety argument behind the scenes, but a huge majority of the converters ignore safety obligations.
Reg100 compliance is a legal minimum, but most of them choose to ignore it. A common justification (excuse?!) is usually that IVA mandates a Reg100 compliance report, and that they don't need to IVA - therefore Reg100 is also irrelevant. The fact that Reg100 is required regardless seems to escape them. It doesn't help that MOT doesn't catch HV-bodgery in the same way that it might pick up dangerous fuel lines or similar. But then HV-training every MOT inspector and burdening them with more test equipment might not be economically viable.
Some of the conversions are getting much better, but tight development budgets and lack of relevant professional experience can be a challenge for restomod EVs. I expect we'll see a battery fire or two, plus a shock incident or three, and then the existing legislative boundaries will be more readily enforced and respected. Hopefully no-one has to die to make that happen.
Reg100 compliance is a legal minimum, but most of them choose to ignore it. A common justification (excuse?!) is usually that IVA mandates a Reg100 compliance report, and that they don't need to IVA - therefore Reg100 is also irrelevant. The fact that Reg100 is required regardless seems to escape them. It doesn't help that MOT doesn't catch HV-bodgery in the same way that it might pick up dangerous fuel lines or similar. But then HV-training every MOT inspector and burdening them with more test equipment might not be economically viable.
Some of the conversions are getting much better, but tight development budgets and lack of relevant professional experience can be a challenge for restomod EVs. I expect we'll see a battery fire or two, plus a shock incident or three, and then the existing legislative boundaries will be more readily enforced and respected. Hopefully no-one has to die to make that happen.
Gassing Station | EV and Alternative Fuels | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff