Can you convert a car to a hybrid? (2024)

Electric vehicle (EV) conversions have been a popular option for those looking to convert their car to something greener, more reliable or even just for more performance.

However, there are still a few people who love the sound and feel of an internal combustion engine (ICE) but want the reliability and fuel savings of an electric car.

We have come a long way sincethe first mass-produced hybrid, the legendary Toyota Prius, was launched in 1997. However, the technology preceded that car by nearly a century, with Ferdinand Porsche building a hybrid prototype in 1900.

He called it the Lohner-Porsche Mixte and it used a petrol-powered engine to generate electricity for the electric motor at the front wheels. Around 300 were made, which is enough to crown the Porsche as the first hybrid car ever.Keep in mind how spectacular that is, considering the first real mass-produced car, the Ford Model T, began production in 1908.

What happens if you have an older car that you want to convert to a hybrid? Is it even possible? How much does it all cost? Well, it is possible, but it's certainly not cheap.

As it stands in Australia,no companies offer hybrid conversions for non-hybrid cars. However, this does not mean that it is entirely impossible.

One of the main issueswhen converting a car to a hybrid is the space required to complete the conversion.

Compared to an EV conversion, which a handful of companies in Australiaoffer, you aren't replacing the running gear out of an ICE engine and putting in EV gear; you're adding more to an already cramped setup.

Part of car manufacturing comes from maximising the space whenengineering a car. Every part fits perfectly, and adding anything extra, like a bulky hybrid setup, will mean you'll run into some issues with fitting it all into your non-factory hybrid.

Speaking with Cameron Gardiner, Managing Director of Unique EVs, one of the most popular companiesfor converting classic cars to EVs, he provided some insight into the differences between a hybrid conversion and an EV.

"When assessing the advantages of a 'total' EV conversion over a hybrid conversion, it's crucial to first understand the feasibility, cost, and complexity involved. One major technical challenge is the integration with the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), which is a computer system that controls all functions of a modern vehicle.

"Each OEM manufacturer has its own VCU setup, which does not adhere to a standard format, leading to significant costs in mapping and adapting these systems to work with the internal combustion engine components."

Basically,to convert to a hybrid using the same ICE as the manufacturer, you would need to put extensive research and development into how the fuel is now delivered in order to save fuel and work with the electric motor.

"Almost all OEMs do not provide access to their VCUs, nor do they support third-party modifications, compounding the difficulty of accessing and adapting these systems for hybrid conversions. Furthermore, the physical space required to install a hybrid system often isn't available in many vehicles," explains Gardiner.

Highlighting the differences with EV conversions, Gardiner noted, "With a full EV conversion, we remove the motor, fuel system, cooling, and exhaust systems, which frees up substantial space for electric motors, battery packs, and related electric circuits. This makes EV conversions more feasible compared to hybrids, particularly for the average consumer vehicle."

Gardiner further explained that the costsof converting an ICE vehicle to an EV heavily depend on the powerplant, engine, battery, and type of car you are converting. However, the cost of a full EV conversion will be much cheaper than a hybrid conversion.

While it is not entirely impossible to do a hybrid conversion, you willbe left with alargebill for not a lot of gain without changing almost everything on your car to support the system. At that point, you may as well consider the EV conversion. Or buy a hybrid off the showroom floor.

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