What does an EV conversion cost? Between 12,000 and 50,000 euros depending on the car and spec. Full price breakdown: kit, battery, installation, TUV. BasicThinking (2026) the average price is around €20,000 — i.e. 40-60% below the new price of a comparable EV. But where exactly do these costs go? Which components consume the most budget, and when does the investment pay off?
This guide breaks down every cost item in detail. You will learn what individual components cost, how total prices differ by vehicle type and which funding options exist in 2026. We put the pricing models on the market into context, calculate the payback and show you where you can save — without losing quality. If you are just starting out, we recommend our complete guide to electric car conversion.
TL;DR: An electric car conversion costs between €12,000 and €50,000, with the battery making up the largest share at 40-60% (emobility.energy, 2025). At 14,000 km of annual mileage, a diesel conversion pays for itself in around 7 years through fuel and maintenance savings. There is currently neither federal nor state funding for converting an existing vehicle — for commercial or private use alike.
What does an electric car conversion cost in total?
The total cost of an EV conversion ranges between €12,000 and over €50,000. According to BasicThinking (January 2026) complete conversions of modern vehicles are available from €12,000. Premium classic-car conversions with a large battery, by contrast, quickly reach €50,000 and more.
Three factors largely determine the price: the desired range (and therefore the battery size), the vehicle type, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a specialist workshop. A compact city car with 100 km of range is significantly cheaper than a van with a 300 km radius of action.
Cost Tiers by Budget
Note: The following ranges are general market figures for electric conversions in Germany — not ESDI prices. Our kits start at €29,990, turnkey at €34,990 (kit plus €5,000 installation flat fee, base vehicle not included).
Not every conversion has to run into five figures. The price range can be divided into three categories:
- Basic (€12,000–18,000): Used or compact batteries, 80-150 km range. Ideal for commuters and city vehicles. Often with LiFePO4 cells and a simpler cooling system.
- Mid-range (€18,000–30,000): New branded batteries, 150-250 km range. Professional installation, full TÜV inspection, air conditioning and power steering are retained.
- Premium (€30,000–50,000+): High-performance motors, large NMC battery packs, 250-400 km range. Typical for classic-car conversions with a value-retention focus, or heavy vehicles like the VW T5/T6.
Which components cost how much?
The individual components of an EV conversion add up to €8,000-35,000 for materials alone. According to emobility.energy (2025) 40-60% of the total cost goes to the battery — by far the largest item. Motor, controller and auxiliary units share the rest.
The following table gives you a realistic overview of the individual cost items:
| Component | Price range | Share of total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Battery pack (lithium) | €6,000 – 25,000 | 40-60 % |
| Electric motor | €1,500 – 5,000 | 8-12 % |
| Motor controller / inverter | €1,000 – 3,500 | 5-8 % |
| Adapter plate / clutch adapter | €800 – 2,500 | 3-5 % |
| Charger (on-board) | €500 – 2,000 | 3-5 % |
| DC-DC converter | €200 – 600 | 1-2 % |
| Cooling system (battery + motor) | €500 – 2,000 | 3-5 % |
| High-voltage wiring & fuses | €400 – 1,500 | 2-4 % |
| BMS (battery management system) | €300 – 1,200 | 2-3 % |
| Instrumentation / display | €200 – 800 | 1-2 % |
| TÜV individual approval | €500 – 1,500 | 2-4 % |
| Installation (specialist workshop) | €3,000 – 8,000 | 15-25 % |
Why do prices vary so much? The electric motor of a small car may need only 50 kW — for a van or sports car it is 100 kW or more. The requirements for controller, cooling and wiring rise accordingly. Details on the TÜV individual approval for electric conversion can be found in our separate guide.
Why is the battery so expensive — and how can you save?
Batteries dominate the budget because cell costs, despite falling prices, are still €100-150 per kWh. According to emobility.energy (2025) they account for 40-60% of the conversion cost. The choice between cell chemistry, new and used modules determines whether your project costs €15,000 or €40,000.
LiFePO4 vs. NMC: which cell chemistry fits?
Two cell types dominate the conversion market. LiFePO4 cells (lithium iron phosphate) cost €80-120 per kWh and offer 3,000-5,000 charge cycles. They are safer and more durable, but heavier. Perfect for everyday vehicles with enough space.
NMC cells (nickel-manganese-cobalt) cost 120-180 euros per kWh but offer higher energy density. That means: more range for less weight. For sports cars and classics with limited space, NMC cells are often the better choice — despite the higher price and shorter lifespan of 1,500-2,000 cycles.
Used batteries: savings potential with risk
Decommissioned modules from accident vehicles or lease returns cost 40-70% less than new ones. A 30 kWh pack from a Nissan Leaf can be had for €3,000-5,000 instead of €8,000-12,000 new. But beware: the condition varies considerably.
We have learned that used battery modules only make sense if you check the State of Health (SoH) before purchase with a diagnostic device. Modules below 80% SoH are rarely worthwhile — the remaining capacity then drops disproportionately quickly.
Reputable suppliers provide test reports. Without a documented SoH value, you should not buy. The savings are worthless if you have to invest again after two years. More on this in our battery guide for EV conversions.
How quickly does an electric conversion pay for itself?
A converted diesel pays for itself in about 7 years at an annual mileage of 14,000 km. According to a calculation by Michael Krail of the Fraunhofer ISI (via BasicThinking, January 2026) it even takes 9 years for a petrol car, because the fuel savings are lower than for a diesel.
This calculation is based on a concrete example: a 10-year-old VW Golf with conversion costs of around €20,000. The amortization is made up of several savings items.
The three savings levers in detail
Fuel vs. electricity: At a consumption of 6 litres of diesel per 100 km and a diesel price of €1.65, you pay €9.90 per 100 km. An EV conversion typically uses 15-18 kWh/100 km. At €0.35/kWh that is €5.25-6.30. The annual saving is €500-650.
Maintenance: No oil changes, no exhaust system, less brake wear thanks to regenerative braking. Expect €400-600 less in maintenance costs per year.
Vehicle tax: Regarding the motor-vehicle-tax exemption for electric vehicles (legal position: ADAC/Bundestag (December 2025)) you should not expect it for conversions: it requires an ABE for the conversion parts, and the main customs office decides bindingly.
In total, you save around €900-1,250 per year. Those who drive a lot – around 20,000 km annually – reach break-even much faster, in some cases after just 5 years.
But calculate honestly. If you only drive 8,000 km a year, the amortization shifts to 10-12 years. Then the conversion is worthwhile more for idealistic reasons: zero emissions, driving fun, preserving the value of a classic.
Which is cheaper: conversion or a new EV?
An electric conversion typically costs 40-60% of a comparable new car. An average conversion comes to 15,000-25,000 euros, while a new small electric car starts from 28,000 euros. However, the new EV purchase incentive in 2026 shifts that ratio.
The new 2026 purchase premium: new cars only
The Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUKN, 2026) has introduced a new purchase premium of €3,000-6,000 for new electric cars. This subsidy applies exclusively to brand-new EVs. Conversions are explicitly excluded.
In concrete terms: a new Dacia Spring costs from €22,000 after the subsidy. Converting your existing small car is €15,000-20,000 — without any subsidy. So the price advantage of the conversion shrinks, but does not disappear.
When does the conversion still win?
A conversion is especially worthwhile in three scenarios. First, for vehicles with emotional value: there is no new-car equivalent to a classic Porsche 911 or VW Beetle. Second, for commercial vehicles: a VW T5 camper with an electric drivetrain simply is not available as a new car. Third, for sustainability: you avoid the CO2 cost of new production.
What is often overlooked: the overall environmental footprint of a conversion is almost always better than buying new. Producing a new EV causes 8-12 tonnes of CO2. With a conversion, that item disappears completely — you keep using the body shell that already exists. You will find the full comparison: conversion vs. new car separately.
What subsidies and tax benefits are there in 2026?
For converting an existing vehicle there is currently neither federal nor state funding, for commercial or private use (as of 09/2026). The motor vehicle tax exemption for electric vehicles does not apply to conversions without general type approval for the conversion parts.
Vehicle tax after the conversion
The exemption for electric vehicles (until 31 December 2035) requires a General Operating Permit (ABE) for the conversion parts on converted vehicles; with an individual approval under § 21 StVZO none exists. You should therefore not count on the exemption; the main customs office decides bindingly. The extension to 2035 was passed by the Bundestag in December 2025 (via ADAC).
And commercial vehicles?
For commercial use, too, there is currently no conversion funding: the federal KsNI programme has had no funding call since the budget ruling of 15.11.2023, and state programmes like BW-e-Nutzfahrzeuge have expired.
What do other countries do better?
France shows it can be done differently. According to BasicThinking/Transport & Environment French private individuals receive up to €5,000 in subsidies for converting their combustion engine. The scheme is part of a broader retrofit strategy aimed at electrifying existing older vehicles.
No such programme exists in Germany so far. Industry associations have been calling for one for years. Whether the federal government will follow suit remains to be seen. Until then, the only relief is indirect, through cheaper running costs and the THG bonus. We cover all funding options in our subsidy guide for EV conversions .
What do conversions cost at different providers?
Prices for electric conversions range from simple kits to over €60,000 for turnkey premium projects. According to BasicThinking (January 2026) complete conversions of modern vehicles are already available from €12,000 — a price level that is changing the market.
Market prices range from a few thousand euros for a bare kit without a battery to a six-figure sum for a turnkey premium conversion. What matters for comparison is not the entry price but what is included — battery, charging technology, installation and registration make up most of the total cost.
Kit vs. turnkey conversion
The price differences are mostly explained by scope. A bare kit typically includes the motor, controller and adapter plate — but no battery, no charger and no installation. The actual project price then rises considerably once the battery and installation are added.
Turnkey offers, on the other hand, include installation, the battery and TÜV support. At ESDI this costs from €34,990 without the base vehicle; the fees for the expert report and individual approval inspection come on top.
Where is the sweet spot? The market offers complete solutions in the €12,000–16,000 range. That includes installation and registration, but with standardised battery packs and moderate range. You will find a comprehensive overview of all our kits with prices separately.
Convert yourself or hire a workshop?
A DIY conversion saves €3,000-8,000 in labor costs, but requires 200-400 hours of work and solid electrical knowledge. Some converters in Germany opt for self-installation — often with support from community workshops or kit instructions.
Advantages of self-installation
- Cost savings: €3,000-8,000 less through your own labor
- Knowledge: You fully understand your vehicle and can carry out repairs yourself
- Flexibility: Your own pace, your own choice of components
- Community: Maker spaces and clubs offer workshop access and advice
Risks and disadvantages
- Time required: 200-400 hours, spread over 3-12 months
- High-voltage danger: Batteries work at 300-400 volts — life-threatening without protective equipment and training
- TÜV risk: Without experience, projects more often fail the individual approval
- Liability: With self-installation you are liable for installation errors yourself; the statutory warranty applies to the supplied components
From conversations with dozens of converters we know: most DIY projects take longer than planned. Expect double your time estimate. And do not skimp on high-voltage training — an HV course costs €300-500 and can save your life. Our guide to building an electric car yourself will help you get started.
What does running an EV conversion cost?
Running a converted EV costs €4.50-8.00 per 100 km in electricity. By comparison, a petrol car incurs €18-27 per 100 km in fuel costs. According to ADAC (2025) electric vehicles save an average of 50-65% in energy costs compared to combustion engines.
Detailed operating costs per year (at 14,000 km)
| Cost item | EV conversion | Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy / fuel | €630 – 1,120 | €2,520 – 3,780 | €1,540 – 2,310 |
| Vehicle tax | Main customs office decides (no general type approval) | €150 – 300 | €200 – 450 |
| Maintenance / inspection | €200 – 400 | €600 – 900 | €700 – 1,000 |
| Insurance | €400 – 800 | €400 – 800 | €400 – 800 |
| Total per year | €1,230 – 2,320 | €3,670 – 5,780 | €2,840 – 4,560 |
So the saving is around €1,500-2,500 per year compared to a petrol car. Compared to a diesel it is €1,000-2,000. These figures may not sound spectacular — but over 10 years they add up to €15,000-25,000.
Hidden costs you should budget for
Not everything gets cheaper. Tyres on EVs tend to wear faster due to the higher torque. The battery also loses capacity over the years — after 8-10 years, expect a 10-20% loss of capacity. A replacement battery pack can then cost another 5,000-10,000 euros.
Insurance is a special case with EV conversions. Not all insurers accept converted vehicles. Be sure to compare several providers. As a rule the premium is at the level of the original vehicle, sometimes even slightly below.
How does an EV conversion affect the vehicle's value?
For everyday vehicles, an EV conversion barely increases the resale value. For classics and vintage cars the calculation is different. According to Classic Analytics (2025) non-drivable combustion classics lose 3-5% of their value annually. An electrically drivable classic, by contrast, holds its value steady or even rises.
Why? Low-emission zones increasingly bar combustion classics from city centres. A Porsche 911 with an electric drive can go anywhere — and that makes it more attractive to buyers. Everyday usability increases, the pool of potential buyers grows.
What many don't consider: under current law, a vehicle usually loses its historic (H) registration status when converted to electric, since the original drivetrain is removed. The flat tax privilege (191 euros) lapses as a result. A later re-assignment is not guaranteed: it requires an assessment by a certified expert, and the registration authority decides.
How can you reduce conversion costs?
With smart planning you can save 20–40% of total costs. Anyone who chooses a bare kit, combines it with a used battery and helps with the installation themselves noticeably reduces the total cost. Here are the most effective levers.
Six strategies that work
- Buy a used battery: Modules from accident-damaged vehicles or lease returns save 40-70%. Look for an SoH above 80%.
- Kit instead of complete conversion: Those who are handy save the installation costs of €3,000-8,000.
- Plan range realistically: Every additional 10 kWh of battery costs €1,000-1,500. Do you really need 300 km of range?
- Use a community workshop: Clubs and maker spaces offer lifts and tools for €10-20 per hour.
- Group order: Some providers grant 5-10% discount on bulk component orders.
The biggest mistake? Planning for too much range. 80% of all daily trips in Germany are shorter than 40 km. For everyday use, 120-150 km of range is usually completely sufficient. You take the long holiday trip once a year — that's what rental cars are for.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum cost of an electric car conversion?
The cheapest entry point is around 12,000 euros for a compact conversion with a kit and a used battery. On top of a bare kit there is still the battery (3,000–6,000 euros), installation materials and the TÜV individual approval (500–1,500 euros).
Does an electric conversion pay off financially?
Yes, with sufficient mileage. According to Fraunhofer ISI (via BasicThinking, 2026) a diesel conversion pays for itself within 7 years at 14,000 km/year. The annual saving is €1,500-2,500 through cheaper electricity and less maintenance. Below 8,000 km/year, however, it takes over 10 years.
What is the biggest cost factor in an EV conversion?
The battery. According to emobility.energy (2025) it accounts for between 40 and 60% of total costs. A new 30 kWh lithium pack costs €8,000-12,000. Used modules are available from €3,000, albeit with risks around remaining capacity and lifespan. The battery choice determines the project price.
Is there funding for electric car conversions?
Not in Germany – neither the federal government nor the states currently fund conversions, commercial or private. France grants private individuals up to €5,000 (Transport & Environment). You can find all the details in our subsidy guide.
What does running a converted EV cost?
Electricity costs are €4.50-8.00 per 100 km, compared to €18-27 for a petrol car. According to ADAC (2025) EVs save 50-65% in energy costs. At 14,000 km a year, that works out to a total saving of €1,500-2,500 once maintenance is included.
Conclusion: what does your electric conversion really cost?
A realistic electric conversion project costs between 15,000 and 30,000 euros on the market — self-builds at the lower end, professionally executed conversions at the upper end. At ESDI, a kit starts at €29,990, turnkey at €34,990 (kit plus €5,000 installation flat fee, base vehicle not included). The battery eats up the lion's share of the budget. At 14,000 km of annual mileage you save around 1,500-2,500 euros a year and break even after 7-9 years.
Three takeaways to keep in mind. First: plan your range conservatively – less battery means less cost. Second: consider used batteries as a way to save money, but only with a documented SoH. Third: the lack of funding for conversions in Germany is annoying, but the low running costs make up for a lot of it.
Whether the conversion is worthwhile depends on more than money. Anyone who wants to convert their combustion engine to an EV also invests in sustainability, driving fun and — for classics — in the future viability of a cherished vehicle.
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