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?
Dieser Ratgeber schlüsselt alle Kostenpositionen detailliert auf. Sie erfahren, was einzelne Bauteile kosten, wie sich Gesamtpreise nach Fahrzeugtyp unterscheiden und welche Fördermöglichkeiten es 2026 gibt. Wir vergleichen Umbau-Anbieter, rechnen die Amortisation durch und zeigen Ihnen, wo Sie sparen können — ohne an Qualität zu verlieren. Wenn Sie noch ganz am Anfang stehen, empfehlen wir unseren complete guide to electric car conversion.
TL;DR: Ein Elektroauto-Umbau kostet zwischen 12.000 und 50.000 Euro, wobei die Batterie mit 40-60 % den grössten Anteil ausmacht (emobility.energy, 2025). At an annual mileage of 14,000 km, a diesel conversion pays for itself in about 7 years through savings on fuel, taxes and maintenance. So far, subsidies are only available for commercial vehicles — private owners get nothing.
What does an electric car conversion cost in total?
Die Gesamtkosten eines E-Auto-Umbaus bewegen sich zwischen 12.000 und über 50.000 Euro. Laut BasicThinking (Januar 2026) providers like e-Revolt offer complete conversions of modern vehicles starting at €12,000. Premium classic-car conversions with a large battery, on the other hand, quickly reach €50,000 and more.
Drei Faktoren bestimmen den Preis massgeblich: die gewünschte Reichweite (und damit die Batteriegrösse), der Fahrzeugtyp und ob Sie selbst Hand anlegen oder eine Fachwerkstatt beauftragen. Ein kompakter Stadtflitzer mit 100 km Reichweite ist deutlich günstiger als ein Transporter mit 300 km Aktionsradius.
Cost Tiers by Budget
Not every conversion has to run into five figures. The price range can be divided into three categories:
- Basis (12.000-18.000 Euro): Gebrauchte oder kompakte Batterien, Reichweite 80-150 km. Ideal für Pendler und Stadtfahrzeuge. Häufig mit LiFePO4-Zellen und einfacherem Kühlsystem.
- Mittelklasse (18.000-30.000 Euro): Neue Markenbatterien, 150-250 km Reichweite. Professionelle Installation, vollständige TÜV-Abnahme, Klimaanlage und Servolenkung bleiben erhalten.
- Premium (30.000-50.000+ Euro): 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.
In our experience working with conversion projects, the sweet spot for most private projects is €20,000-25,000. In this range you get everyday-capable range, reliable components and a clean TÜV approval.
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-Zellen (Nickel-Mangan-Cobalt) liegen bei 120-180 Euro pro kWh, bieten aber eine höhere Energiedichte. Das bedeutet: mehr Reichweite bei weniger Gewicht. Für Sportwagen und Oldtimer mit begrenztem Bauraum sind NMC-Zellen oft die bessere Wahl — trotz höherem Preis und kürzerer Lebensdauer von 1.500-2.000 Zyklen.
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 recuperation. Expect €400-600 less in maintenance costs per year.
Vehicle tax: Electric vehicles are, according to ADAC/Bundestag (December 2025) exempt from vehicle tax until 2035. Depending on the engine size of the original vehicle, this saves €150-400 annually.
In total, you save around €1,500-2,500 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. According to Go-Electra/Daze (2024) an average conversion is €15,000-25,000, while a new electric small car starts at €28,000. However, the new 2026 EV purchase premium shifts the 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?
Der Umbau lohnt sich besonders in drei Szenarien. Erstens bei Fahrzeugen mit emotionalem Wert: Einen Porsche 911 Klassiker oder VW Käfer gibt es nicht als Neuwagen. Zweitens bei Nutzfahrzeugen: Ein VW T5 Camper mit E-Antrieb ist als Neuwagen schlicht nicht erhältlich. Drittens bei Nachhaltigkeit: Sie vermeiden die CO2-Kosten einer Neuproduktion.
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 this item is eliminated entirely — you keep using the existing body. We have prepared the full comparison: conversion vs. new car separately.
What subsidies and tax benefits are there in 2026?
For private passenger-car conversions there is currently no direct subsidy in Germany. It is different for commercial vehicles: according to HEERO Motors the BMDV subsidizes up to 80% of conversion costs for commercial vehicles. Tax benefits, on the other hand, apply equally to all EVs.
Tax exemption until 2035
Electric vehicles — whether factory-built or converted — are exempt from vehicle tax until 31 December 2035. This was decided by the Bundestag in December 2025 (via ADAC). Depending on the original vehicle, you save €150-400 annually. For a large diesel SUV it can even be over €500.
Subsidies for commercial vehicles
Commercial owners benefit considerably. The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMDV) subsidizes the conversion of commercial vehicles to electric drive with up to 80% of the costs. The focus is on delivery vehicles, buses and municipal vehicles. Applications are submitted via the federal subsidy database.
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.
Germany has so far lacked such a program. Industry associations have been demanding it for years. Whether the federal government will follow suit remains to be seen. Until then, only the indirect relief via tax exemption and cheaper operation remains. We have summarized all funding options in the subsidy guide for EV conversions .
What do conversions cost at different providers?
Conversion providers' prices vary between €5,800 for kits and over €60,000 for turnkey premium projects. According to BasicThinking (Januar 2026) providers like e-Revolt offer complete conversions of modern vehicles starting at just €12,000 — a price level that is changing the market.
The following overview shows the most important providers and their pricing models:
| Provider | Specialization | Price range | Scope of services |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESDI EV Technologies | Porsche 911, VW Beetle, VW T5/T6, VW Bus | from €29,990 | TÜV-certified kits and complete conversions |
| e-Revolt | Modern vehicles | €12,000 – 15,000 | Complete conversion incl. installation |
| Lorey Maschinenbau | Classic-car kits | from €5,800 | Kits for self-installation |
| eClassics | VW classics (Beetle, Bus) | from €60,000 | Turnkey premium conversions |
| R-FIT (France) | Renault models, Citroën 2CV | €11,900 – 15,900 | Certified conversion kits |
Source Lorey: Lorey Maschinenbau | Source R-FIT: AutoZeitung (August 2025)
Kit vs. turnkey conversion
Die Preisunterschiede erklären sich grösstenteils durch den Leistungsumfang. Ein Bausatz von Lorey ab 5.800 Euro enthält Motor, Controller und Adapterplatte — aber keine Batterie, kein Ladegerät und keinen Einbau. Der tatsächliche Projektpreis liegt dann bei 12.000-18.000 Euro, wenn Sie Batterie und Einbau dazurechnen.
Turnkey offers like those from eClassics, on the other hand, include everything: disassembly, installation, battery, paintwork, TÜV approval and often even a warranty. You get a finished car back. For that you pay €60,000 and more.
Where is the happy medium? Providers like e-Revolt and the French R-FIT kits offer complete solutions in the €12,000-16,000 range. This includes installation and registration, but with standardized battery packs and moderate range. We have put together a comprehensive provider comparison for electric conversions 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
- No warranty: With self-installation, any warranty on components is usually void
From conversations with dozens of converters we know: most DIY projects take longer than planned. Reckon with double your time estimate. And don't 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 | 0 EUR (until 2035) | €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
Nicht alles wird günstiger. Reifen verschleissen bei E-Autos durch das höhere Drehmoment tendenziell schneller. Auch die Batterie verliert über die Jahre an Kapazität — nach 8-10 Jahren sollten Sie mit 10-20 % Kapazitätsverlust rechnen. Ein Ersatz-Batteriepaket kann dann nochmal 5.000-10.000 Euro kosten.
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.
Was viele nicht bedenken: Die H-Kennzeichen-Regelung bleibt beim E-Umbau bestehen, solange das Fahrzeug als erhaltenswertes Kulturgut gilt. Das steuerliche Privileg (191 Euro pauschal) entfällt zwar durch die ohnehin geltende E-Auto-Steuerbefreiung, aber der kulturelle Schutzstatus bleibt. Das kann beim Wiederverkauf ein echtes Argument sein.
How can you reduce conversion costs?
With clever planning, 20-40% of the total cost can be saved. According to Lorey Maschinenbau kits start at €5,800 — combined with a used battery and your own labor for installation, you end up under €12,000 total. Here are the most effective savings levers.
Six strategies that work
- Buy a used battery: Modules from accident vehicles or lease returns save 40-70%. Look for 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.
- Register a business: Commercial vehicles get up to 80% funding from the BMDV. Check whether your vehicle qualifies as a commercial vehicle.
- 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 is around €12,000 for a compact conversion with a kit and used battery. According to Lorey Maschinenbau pure kits start at €5,800 — but you also need a battery (€3,000-6,000), installation material and TÜV individual approval (€500-1,500).
Does an electric conversion pay off financially?
Yes, with sufficient mileage. According to Fraunhofer ISI (via BasicThinking, 2026) a diesel conversion pays for itself in 7 years at 14,000 km/year. The annual saving is €1,500-2,500 through cheaper electricity, less maintenance and the elimination of vehicle tax. 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 60 and 75% of the total cost. A 30 kWh lithium pack costs €8,000-12,000 new. Used modules are available from €3,000, but with risks regarding remaining capacity and lifespan. The battery choice determines the project price.
Is there funding for electric car conversions?
Not for private cars in Germany. Commercial vehicles receive, according to HEERO Motors up to 80% funding from the BMDV. 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 annually this results in a total saving of €1,500-2,500 when maintenance and vehicle tax are included.
Conclusion: what does your electric conversion really cost?
A realistic electric conversion project costs between €15,000 and €30,000. The battery eats up the lion’s share of the budget. At 14,000 km annual mileage you save around €1,500-2,500 per year and reach break-even after 7-9 years.
Drei Erkenntnisse sollten Sie mitnehmen. Erstens: Plane die Reichweite konservativ — weniger Batterie bedeutet weniger Kosten. Zweitens: Prüfe gebrauchte Batterien als Sparmöglichkeit, aber nur mit dokumentiertem SoH. Drittens: Die fehlende Förderung für Privat-Umbauten in Deutschland ist ärgerlich, aber die Steuerbefreiung bis 2035 und niedrigen Betriebskosten gleichen vieles aus.
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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