Electric vehicle enthusiasts convert their own petrol cars, but engineers warn of the risks of retrofitting

A growing group of electric vehicle enthusiasts are bypassing manufacturers and converting their own petrol-fuelled cars to run as electric.

Mr Richards became interested in electric vehicles for
 the cost savings and because the smell of petrol fumes
made him ill.

According to the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA), there are at least 300 home-built electric vehicles around the country, with interest growing rapidly.

It said the cars were a cheaper alternative to buying an electric car outright and did not require specialised expertise to convert.

Read Sophie Meixner’s story from ABC News - “Electric vehicle enthusiasts convert their own petrol cars, but engineers warn of the risks of retrofitting.”