As an option for upgrading a returned car, even to EV, while watching the tv series “Vintage Voltage” I wondered about safety issues for their conversions. Taking an older ( usually) car, removing the drive train and fitting batteries/ motors with other upgrades ( brakes, suspension etc). The original car would be passed via homologation. However, the big changes they do make the car substantially different. A big issue is battery safety in a collision and the electrics. Is it a case of classing it as an “engine” change and updating the V5? The other route is homologation checks ( crash test that is drastic and destructive?). IVA test as for kit cars?
There are knock-on issues re insurance, VED, ULEZ to look at as well. There are cases for ULEZ appeals where the database doesn’t recognise the car as EV despite the DVLA V5 changes.
Last edited by sospan; 01/01/23 11:20 AM.
