Electric cars have revolutionised the automotive industry and as they continue to gain popularity, the demand for customisation options has grown. While EV mods may not be as straightforward as their combustion engine counterparts, there are still plenty of exciting opportunities to personalise your car.
Electric Car Modifications Unleashed
Electric cars don’t use spark plugs, air filters for combustion air and exhaust pipes, so some of the usual upgrade options are not possibilities for EVs. As with any alterations, you may need to contact the manufacturer to check warranty issues and also with your insurers to check if any changes you make will still mean your vehicle is covered.
For most of us, upgrading items such as aftermarket stereos, wheels, tinted windows or a new paint job is about as far as it goes. You can also look at suspension modifications, body kits and spoilers or lights, but let’s take a look.
Tyres and Wheel Size
Upgrading to larger tyres and alloys can not only enhance the aesthetics of your EV but it can also improve its performance for certain aspects of driving such as handling.
With the instant delivery of torque characteristic of EVs, having tyres capable of handling that power is essential. Larger tyres also provide increased traction on the road, resulting in a sportier driving experience.
However, this has to be balanced with a likely decrease in range and this usually has to be a trade-off.
Aftermarket Stereos
While electric vehicles already offer a quiet ride, upgrading to an aftermarket stereo system can enhance your in-car entertainment. EVs don’t offer as many customisation options as regular cars do, but you can certainly improve speakers and perhaps the amplifier.
However, you are likely to need an expert as many of the complicated systems in EVs can make this upgrade difficult.
Tinted Windows
Tinted windows not only add a touch of elegance to your electric vehicle but also provide practical benefits. They help reduce glare from the sun and improve privacy by limiting visibility into the car.
Tinted windows can create a sleek and sophisticated appearance while keeping the interior cooler and protecting your skin from sun damage.
New Paint Job
Customizing the exterior of your electric vehicle with new paint or wraps will transform its appearance and reflect your personal style. Whether you prefer a bold or vibrant colour or a subtle, elegant finish is your choice.
Additionally, high-quality paint can protect your vehicle’s exterior from the elements and maintain its resale value.
Suspension Modifications
Upgrading your electric vehicle’s suspension system can significantly improve its handling and ride comfort. Suspension modifications, such as installing adjustable coil overs or upgrading to performance-oriented shock absorbers, allow you to fine-tune the suspension to your preferences.
This enhances stability, reduces body roll, and provides a smoother driving experience, whether you’re navigating city streets or enjoying spirited drives on winding roads.
Body Kits and Spoilers
Body kits and spoilers offer an opportunity to enhance the visual appeal of your electric vehicle and improve aerodynamics.
These upgrades can include front and rear bumper modifications, side skirts, diffusers, and rear spoilers. Not only do they add a sporty and aggressive look, but they can also enhance airflow around the vehicle, reducing drag and improving overall efficiency.
More power
Modification to increase power or acceleration or top speed will almost certainly be too difficult for DIYers. However, you can get a huge amount of useful information from checking out sites such as the DIY Electric Car forum where there is a wealth of experience for upgrading electric vehicles for track use.
A variety of upgrades have been discussed for different purposes such as increasing top speeds or acceleration of EVs.
Car Computer Management
If you can gain access to your EV’s computer management system, you may be able to tweak settings to extract more power. Manufacturers often limit power output to meet various requirements, but software updates can sometimes unlock additional performance.
However, keep in mind that altering the car’s software could impact on your warranty, so proceed with caution and professional advice.
Battery Upgrades
Increasing the battery capacity of your EV can boost its voltage and power output. This modification will require expert handling, as EV batteries operate at high voltages and demand careful attention.
Swapping out old or inefficient batteries for newer, more powerful ones is a common practice among enthusiasts. However, you need expert advice when altering power outputs as the stock electric motors will only be able to handle a limited amount of power before you start to damage the unit.
Generally, upgrades of this nature will require new motors that can accept the difference in supplied power.
Electric Motors
Electric motors are the heart of any EV. While adding a new or extra motor to your vehicle may seem enticing, it can be quite challenging due to the intricate wiring and integration into the car’s main system.
Some manufacturers may offer motor upgrades, but widespread customisation options in this area are limited.
Getting more speed from your EV
Tuning an EV is a whole new ballgame compared to working with traditional engines. It will usually involve programming and coding to overclock, sometimes with electrical engineering.
The complex integration of various components in EVs means that performance optimisation is already maximised by the manufacturers.
Software Updates
Just like any other computer-based system, the software in an electric car requires periodic updates. These updates may be necessary due to recalls or routine servicing. It’s important to adhere to these updates to avoid jeopardising your warranty and to ensure your car always performs optimally with the latest software enhancements.
Professional Tuning
Tuning professionals and manufacturers are actively exploring possibilities for tuning electric cars, especially as electric motorsport builds traction and carmakers produce electric racing cars.
However, it’s worth noting that electric cars already come from the factory with optimised performance, leaving less room for improvement than traditional combustion engines. Chip tuning, as generally seen in combustion engines, is not yet possible in electric cars. Some vehicles offer track modes that enable switching between different driving scenarios.
Accelerator pedal tuning can be possible, allowing adjustments to the accelerator’s reaction time through an additional control unit. This tuning primarily focuses on improving acceleration characteristics.
Customisation
Sound customisation is another aspect of electric car tuning. Since electric cars are relatively quiet, manufacturers have dedicated specialists working on sound design. Sound generators, and sound boosters, can provide electric cars with a sound reminiscent of traditional engines.
Electric car tuning is still in its early stages, and not every repair shop or hobby mechanic can modify these technically advanced vehicles. However, with the right resources, it is possible to achieve some level of personalisation and this sector is likely to grow in time.
