When we change cars to electric and make conversion kits, we stick to these rules. They're supposed to be the same or similar in all EU countries.
- It is not allowed to change the structure and integrity of the chassis.
1.1 It is not allowed to weld additional loads onto the chassis.
1.2 If welding is performed on the chassis, it must be done by a certified welder. - Additional loads (primarily motor mount and battery pack) and structures should be mounted on existing holes on the chassis.
- Modifications to the suspension and braking system are not allowed.
3.1 The suspension and braking system must not be subjected to greater loads than in the original vehicle. - If the vehicle originally has a power brake system, sufficient vacuum for system operation must be ensured using a vacuum pump.
4.1 It is preferable for the vacuum pump to operate on a vacuum valve rather than a stop light signal.
4.2 The vacuum pump can have a separate electric motor, or it can be connected to the drive motor. - All installations must be waterproof, but resistance to splashing is sufficient.
5.1 High-power terminals do not necessarily need to be insulated. - High-voltage cables must be orange.
6.1 It is sufficient for the outer part of the cable to be colored, i.e., it is possible to use a colored sheath added to the original cable.
6.2 This rule applies to high-power conductors.
6.3 This rule applies if there is a life-threatening voltage in the vehicle, i.e., any voltage higher than 24 V. - It is mandatory to install a "kill switch" on the vehicle.
7.1 For the mentioned switch, interrupting the signal of the main contactor is sufficient.
7.2 The mentioned switch must be within reach of the driver. - The charging socket must be accessible on the exterior of the vehicle.
- The charger must be installed in the vehicle.
- Installations must be neat.
- It is preferable to retain the 12 V battery.
11.1 It can be replaced with a smaller one.
11.2 Motorcycles and mopeds do not necessarily need to have a 12 V battery. - A DC/DC converter for charging the 12 V battery while driving is desirable but not mandatory.
12.1 If the 12 V system is grounded to the chassis, the DC/DC converter must be of the isolated type.
12.2 The negative terminal of the main battery pack must not be grounded to the chassis. - Significant changes to the mass distribution are not allowed.
- The vehicle's mass may be increased, but any increase in mass of 75 kg reduces the number of allowed passengers in the car, with an increase of 1 kg canceling the first passenger.
14.1 Axle weight limits should be considered.
* Please note that some countries don't allow higher weight. - Test driving is an important factor for certification.
15.1 The vehicle must drive smoothly, without jerky movements and stops. - It is allowed to replace the original instruments.
16.1 The new instrument can be analog or digital.
16.1.1 If it is a modification of a moped and a new analog instrument is installed, its scale must be 0-60 km/h.
16.2 During vehicle operation, the instrument must show the current vehicle speed and the total number of kilometers traveled.
16.2.1 The vehicle speed on the new instrument must be calibrated to show at least 5% more than the actual vehicle speed. - If it is a modification of a motorcycle, moped, or open-type vehicle, newly installed components must not protrude outside the vehicle.
- Installation of parts from another type of vehicle is allowed if it is explained or proven that they will properly perform their function in the modified vehicle; it is preferable for them to be oversized.
- All custom parts added need to have official receipts
- A report showing the steps of modification and explaining the changes made and why they were made is required for certification.
- In vehicles with a closed cabin, it is mandatory to have a defogging system for the windshield.
20.1 A heating or cooling system for the cabin is not mandatory. - All high-voltage contacts must be properly insulated, out of reach, and labeled with a sticker warning of the presence of high voltage.
21.1 This rule applies to life-threatening voltages, i.e., any voltage greater than 24 V. - An instrument indicating the state of charge of the battery pack must be installed.
- All other necessary vehicle functionalities required by law must be retained on the vehicle.
Additional recommendations:
- Batteries should be positioned 30cm away from the vehicle's outer edge.
- A deviation in axle weight of up to 10% is allowed.
- It is recommended that the vehicle does not have rust issues.
- Motor and controller EU homologation R10.6
Make sure to check if your country has any additional rules that might be necessary for EV conversions.