Forget everything you know about modifying cars with internal combustion engines. Tuning an electric car is a completely different story.
On a traditional car, you can upgrade cylinder heads, turbines, compressors, engines, and more. However, electric cars do not have all this, so there is no need to replace rods or valves with more durable ones. Electric cars don't need a clutch, gearbox, or exhaust pipe, making them much quieter and smoother on the move.
You can choose the easy way and tune the electric car only for aesthetic purposes. But if you're willing to think outside the box, you can transform him into a powerful beast.
Modification options
Modifying an electric car is difficult, but quite realistic. In addition to fresh paint, window tinting, and other basic upgrades, you can improve its performance and power. Here are a few options for tuning your electric vehicle.
Battery
The rechargeable battery is the heart of the electric car. However, the one originally installed dictates and limits performance and range. Upgrading the battery is the key to higher speed and power.
Some are already testing the capabilities of this upgrade by installing powerful Tesla batteries in small cars like the Kia Soul and Chevy Volt. Tesla batteries are well designed, from case cooling to electrodes/electrolytes.
High-efficiency modules will improve the overall performance of the machine, but there is a risk that the transmission will not handle the additional stress. If you want to safely increase the power of your electric car without sacrificing range, check out a parts store that specializes in battery upgrades. Another option is to upgrade the car as technology develops and new models are released.
Cooling the battery is also a great way to boost power, as most EVs turn off their power when they reach a certain temperature.
On our website, you can purchase a charger for an electric car and familiarize yourself with the location of charging stations. We will also show you how to determine when it is time to recharge and what to do if the battery is dead.
Additional motors
Due to the small number of parts, an electric motor is much simpler than an internal combustion engine. However, it is located in a tightly sealed cylinder in the back of the car without an obvious inlet. This cunning "black box" can scare off even an advanced modder.
If you want and skill, you can add an electric car of engines, thereby multiplying its horsepower, making it faster and more impressive, although slightly less efficient.
The fastest electric cars are equipped with four motors - one for each wheel or axle. With only one or two, there is room for tuning. As the popularity of electric vehicles grows, so will the choice of upgrade options, which will allow you to modify the motors according to your needs and preferences.
Inverters
Electric vehicles need efficient and compact electronics, and this is where inverters come into play. They convert the DC of the battery into AC to power the motor. The faster the motor spins, the faster the switching speed, so the voltage peaks must be stable and strong.
To provide a safe and economical drive that maintains efficient energy consumption, each vehicle is delivered with a predetermined optimum shift speed. The technician can change the settings for faster shifting, which increases the motor power.
Tesla is already practicing this technique to improve shift speed and torque. This simple replacement contributes to faster acceleration from 0 to 100 and more responsive acceleration. Also, increasing the efficiency of the inverter minimizes battery size and extends the range - electric car enthusiasts will appreciate it. The leaders in the range are in our blog.
Tires
Electric cars are demanding on tires: in the absence of a roaring engine, they must be quiet. Plus, the torque and range require a reasonably strong rubber.
Many newer models come with 18-inch wheels, so there is room for improvement in terms of range. If you are not worried about the noise and smell of burnt rubber when leaving the parking lot, there are many possible modifications at your disposal. Read more about the effect of wheel size on the power reserve in our article.
For better acceleration and handling, you can use higher-performance tires with a larger contact area. The latter will also improve traction at the start, allowing quick acceleration and braking.
For everyday driving with rare carving, a wear-resistant tread with a pattern adapted to high humidity conditions is suitable. If you love speed and plan to compete in drifting, choose a durable tire with a large center rib and ample water drainage channels.
Manufacturers like Tesla provide the option to select tires and wheels at the picking stage, but in this case, you have to sacrifice performance or range.
Software and interior
The software and interior of electric cars is a limitless space for modification.
Most manufacturers use software to limit power output to meet reliability and safety requirements and are usually overly cautious. The settings are coded from modders, but having access to the controls, you can increase the power by changing them. True, you will have to sacrifice the range and battery life. And do not forget that such changes may affect the warranty.
Interior modifications to electric cars are common. Add personality and aesthetics to your interior with unique upholstery, seat trims, inductive phone charger, and more. And you can install a new stereo system yourself according to the instructions.
Risks and difficulties
To upgrade an electric car, you need to understand coding, overclocking, electronics, and programming. Here, everything is completely different, and knowledge about internal combustion engines will be almost useless.
Here is what Michael Vine of Audi says: “In cars with an internal combustion engine, each system is relatively independent, but in an electric car, all parts are developed in a single package. They work much faster and more harmoniously, and are engineered for maximum performance "
Buns are not easy to come by. With fancy cars, this is more than relevant. Any changes are accompanied by risks and problems, for which it is better to prepare in advance both morally and financially.
High voltage
Most manufacturers do not recommend modifying cars as it is quite dangerous. This applies primarily to electric vehicles. Working with high-voltage electrical systems in modern electric vehicles is very risky, especially if you don't know what you are doing and don't know about batteries.
The stakes are too high and the risks should not be ignored. If you can't do without modifications, contact experienced pros.
Computers
If a banal replacement of body parts, engines, and transmissions add power to an ordinary car, then a complete reboot of the system is required to update the Autocar. Before replacing parts, you need to hack the software and change the engine control unit.
To upgrade, you need a programmer who can hack the system and set certain settings.
What to expect in the future
As technology advances and conventional cars are replaced by electric cars, manufacturers will increasingly rely on the user experience to produce powerful cars with long-range and long battery life. Tesla is actively working on durable cars and it may release wireless charging in 2022.
It will be the finest hour for replica parts makers and do-it-yourself tuners modifying new fancy models.