Installing EV Motors: Top Tips & Tricks

So, you’ve decided to test your mettle as an EV conversionist. Bravo! But let’s get one thing straight before you get your hopes up: this project is not a walk in the park. If you’re expecting to just rip out your old ICE engine and just plop in the best EV motor you can find, you’re in for a real surprise. It’s a lot of hard work, research, and knowhow–but luckily for you, you’re in the right place. Today we’re going to give you a crash course on installing an EV motor in your conversion project. Let’s dive in.

Let’s Talk Motors

Naturally, before you start tearing up your old gas guzzler, you need to do your due diligence. EV motors – the beating heart of your electric dream machine. These beautiful pieces of technology transform electrical energy into the mechanical power that spins your wheels. The kind of motor you choose depends on which type of electrical current you want your system to run on – AC or DC. This will affect the installation and performance of your vehicle. We have an entire article dedicated to this information here.

AD/DC – Battle of the Best EV Motors

DC Motors: Simple, cost-effective, and perfect for those who don’t want to break the bank.

AC Motors: The only real choice for a superstar EV conversion. Superior efficiency and performance. Naturally, they come with a steeper price tag and a more intricate installation process.

Top Installation Tips for Your EV Swap

1. Choose the Right Motor

You need to pick the best EV motor for your vehicle’s weight, desired speed, and range. Now, this isn’t rocket science, but it isn’t a cake walk either. It’s important that you do your homework–compare models, read reviews, and make sure you’re not skimping on quality. We have another article dedicated to the motor selection process here.

2. Prepare Your Workspace

You wouldn’t operate on a patient in a dirty garage, would you? Same goes for your precious, tender vehicle. It’s important you get your space and gear in order. We have another article dedicated to PPE and workspace protection here, but for now:

1. Wrenches and screwdrivers

2. Torque wrench

3. Motor mounts and brackets

4. Electrical wiring and connectors

5. Safety gear and PPE (gloves, goggles, etc.)

3. Follow the Instructions

Don’t kid yourself. You don’t know better than the people who actually built the motor. Follow the instructions that come provided with your motor. If something’s unclear, check the instructions or get professional advice (from us).

4. Focus on Proper Mounting

Use high-quality motor mounts and brackets. Double-check all connections to ensure your motor doesn’t shake, rattle, or roll.

5. Optimize Electrical Connections

Your motor’s life depends on good electrical connections. Ensure all wiring is properly insulated and secured. Loose or exposed wires are a disaster waiting to happen. Use appropriate connectors and follow best practices.

6. Cooling System Considerations

Everything electrical generates heat. Too much heat is the enemy of longevity. A good cooling system—be it liquid or air—is essential. Check out our article on proper cooling and the motor’s specific cooling requirements.

7. Test and Calibrate

Don’t skip the final step. Test your motor under various conditions and calibrate for peak performance. Monitor temperature, speed, and power output. Make sure everything rotates in the right direction and all that.

We’ll say it again and again: converting your vehicle to electric is not easy. It’s for those who want to give their ride a new set of horns and ride it into the sunset. If you don’t want to do it yourself, get in touch with us about your project and we’ll get it done (at no extra cost to you). But if you’re a committed DIYer, make sure you’ve got the tips, tricks, and know-how to make this happen. Get after it.