DIY Electric Car Costs Less Than Honda SH, Drives Legally in India

In India, where electric vehicles are gaining traction, a 67-year-old consultant named Antony John has garnered attention for building his own electric car. John, who lives in Kerala's Kollam district, needed a reliable way to commute 30km to his office, finding his electric scooter increasingly inconvenient due to his age and the weather.

Motivated by the lack of affordable personal electric vehicles in 2018, John embarked on a self-study project. He collaborated with a local garage specializing in bus body fabrication for the car's chassis, based on an online design. The resulting vehicle is compact, designed for four occupants, though the rear seats are best suited for children. John personally assembled the entire electrical system, including the motor, battery, and wiring.

The project faced hurdles, including supply chain delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and initial technical challenges. John miscalculated the battery capacity, limiting the car's range. After resuming work, he upgraded the battery, enabling the car to travel up to 60km on a single charge. The cost for this distance is remarkably low, around 5 rupees (approximately $0.06 USD).

Despite its simple, boxy design and minimalist interior, the car effectively serves John's daily needs. Its small size allows easy navigation through narrow residential streets, and parking is convenient. The vehicle is equipped with functional wipers, headlights, and turn signals. The total cost for the project was about 450,000 rupees (around $5,400 USD), making it cheaper than some high-end scooters like the Honda SH 350i. Remarkably, the car is road-legal in India because its low power and top speed of under 25 km/h exempt it from registration requirements.

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The cost of electricity for this distance is only about 5 rupees, equivalent to nearly 1,400 Vietnamese Dong at the current exchange rate.