DIY EV Chat

DIY EV Chat is back! But this time, it's a bit different. This is the first episode in a new format where we're going to be digesting the latest news, projects, and videos from the world of home-made EVs.

Each time I'll be joined by a regular cast of DIY-EVers from the OpenInverter community, including Jamie Jones, Rob Stevens and Steve Knox. And we'll have special guests on to talk about their projects, products, or role in the EV Conversion industry.

In this episode we talk about the new DVLA regulations in the UK that will affect all EV conversions. Plus our usual subjects: updates on our projects, the latest updates from OpenInverter, and any good YouTube videos to watch on EV conversions.

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In this episode of DIY EV Chat we're headed back across the pond to chat to Karim Omara all the way from California. Karim has a pair of incredible EV-swapped vehicles, a classic 1973 Beetle and an E60 BMW 5-series - the Chris Bangle designed car that still splits BMW enthusiasts. Karim's car is even more controversial now that it is powered by a mix of Lexus drivetrain and Chevy batteries!

Karim chats about the skills to take on your own EV-swap, what got him started in the EV conversion world, and the difference between modifying cars in California and other parts of the US. Check out Karim's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@EgyUrls. And find some photos of Karim's cars below.

In this 20th episode of DIY EV Chat (!) we head across the pond to chat to Greg Muszynski of Good Enuff Garage about his Lexus GS450h-powered GMC truck, and his upcoming Volkswagen Rabbit/Golf. Hear how Greg got started with DIY EV swaps, the challenges he had along the way, his favourite tool, and what's next for his projects. Go check out Greg's YouTube channel for a deep dive on his projects - always entertaining!

Alex Meek is a car guy. In fact, his whole family are petrolheads! So why did he build an electric BMW E46 Touring using parts from a Mitsubishi Outlander? Find out in the latest episode of DIY EV Chat.

It's back! A new season of DIY EV Chat where I interview other people who've built their own battery-powered vehicles and the brilliant people who enable our crazy hobby.

In this episode I chat to electric Land Rover Freelander builder and car alternator enthusiast, Alister Brown - also known as AliBro over on YouTube, where he has documented his build. You can also find his build diary over on the OpenInverter Forum.

As usual we talk about the skills needed to do your own EV Conversion, parts choices, challenges, the highs and the lows. Oh, and favourite tools. Plus, why Adrian Flux should sponsor this channel!

Jamie Marley is one of the founders of Second Life EV Batteries, providing second hand batteries to EV-swappers all over the country. But he's also a time-served marine engineer with a deep interest in EV and hybrid power trains for watercraft of all sizes - including his Outlander-powered jetski! Jamie is available for consulting in the marine sector via his business Marine Electrification Solutions.

Jamie is converting a former ambulance into a camper van as well - a classic DIV EV project.

The Wankel rotary engine used by Mazda is a wonderful thing. It's compact and it's powerful. It makes a wicked howl when it's on song. Unfortunately, it doesn't always last that long. Which is how Steve Pilcher ended up with a nice-looking sports car and no engine sitting on his parent's driveway. Stumbling across the DIY EV community, he decided to convert his Mazda RX-8 to electric, and he didn't take the easy route!

Find out more about Steve's car and the process he went through to get it on the road in this episode of DIY EV Chat.

A Tesla-powered Porsche Boxster, built at home and now a daily driver. Fancy one of those? Paul Young did it all in his garage.

In this episode of DIY EV Chat, I Paul and I talk Tesla-power, buying cars on eBay, and the criticality of a good set of crimping tools to any DIY EV project.

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In episode 12 of DIY EV Chat, I speak to Tom De Bree, the man behind the SimpBMS battery management system on which so many of us rely in the DIY EV community.

We talk about how Tom got started, the evolution of SimpBMS, and his new products now that he's focused on his own business.

You can find out more about Tom's new products and projects at https://engovis.com but all products can only be bought through distributors who also provide first line support. Stocks are currently low because of the chip shortage but this will be rectified with the new range.