What is the typical weight difference between gas and electric car engines?

AI Thread Summary
Converting a gas engine car to an electric engine car involves significant weight considerations. While the electric motor and drivetrain components may weigh less than their gas counterparts, the batteries required for electric power add considerable weight. Lead-acid batteries, commonly used, have a low energy density of about 15Wh/kg compared to gasoline's 45MJ/kg, meaning a substantial amount of battery weight is necessary to achieve similar driving range. Although lithium-polymer batteries are lighter, they pose safety risks, such as the potential to explode if overcharged. Overall, the conversion is likely to result in a heavier vehicle due to the battery weight, potentially outweighing the savings from the lighter motor and drivetrain. Researching existing electric conversion projects can provide valuable insights and data.
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Hello everyone. Currently my brother and I are considering converting a gas engine car into an electric engine car. I'm still not exactly sure how well the vehicle we have chosen for this project will work. The main issue I'm worried about is weight. So, I was wondering if, in general, a conversation from gas to electric would increase the weight or decrease it. At first I was assuming that an electric engine would weigh less then the gas engine and all the components needed to run a gas vehicle, but then I realized the batteries will probably add a large amount of weight. So, before I go into more specific research of the measurements I would like to have a general idea of whether the weight is going to be an issue or not. Thank you for time.
 
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A typical lead acid battery has a useful energy density of around 15Wh/kg. Gasoline is something like 45MJ/kg.

That should get you started.
 
Li-Poly batteries will weigh a lot less than lead-acid batteries, but they have a nasty habit of exploding if overcharged. Because of li-poly batteries and more efficient brushless motors, radio control aircraft are making the switch to electric based power.
 
Even with the Li-Poly batteries I would suggest that if you want comparable amounts of miles to your gas powered car then your car is going to weight a fair bit more than a normal gas powered car just because of the sheer number of batteries.
 
a hundred or two lbs less for the motor/drive train
and a thousand or two more for the batterys

El-trick cars are HEAVY

google up some projects others have done
 
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