Scrap BMW 5-Series EV conversion uses recycled battery for Tesla-beating range

Proof that we really ought to take this whole EV conversion thing more seriously

Converting an old internal combustion engine into an electric vehicle is a no brainer, really: you already have a well-designed body, suspension and an interior and all you have to do is detract one fuel-burning powertrain and replace it with an all electric one. This is easier if you install an EV conversion kit which you can find online, but it can be done with recycled laptop batteries, free time and some knowledge of spanner wagging.

This EV-converted BMW 5-Series E39 may look like an old heap of junk, yet it has the range to beat even a Tesla Model S. Its owner and builder, Eric Lundgren, who calls his car the “Phoenix EV”, took part in an EV range test against several series production electric cars and beat them hands down.

During the range test, the Nissan Leaf that was taking part ground to a halt after 81 miles, the Model S P90D stopped after 240 miles and the Chevy Bolt after 271.5 miles. The scrap-built Phoenix cruised to 340.3 miles when it blew a fuse with 32 percent charge still left in its battery – its owner says it can easily crack 400 miles, thanks to a big battery pack able to store 125 kWh.

And to make things even more impressive, it only cost him $13,000, 1997 BMW included, according to InsideEVs.