Conversion of Maruti Gypsy into Electric Vehicle: A Comparative Study on Different Scenarios

Abstract

Government of Nepal has been investing a huge amount in imports of ICEVs that has been provided to its higher ranked officials as facility. There is significant cost involved in operation of those vehicles. Government investments on import and operations can be limited if vehicles like Maruti Gypsy can be converted to EVs using readily available conversion kits. Maruti Gypsy is primarily selected for low Gross Vehicle weight and is available in hard and soft body versions. With the rise in production of electricity in Nepal, EV usage is important in terms of energy security. With the conversion kits vehicles that have been unserviceable or soon be dumped can be utilized as part of special facility than investing on new ones for government officials. Among the imported petrol, transportation sector alone consumes 96% of it, which is threatening in terms of energy security. It also compared capability of current conversion effort done by Nepali Army whose maximum speed is limited to 54 kmph and max distance of 60 km. To overcome these limitations new EV conversion kit has been considered for this study where the battery technology utilizing Lithium were found effective to traditional lead acid battery that was used previously. This study is carried out with comparison of different scenarios such as using EV conversion kit, continuing operation with petrol and selecting new EV as facility to government officials. With NPV comparison for different investment options considered, utilizing EV conversion kit seems marginally feasible than petrol operation and 100% feasible than new EV for the study period of 8 years. The conversion system cost seems lowering day by day and due to reduction of price of lithium-based batteries making this option more feasible. If mass conversion is done on all 146 Maruti Gypsy vehicles considered it is found that CO production will reduce by 5114 kg, HC by 306.6 kg and NOx by 220.75 kg.