Automatic Transmissions

The problem with converting an automatic transmission vehicle to Electric is that the automatic transmission is designed to shift based on the needs of the internal combustion engine - not an electric motor. Also because the automatic transmission needs to keep moving automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to shift gears, the transmission shaft must keep spinning, even in idle. This inefficiency leads EV purists to only convert standard transmission cars. There is even a bit of snobbery with some groups providing conversion kits or maybe just laziness because they only want to deal with what they know. The fact of the matter is, an EV conversion from an automatic transmission vehicle WILL WORK. More time and money will be involved, but it can be done. Other people should know this, because at some point ONLY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION VEHICLES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR CONVERSION! There.

The other thing that ticks me off is that a particular conversion company (mentioned earlier on this blog) only supplies an adapter plate for 6.7 inch motors to the VW transmission (same bolts on standard as on automatic). And it's relatively cheap - under $300. But, what if I want to put on a 9" motor? Do I pay 'EV Parts' in Canada $1100 for a custom 9" to VW adapter plate made of aluminum? I either dish out the cash for a custom plate or... make my own adapter plate?