Australia
The Australian government periodically releases updates to the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification, with the current one being the Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14 (VSB 14). Within VSB 14, there are items specific to the conversion to an electric drivetrain, these include:
- Alternative Power Units (PDF)
- National Guidelines for the Installation of Electric Drives in Motor Vehicles (PDF)
Additional codes covering other modifications are also available under the Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14
Users of VSB 14 need to be aware that this document needs to be used in conjunction with the appropriate administrative requirements of the jurisdiction (state) in which they wish to either register a vehicle or to obtain approval for a modification for an already registered vehicle. Administrative requirements include, amongst other things, processes for vehicle registration, obtaining exemptions, obtaining modification approvals, vehicle inspections, preparation and submission of reports and the payment of appropriate fees and charges.
To make approvals easier, as a guide, the following items should be considered:
- Ideally, modifications should be bolt on. Any changes to the body or chassis would require additional modification approvals.
- Whatever safety features are in place in the vehicle that you're converting (ABS, Stability Control, Cruise Control, Air Bags, etc., items covered under relevant Australian Design Rules at the time of manufacture) need to continue to function as expected after the conversion.
- When fitting a replacement electric motor with a continuous power output not greater than 120% of the original engine, including optional engines, offered by the original manufacturer as standard for the vehicle being modified.
- When fitting of an electric drive that together with all of its necessary components, such as batteries, control systems and transmission, results in a laden mass or GVM that exceeds that recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Always check with the relevant authorities for the most current regulations.