In the last decade, consumers learned more and more about the natural resources they rely on and how that reliance impacts both the Earth and their wallets. In an effort to reduce these impacts, many consumers now want to invest in electric vehicles and/or explore their options for converting from standard combustion engines to electric-powered vehicles. As a result, there’s growing demand for businesses specializing in electric vehicle (EV) conversion — a more economical approach to reducing an individual’s carbon footprint than the alternatives.
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Start an electric vehicle conversion business by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Electric Vehicle Conversion Business
- Form your Electric Vehicle Conversion Business into a Legal Entity
- Register your Electric Vehicle Conversion Business for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Electric Vehicle Conversion Business
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Electric Vehicle Conversion Business
- Get Electric Vehicle Conversion Business Insurance
- Define your Electric Vehicle Conversion Business Brand
- Create your Electric Vehicle Conversion Business Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your electric vehicle conversion business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Business Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening an electric vehicle conversion business?
As previously mentioned, your initial investment will focus on your education/certification. Once you pass the certification exam, you’ll need to develop a workstation. This should be a properly zoned, dedicated space equipped with all the necessary tools.
Because you’ll need to invest a significant amount of money in both yourself and your auto workshop, it’s important to budget for a specialized insurance policy. An experienced insurance professional can help determine the types of policies and level of coverage you need. If funding is a concern, consider looking into grants from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), a local office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), or private investors.
What are the ongoing expenses for an electric vehicle conversion business?
When mapping out your business plan, work with a financial advisor to determine how much you should budget for ongoing expenses. Payroll will represent your largest expense because EV conversion is a labor-intensive process. Additional ongoing expenses include:
- Mortgage/rent
- Utilities
- Equipment maintenance, repair, and replacement
- EV conversion kits (prices start at $2,000)
- Business licensing
- Advertising and marketing
- Insurance
Who is the target market?
Initially, your target market should include local consumers concerned about the effects air pollution has on the environment. They’re committed to making positive changes and educating others along the way.
Most people who enter this industry have a passion for decreasing their carbon footprint. They enjoy learning and seek to educate others on the subject. Through your efforts, you’ll reach a secondary layer of potential customers — those who
How does an electric vehicle conversion business make money?
An electric vehicle conversion business generates revenue from each vehicle it services and/or converts.
How much can you charge customers?
While some EV conversion businesses charge as much as $25,000, the average price is $8,000 to $11,000 based on the specifics of the vehicle undergoing the conversion.
How much profit can an electric vehicle conversion business make?
A business owner who completes the work themself, charges an average $9,500 per conversion, and converts one vehicle a week can generate $38,000 per month. With an average of $11,000 in monthly expenses (including the cost of conversion kits), this entrepreneur can expect to make $27,000 a month in profit.
How can you make your business more profitable?
To maximize profits, electric vehicle conversion business owners should consider offering additional services. Two profitable services to consider include EV auto repair and car detailing. In areas where demand is high, opening a technical school also would prove profitable.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your electric vehicle conversion business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your electric vehicle conversion business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate an Electric Vehicle Conversion business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market an electric vehicle conversion business
Because your auto workshop services are limited to your local region, you should focus your advertising efforts. Marketing materials should seek to educate consumers, anticipating and answering common questions. In addition to targeted online and social media advertising, business owners should consider paid ads in local publications. Clean energy organizations and other networking sites are excellent resources for spreading the word and ensuring you keep abreast of emerging trends.
How to keep customers coming back
Once you convert a customer’s vehicle, you have a unique opportunity to retain that customer. Those who have a positive first experience will look to you for advice and repairs in the future.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
Starting an electric vehicle conversion business is ideal for entrepreneurs seeking to get involved in a burgeoning industry. For people with a passion for doing their part to save Mother Earth while helping others, it’s an admirable and profitable business venture.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at an electric vehicle conversion business?
As an electric vehicle conversion technician, you’ll spend your days in your auto workshop. First, you’ll examine the vehicle you plan to convert and then develop a conversion strategy based on the specifics of that particular vehicle. After removing the combustion engine, you’ll install the EV kit.
Due to evolving technology and the specific skill set required to perform a conversion, it’s critical that you and your staff continue your education. You’ll need to maintain the necessary certifications, continually enhance your skills, and keep abreast of emerging trends. Additional activities will include managing the business’ financial and marketing strategies, answering current and prospective customer questions, and maintaining workshop equipment.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful electric vehicle conversion business?
First and foremost, EV conversion business owners and technicians should have experience working with and repairing motorized and electric vehicles. This will provide a solid foundation as you pursue your certification. While not all EV conversions require certification, pursuing this higher education — either online or at a local college — is strongly recommended. The IEEE and EAA-PHEV websites provide a wealth of information for new and existing conversion businesses.
While prospective clients understand the value of converting to an electric vehicle, they’ll require education and coaxing to commit to such an investment. Therefore, an ability to communicate with and sell to all personality types also would prove beneficial in this business.
What is the growth potential for an electric vehicle conversion business?
Consumer awareness of the toll air pollution from fuel-driven cars takes on the environment continues to grow. As a result, many want more fuel-efficient, low-emission alternatives. In 2019, the global electric vehicle market was valued at over $162 billion. By 2027, this number is expected to increase by 22.6 percent to almost $803 billion. That offers significant growth opportunities for entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and resources.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting an electric vehicle conversion business?
When shopping for a building to house your auto workshop, keep your short- and long-term goals in mind. How many vehicles do you plan to service each month? How many employees do you plan to hire? Will you offer additional services? If so, how much space and what tools will those services require? Most importantly, what’s the demand for those services in and around this area?
How and when to build a team
Whether you choose to complete the work yourself or hire a technician, everyone on your team must have the necessary experience and certification to get the job done. Take time to thoroughly research every potential employee. Keep your technicians engaged by investing in their continuing education and paying them a fair and honest salary.