Puchong Khumpunja.. A multi-faceted study on conversion of classic cars into electric vehicles : regulations, engineering and economics. Doctoral Degree(Automotive and Energy Engineering Technology). King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok. Central Library. : King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, 2025.
A multi-faceted study on conversion of classic cars into electric vehicles : regulations, engineering and economics
Abstract:
This research studies the legal, engineering, and economic dimensions of converting classic cars with internal combustion engines into electric vehicles in the context of Thailand. The results of the study revealed that: In regulations, Thailand has the potential to promote the electric vehicle conversion industry in terms of legal flexibility, no age restrictions on cars, and the readiness of the automotive infrastructure. However, there are still significant obstacles in terms of engineering standards and technical readiness in the automotive industry group involved in converting classic cars. In engineering, the calculation of motor power in converting classic cars is divided into 2 groups: I) Calculations according to the requirements of regulatory agencies. group I uses speed and road slope conditions to simulate various driving situations. It was found that the case of a maximum speed of 120 km/h and no road slope uses a motor power (Pacture, case 1) 26.71 kW, while in case 3, the road slope increases, the maximum speed is 90 km/h, and the road slope of 6% uses a motor power (Pacture case 3) as high as 37.85 kW, reflecting that even though the speed decreases, the increase in slope has a significant effect on the energy demand. On the other hand, in case 5, the road slope increases, the speed is 20 km/h, the road slope is 15%, and the motor power (Pacture, case 5) is only 14.59 kW, showing the complex nature of the factors affecting the motor size selection. 2) The calculation using the standard driving cycle simulation of UDDS and NYCC, Group 2, found that the UDDS driving cycle, which is suitable for general urban or suburban use, has a maximum motor power (Pdriving cycle, UDDS) of 34.66 kW at 196 seconds, while NYCC, which is suitable for use in large cities with heavy traffic, has a maximum motor power (Pdriving cycle, NYCC) of 29.76 kW at 210 seconds. In economics, the potential of the industry is assessed from national indicators such as investment volume, SME participation, and tax benefits. It was found that during 2016-2023, there was a cumulative investment in the classic car modification business of over 300 million US dollars, with a survival rate of the classic car modification business as high as 97.33%, Thailand has more than 3.45 million classics cars that are over 20 years old, which can be converted from classic cars with internal combustion engines into electric vehicles without legal restrictions. It also reduces operating costs by 40-50% and helps drive the economy at the grassroots level by supporting local entrepreneurs and related industries.