Kudos to them! But I would think converting a modern car would be rather difficult. But who knows. I’m just thinking about how interconnected all the electronics are in modern cars. But… if you are the manufacturer, presumably you know exactly how to do all that. Maybe it’s not so bad in reality.
There is an outfit in Austin that is converting older cars, usually 60s and 70s muscle cars, to electric. http://www.bloodshedmotors.com. The performance results are stunning. :). It is not, however, cheap. (from what I’ve been told, they also beef up suspensions and brakes, so its not just a power train swap. besides, custom restomods with modern ICE is not exactly cheap either when done right)
No mention of a most important factor, cost.
DB2
People have been swapping engines in cars as long as cars have been made. Yes, it can be a bit difficult, particularly with modern engines and a one-off conversion.
However, if you are talking about engineering a swap that will be done dozens or hundreds of times, you take the time to figure it all out once, then produce everything you need, including instructions, so that a typically-skilled automotive tech (or perhaps a couple working together) can accomplish the task in a fairly short amount of time.
–Peter
What is the relative cost of the frame and interior of a car compared to the computer and drive-train/prime mover(s)? I suspect retrofit kits could be made, but considering the rapid depreciation of a car’s resale value, I’m guessing the only intrinsic value in the idea is public relations oriented.
That said, the used car market in Africa is driven (pun intended 
) by the Japanese requirement to cycle used cars out of their market when three years old. The cars are shipped to Durbin, S.A., but their sale within South Africa is forbidden (they are not even allowed to be driven back after sale). The process keeps the domestic Japnese car market pumping as well as much of the African continent using moderately priced nearly new cars.
So maybe there is hope after all.
Jeff
Jeff
The frame is the main savings even if modified for a battery etc…
One reason is the assembly lines wont need to be reinvented.
It is doubtful that they could do this, have a significant range and meet the crash test requirements in the US, Europe and other 1st world countries. But Toyota is welcome to try rather than just talk about it
Mike