DIY EV Chat

Tom Cheesewright
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Who builds their own electric car? What skills do you need to do it? How did they build it? Where did the parts come from? These are the questions I'll aim to ask in this series of conversations with other DIY EVers around the world who have completed their own EV conversions.

  1. 10/07/2025

    EV batteries are CRAZY cheap!

    DIY EV Chat is the podcast/YouTube series where EV conversion enthusiasts discuss the latest news, answer audience questions, and check out new conversions on the scene. On this month's episode, we're talking batteries and the ridiculously low prices you can now pay for a serious OEM pack. We all bring our own best examples and they're all under £1000 / £30/kWh - less than a third of what we all paid when we did our first conversions during lockdown. We talk about the Dublin Maker event, which sounds like great fun, and maybe think about a road trip in future years. We try to answer a viewer question about building battery boxes, and compare materials, methods and DIY versus outsourcing. And we have a look at a YouTube video that's been doing the rounds of someone's conversion. And we have questions... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d53aNHMMai0&t=322s Big thanks to Fiachra Cook for joining us on this one. Check out his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@Scampi6000

    37 min

  2. 09/15/2025

    What do the new DVLA regs mean for EV conversions?

    DIY EV Chat is back! But this time, it's a bit different. This is the first episode in a new format where we're going to be digesting the latest news, projects, and videos from the world of home-made EVs. Each time I'll be joined by a regular cast of DIY-EVers from the OpenInverter community, including Jamie Jones, Rob Stevens and Steve Knox. And we'll have special guests on to talk about their projects, products, or role in the EV Conversion industry. In this episode we talk about the new DVLA regulations in the UK that will affect all EV conversions. Plus our usual subjects: updates on our projects, the latest updates from OpenInverter, and any good YouTube videos to watch on EV conversions. Subscribe now if you haven't already. You can watch us on YouTube or listen on any of your favourite audio podcast platforms.

    37 min
  3. Karim Omara's Electric Fleet

    04/08/2024

    Karim Omara's Electric Fleet

    In this episode of DIY EV Chat we're headed back across the pond to chat to Karim Omara all the way from California. Karim has a pair of incredible EV-swapped vehicles, a classic 1973 Beetle and an E60 BMW 5-series - the Chris Bangle designed car that still splits BMW enthusiasts. Karim's car is even more controversial now that it is powered by a mix of Lexus drivetrain and Chevy batteries! Karim chats about the skills to take on your own EV-swap, what got him started in the EV conversion world, and the difference between modifying cars in California and other parts of the US. Check out Karim's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@EgyUrls. And find some photos of Karim's cars below.

    45 min
  4. Patrick Roth and the Rambler 660e

    02/15/2024

    Patrick Roth and the Rambler 660e

    We're back across the Atlantic again this episode, with two time DIY EV builder Patrick Roth and his absolutely incredibly Lexus GS450h/Tesla-powered AMC Rambler. The quality of work on this project is incredibly high, from the beautiful paint job and custom interior, to the very neat under-bonnet and custom display. A real example of a DIY classic EV-swap done right.

    34 min
  5. Greg Muszynski (Good Enuff Garage) and the Lexus-Powered GMC 'Electruck'

    02/08/2024

    Greg Muszynski (Good Enuff Garage) and the Lexus-Powered GMC 'Electruck'

    In this 20th episode of DIY EV Chat (!) we head across the pond to chat to Greg Muszynski of Good Enuff Garage about his Lexus GS450h-powered GMC truck, and his upcoming Volkswagen Rabbit/Golf. Hear how Greg got started with DIY EV swaps, the challenges he had along the way, his favourite tool, and what's next for his projects. Go check out Greg's YouTube channel for a deep dive on his projects - always entertaining!

    35 min
  6. Alex Meek and the EV-Swapped E46

    01/18/2024

    Alex Meek and the EV-Swapped E46

    Alex Meek is a car guy. In fact, his whole family are petrolheads! So why did he build an electric BMW E46 Touring using parts from a Mitsubishi Outlander? Find out in the latest episode of DIY EV Chat.

    33 min
  7. Alister Brown and the Electric Freelander

    01/11/2024

    Alister Brown and the Electric Freelander

    In this episode I chat to electric Land Rover Freelander builder and car alternator enthusiast, Alister Brown - also known as AliBro over on YouTube, where he has documented his build. You can also find his build diary over on the OpenInverter Forum. As usual we talk about the skills needed to do your own EV Conversion, parts choices, challenges, the highs and the lows. Oh, and favourite tools. Plus, why Adrian Flux should sponsor this channel!

    39 min
  8. An Electric Jetski?? DIY EV Chat with Jamie Marley

    04/20/2023

    An Electric Jetski?? DIY EV Chat with Jamie Marley

    Jamie Marley is one of the founders of Second Life EV Batteries, providing second hand batteries to EV-swappers all over the country. But he's also a time-served marine engineer with a deep interest in EV and hybrid power trains for watercraft of all sizes - including his Outlander-powered jetski! Jamie is available for consulting in the marine sector via his business Marine Electrification Solutions Jamie is converting a former ambulance into a camper van as well - a classic DIV EV project.

    31 min
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About

Who builds their own electric car? What skills do you need to do it? How did they build it? Where did the parts come from? These are the questions I'll aim to ask in this series of conversations with other DIY EVers around the world who have completed their own EV conversions.

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Cheesewright
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved, Tom Cheesewright and IO Communications Ltd
  • Show Website
    DIY EV Chat