Some conversion kits have been around for quite some time, but targeted towards hobbyists. Some kits from EVWest [0] even retains the transmission and the rest

Some conversion kits have been around for quite some time, but targeted towards hobbyists. Some kits from EVWest [0] even retains the transmission and the rest of the drivetrain, only replacing the internal combustion engine with an electric motor and supporting devices (chargers and coolers), and a place to put the battery in. They even have braking regeneration and replacement heaters for the passenger compartment. Maybe the space to put the battery in is the main hurdle in converting the car. [0]: http://www.evwest.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=40 http://www.evwest.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=40