Should government convert cars being scrapped for smog in CA to electric cars with extra batteries on roof?
Then flooding the market with these converted electric cars? Batteries on roof (sides, front and rear) would extend mileage prior to recharge. Or use giant watch-type batteries(or banks of conventional watch-type batteries).
No need to put batteries on the roof, there's plenty of room down low where the engine and gas tank was. Many EV conversions actually LOWER the center-of-gravity of the car!
The main problem is those cars are old, so most have thrashed interiors and worn-out suspensions. Go down to a Pick-n-Pull yard, and you can se for yourself the condition of cars being scrapped.
Given the expense of a top-line electric drive (AC with decent wattage, and advanced battery pack for 120+ mile range), you'd be putting a $25,000 powertrain in a $500 junk chassis. That makes no sense, put in an $8000 new chassis so you have a nice new car.
A basic, servicable EV powertrain with 25-40 mile range can be built much cheaper, for $4000 or so. So if you know of an older car you like, whose interior is in good shape, convert it yourself! It takes fair mechanical skills and minor electrical skills, and a healthy respect for electricity... but it's well within the reach of a hobbyist.
