Electric Celta: Transformed with 500 Notebook Batteries

Have you ever thought about giving your old car a new life and also helping the environment? That's exactly what Tiago Slaga, an automation technician from Paraná, did when he transformed his Celta 2001 in a electric car. The most surprising thing is that he reused 500 notebook batteries and an industrial motor for this feat, showing that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.

The Automotive Conversion Revolution

The idea of converting fossil fuel powered vehicles into electric cars is not new. Large companies such as General Motors are already investing in electrification kits, seeking to transform the global fleet of conventional cars into vehicles 100% carbon-free. However, Tiago's initiative draws attention for its simplicity and creativity, using recycled materials and technical knowledge in industrial maintenance.

Where Did the Idea Come From?

Tiago was inspired by watching videos on the internet about similar conversions. His experience in industrial maintenance gave him the confidence to try something he had never done before: adapting an industrial engine to a car. According to him, the process began with bench tests to see if the engine could be powered by batteries using a frequency inverter.

The Transformation Process

The conversion began with the removal of the original Celta engine. Tiago had to create a flange — the part that connects the engine to the gearbox — and align it perfectly. After this step, he initially used lead batteries in the trunk of the vehicle. Although the car worked, the autonomy was extremely low, with only 15 km per charge, in addition to the excessive weight of the batteries.

It was then that Tiago realized the need to use batteries lithium ions, known for their lightness and greater efficiency. However, the high cost of new cells would make the project unfeasible. The solution? Recycling discarded notebook batteries.

The Construction of the Electric Celta

After a year of collecting, Tiago managed to gather 455 notebook batteries old, with expansion plans for 500 units. These batteries were connected to supply power to an industrial engine that delivers 12.5 horsepower. With this configuration, the electric Celta achieves a range of 100 km per charge, with a recharge time of approximately 10 hours.

Challenges and Risks

Although Tiago's project is innovative, using recycled batteries presents risks. Ricardo Takahira, engineer and electric car expert, warns of the danger of batteries overheating, especially if the temperature exceeds 60°C, which can cause fires.

Additionally, vehicle conversion must follow the regulations of the DMV to ensure safety and legality. This includes the use of suitable materials and the regularization of the vehicle with the competent authorities.

The Impact of the Initiative

Tiago's project not only highlights the possibility of reusing discarded materials, but also inspires others to explore more sustainable alternatives for mobility. In a world where electric cars are still inaccessible to many people due to the high cost, initiatives like this show that creativity can overcome financial and technological barriers.

Project Cost

Transform the Celtic in an electric car cost Tiago about R$ 20 thousand, including the industrial motor, frequency inverter and mechanical adaptations. Although this value is significantly lower than the price of a new electric car in Brazil, which generally costs above R$ 150 thousand, it still requires financial planning and dedication.

Conclusion: An Example of Sustainability and Innovation

The case of the electric Celta transformed with 500 notebook batteries is an inspiring example of how reusing materials can contribute to a more sustainable future. In 2025, with increasing environmental awareness and advancement of electrification technologies, initiatives like this will become even more relevant.

If you have an old car sitting in your garage, why not consider an electric conversion? Just like Tiago, you can combine creativity, sustainability and economy, creating a unique solution to contribute to the environment. Who knows, soon we will see even more examples of recycled cars on the streets of Brazil!