Motorists in California could soon be paid to convert old cars to electric

One state in the US could soon be paying people to convert their old cars to electric power.

New legislation introduced to the California State Senate proposes a payment of $US2000 ($AU2900) to help subsidise the cost of converting a petrol or diesel car to electric.

The bill has received support from the Specialty Equipment Market Association – the industry body responsible for the annual SEMA event in Las Vegas – with calls for the state government to budget an annual $US2 million ($AU2.9 million) to fund the proposal.

"It is essential that we continue to look for new methods and ideas to meet our strong climate goals,” said Senator Anthony Portantino, who introduced the bill.

“[This legislation] will aid conversion by providing a financial rebate for Californians who choose to convert their [petrol-powered] car into an electric vehicle but can’t afford to do so. Cutting edge energy efficiency should not be reserved only for those wealthy enough to afford it.”

While the cheapest electric car in the US costs $US28,040 ($AU40,580), the average cost of an electric car is $US66,000 ($AU95,500).

Known as the Zero-Emission Aftermarket Conversion Project (ZACP), it stipulates that the subsidy would only be provided for vehicles with an electric driving range of more than 161 kilometres (100 miles).

MORE: Company offering Tesla electric crate motor to fit older V8 cars

Both Ford and General Motors offer 'eCrate' motors – electric motors and battery packs delivered on a crate – for customers looking to swap out their old V8 engine for electric propulsion.

US company EV West has also created an eCrate motor, using a Tesla drive unit designed to bolt into engine bays of old American cars with small block V8s, as well creating conversion kits for older models like the Porsche 911, Volkswagen Beetle, and Toyota MR2.

Canadian automotive giant Magna has also come up with an option for both rear- and four-wheel-drive pick-ups, which it calls 'eBeam'.