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Our Latest Unusual Adventure

We moved the pictures and video links of The Norther Star Rumble to it's own page This project is one of the most amazing stories of getting kids involved in EV's, ecology, and much, much more.

LaSalle II Roadster Pictures

We moved the pictures and video links of Joe Bortz's LaSalle II Project to it's own page This project is still many months away from finish, but the car is mobile and runs well on electric power.


New Information on Rebates and Tax Credits

Illinois Rebate for EV Conversions

Illinois still offers a rebate for 80% of the cost of converting a car to an alternative fuel (including electricity) providing some basic steps are met. The program is described on The Illinois Green Fleets Alternative Fuels Program and scroll down to Section 3. CONVERSION REBATE

Note: This rebate may go away at any time, and the state is unlikely to add additional funding.

Illinois Rebate for New Electric Vehicles

Illinois offers a rebate for the purchase of new alternative fuel vehicles (including electric). The rebate amount is:

  • For a new electric vehicle that has a conventional gasoline or diesel make and model counterpart, the amount of the rebate is 80 percent of the incremental cost of the alternate fuel vehicle versus its conventional counterpart (same make, model, and model year) up to $4,000. An example would be the Mini-E or the Ford Focus BEV. Both have comparable gasoline powered models.
  • For a new electric vehicle that does not have a conventional make and model counterpart, the amount of the rebate is 10 percent of the base retail price of the vehicle as reflected on the MSRP, not including add-on equipment options, up to $4,000. An example would be the Nissan Leaf, or the Tesla. Niether have a counterpart powered by gasoline
The program is described on The Illinois Green Fleets Alternative Fuels Program and scroll down to Section 2. VEHICLE REBATE

Note: This rebate may go away at any time, and the state is unlikely to add additional funding.

Alternative Links

We found several new links for rebate and incentive programs, and for state laws and regulations pertaining to electric powered and other alternative fuel vehicles.

Summary of State and Federal Incentives

Most State Incentives and Laws

Illinois Incentives and Laws

Little Juice Coupe on WGN-TV

Watch the YouTube video of WGN-TV

Why Does Pioneer Conversions Make Sense?



There are several factors which make financial sense for Pioneer to convert cars this way:

Economical purchasing

Purchasing similar components in bulk means the total price to the customer is reduced.

Matched components

Components can be carefully selected, or ordered exactly as needed when multiple similar vehicles are built.

Design costs

Designs for battery boxes can be created once, and not redesigned with each vehicle converted. Designs for adapters for motors and mountings do not have to be continually redesigned. Designs for brackets for switches and contactors and controllers can be done once.

Components can be fabricated in bulk

Creating one battery box means manual construction. Creating more than one means the job can be sent to a fabrication shop, some of which use computer controlled machinery to cut the pieces and assemble them. Components fabricated by machine are more accurate, and less costly.

Less expensive assembly

If each component must be mounted individually, no templates are used. If component mounting templates are available, assembly is quicker, easier. If component mounting templates are available, less skilled assembly people can be used. >Similarly, a comprehensive assembly plan can be created, streamlining assembly.

EV's for transportation

Aimed at several sectors of the market

Pioneer Conversions started when it's founding members recognized that new electric vehicle enthusiasts could not find a quality vehicle to buy. People would become interested in electric cars and trucks, and needed to find a local source for vehicles that could serve as transportation. It seems that each person has their own individual ideas of what kind of car they like. Thus, Pioneer offers lots of choices for cars to convert.

Above all, driving an electric vehicle ought to be fun.

Pioneer is making fun to drive EV's

People who want an electric vehicle are willing to drive something a little different, to recharge in a different way, and to accept certain limitations in order to be more eco-friendly.

Other reasons to consider our cars:

Pioneer offers plug in and forget recharging

Pioneer offers a sophisticated battery management system.

Cars from Pioneer Conversions will need nothing special to keep batteries in top shape.

Our cars can recharge at home, at work, or at play

We know museums, train stations, universities all offer charging facilities