Electric conversion: Project ForkenSwiift

[MetroMPG]

Coins... So funny.

I was startled when I saw the $$$ too. No danger of that happening with the Forkenswift: my coins are already aching, and I haven't spent 1% of that amount. (0.5% actually, since I'm only paying half.)

[The Toecutter]

Well, I hope you don't drop $88,500 on your conversion. That might make all your coins ache. (sorry 'bout that)

If I had $88,500 to spend on a conversion, I'd use an AC150 drivetrain, a three-speed paddleshift transmission with 3rd gear geared for 200 mph, a custom carbon fibre body designed for aerodynamic efficiency(< .18 Cd, < 1.4 square meter area), and about 500 kg of 18650 Li Ions. This would yield a roughly 900 kg race car with 0-100 kph < 4 seconds, 400 m drag race ~12 seconds, ~320 km/h top speed(in theory), ~700 km range at 120 km/h, and ~140 km range at 320 km/h... This cost would not factor my own labor, obviously.



That $88,500 conversion by Roland though was spend on the vehicle in total over its overship period. He's experimented with expensive fuel cells and prototype batteries in this car, and each incarnation of the car has had its upgrades factored into the cost.

[Silveredwings]

Well that's a horse of another color now isn't it?

[MetroMPG]

weekend update ...

1) Fixed (epoxied) the speedo cable boss I fubared back in post 340. Installed the replacement cable from the red car (getting the cluster out was a bit of a pain). Then tested it: made the wheels go 25 km/h

2) Put oil back in the tranny ("previously enjoyed" 5-20 synth from the Blackfly ) ... then noticed it was seeping around one of the axle seals. Crud. Last thing I want is an EV that leaves oily spots on the driveway. That's just too ironic for my tastes.

3) Dug up Jerry's nice clear circuit schematics over at http://evconvert.com. They're so easy to read for an electrical newb like myself. Got together with Ivan and we drew up the Forkenswift's schematic, v 1.0. I'll post it sometime.

4) Tranny & adapter plate are now properly fastened with good size nuts & bolts (no more wing nuts).

5) A friend donated about 20 feet of used 3/0 welding cable - it'll be great for making battery connections.

6) This week: want to pick up a battery load tester, and start looking for 6 or 8 surplus/used batteries. Starting with the forklift co that sold us the Baker.

[Silveredwings]

Excellent: 2 steps forward, 1 step back.

So it is with the Healey too. I put some gas in it with no leaks so far. The fuel pump doesn't suck (in this case that's bad). So it's either $275 from Moss or I tinker with it. The wife says "spend." I think a new one should play nicely with almost a grand in new SU carbs.

[brelandt]

Watched the DVD, "who killed the electric car" tonight.

I think my Sidekick would be a good canidate for a EV project as well.

Now all I have to do is go back and read all 400 plus posts to this thread!!!!!!

[Silveredwings]

Originally Posted by brelandt

I think my Sidekick would be a good canidate for a EV project as well.

I think I saw an older Sidekick/Tracker conversion for sale a while ago. I wonder if it's still around.

[The Toecutter]

I think my Sidekick would be a good canidate for a EV project as well.

If range at speeds over 30 mph isn't a serious concern, go for it.

[GasSavers_DaX]

I'm just curious - for wiring up an EV, would it be wise/economical/ludicrous to use Romex for the wiring? I know lack of flexibility would be a downside, but would there be any others?

[Silveredwings]

Can you get romex in 2/0 or 3/0 AWG? If not, it will heat up and maybe catch on fire. If you have to bunde it, how will you connect it to batteries and things?