converting to electric
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
Joined
·
6,238 Posts
I think I would start with something lighter and more aerodynamic!
The E is heavy to start with. REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WILL HELP SOME. However, the weight of the motor/motors and Battery's required to move it's mass would negate any gains.
Dom
The E is heavy to start with. REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WILL HELP SOME. However, the weight of the motor/motors and Battery's required to move it's mass would negate any gains.
Dom
Joined
·
6,263 Posts
Back in 1968, an electric VW Microbus, built by a Caltech student, beat an MIT Corvair, in a cross country race.
http://www.electricauto.com/hist_trip_02.html
http://calteches.library.caltech.edu/276/01/bust.pdf
The pdf points out that one advantage of the bus over the Corvair is that the driver could sleep in it (while waiting for a recharge?).
http://www.electricauto.com/hist_trip_02.html
http://calteches.library.caltech.edu/276/01/bust.pdf
The pdf points out that one advantage of the bus over the Corvair is that the driver could sleep in it (while waiting for a recharge?).
Joined
·
6,408 Posts
As the resident electric car owner... no, the E has too much superstructure to be an efficient EV. There's also the structure limitation - if your budget only allows for lead-acid, the 500# load limit means you only have enough hauling capacity for roughly 9000 Watt-Hours of storage. 12HP for an hour, not counting conversion losses. IOW, not much.
By far the best base for a project EV like this is a small pickup truck like a Ford Ranger or Chevy S10. In fact, for a short time there were electric versions of these produced.
Now here's a thought I've had if you're interested in running with it... use the 4WD version as a platform for a true dual-mode PHEV. Fabricate an electric motor/clutch system to replace the RWD clutch pack, while leaving the front intact as a full-blown 2WD ICE. Low speeds and short distances, run on the electric, then switch to the gasser to go like a normal vehicle.
By far the best base for a project EV like this is a small pickup truck like a Ford Ranger or Chevy S10. In fact, for a short time there were electric versions of these produced.
Now here's a thought I've had if you're interested in running with it... use the 4WD version as a platform for a true dual-mode PHEV. Fabricate an electric motor/clutch system to replace the RWD clutch pack, while leaving the front intact as a full-blown 2WD ICE. Low speeds and short distances, run on the electric, then switch to the gasser to go like a normal vehicle.
Joined
·
1,265 Posts
I think the Element is a PERFECT candidate for conversion to an electric car. Sure the E is heavy and not so aerodynamic but your the average daily commute it's utility is an advantage. I've been thinking of this too. 4 in-wheel motors. There's a company in England that makes in-wheel motors generating 160 hp each. The flat floor of the Element is the car design of the future. As it is now a flat battery pkg. can be mounted beneath the chassis. The gas tank is there already, this would make changing out the battery as easy as hanging the oil. Now consider that you don't need the engine, drivetrain, or the exhaust and you bring down the weight of the Element. The long flat roof is also a good place to put a solar panel. There a prototype mini like this, I think the company is called PHL.
I bought a 1982 Datsun 210 with the intention of an electric conversion project. It sat, waiting for the spare time to devote to it until someone offered me a lot more than it could ever be worth and I let it go. Now that I have more time, I might look into this project again. It is the future.
Have you ever priced out a Lithium pack? $$$$$$ That's what you'd need to make a flat pack that sits were the fuel tank currently sits. I think that's why it hasn't been done yet. Lead acid is still the affordable route and those batteries are not very flat.
I dreamed of making an electric car once. I realized it would cost more than I can afford right now. It's on my list of things to do one day though.
Joined
·
28 Posts
I’m surprised your engine is giving you problems at 150k. Mine has 160k and feels like the engine just got broken in.?
Joined
·
2 Posts
Joined
·
2 Posts
I would recommend aero upgrades such as front grill redesign, under plates, rear wheel spat or air curtains, low roll resistant tires, and excess weight reduction, etc. I would consider it a larger overhaul to design. This would make and interesting convention though and a good challenge for students. Expect an ideal range at or below 80 mile considering design. Best of luck.
Hybrid conversion may serve as feasible alternative approach too.
Hybrid conversion may serve as feasible alternative approach too.
Joined
·
1 Posts
I'm with you #Gibroni. I just read today that Koenigsig is introducing a VERY light weight and compact e-motor "670 hp and 811 lb-ft in a package that weighs just 187 pounds" with torque vectoring. So, hybrid with their motor in back and existing ICE in front. Or maybe just ditch the ICE engine altogether if you can stuff enough batteries in the front and maybe some in back where the gas tank and other stuff is? Sure would be fun to put our heads together and come up with design and parts list to see how much time and cost it would take...
Here's the article I saw FYI. https://www.yahoo.com/autos/koenigseggs-tiny-electric-motor-makes-170900255.html
Joined
·
220 Posts
This conversation was from 16 years ago. Battery and electric motor technology has advanced quite a bit. We have Full-sized trucks with full electric powertrains getting 200+mile ranges. In 2006 the Nissan Leaf was still 4 years away and Tesla had just started planning. Tiny cars had double digit range.
Technology has definitely caught up. That said, I'd avoid in-wheel electric motors. Ford spent a ton of money developing theirs, but had to scrap the whole program and bought into Rivian instead.
In-wheel electric motors get destroyed by vibration as they have no protection. Electric motors need to be above the shock absorbers, wheels take a lot of abuse on the road. Like, the original electric F150 design could randomly need an
engine replacement after a pothole or riding on a rough road for a while.
Yea i'd love to see some real answers to this. I go 12 miles to work. If i need to haul something i take the truck but i wish i could use an electric E for around town. I charge every night and might go 90-100 miles on a day i drive a lot. Otherwise im just going 25 miles. I looked at getting another 1st gen volt but they went from 4K-9K in a few weeks. Wouldnt mind making my E a project car and turn it electric for short trips.
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
Join the discussion
