[GRLUG] OFF TOPIC Electric Car

[Rick Vargo]

I did some research on this a while back and there are some companies
out there that make conversion kits for older vehicles that allow you to
bolt specific DC electric motors to your transmission (specifically I
was looking at converting an S10). It was a relatively simple process
but was cost prohibitive at the time (DC motor, charging station,
converter, batteries, and plans = $$$). Basically you pulled your motor
and replaced it with the DC motor with the converter, then a bit of
wiring changes to the car (including adding electric heat) and filling
up your truck bed with lead acid batteries. You can even add a solar
panel to topper/tonneau cover to help charge the batteries while
driving... The truck small pickup is a nice choice for this project
because it can hold more lead acid batteries thus extending your range.

Rick


Adam Tauno Williams wrote:
> On Wed, 2008-11-19 at 10:56 -0500, Casey DuBois wrote: 
>   
>> I have dreamed of taking a car with a blown engine and building an
>> electric car for a couple years.
>> While talking with MM it seems that others share my dream.
>> Who else in the GRLUG has interest or expertise to add?
>>     
>
> I suspect acquiring the electric motor(s) required to accelerate a full
> size car would be the expensive part;  I've heard of people using
> forklift motors <http://www.mrsharkey.com/rabbit.htm>
> <http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7598&highlight=forklift>.  [I work for a forklift dealership] If the motor isn't DC then your going to need a monster of a power-inverter,  which might cost more than the motor.  But with DC you've got no regeneration and while you can 'over-clock' them for short burst they are also less efficient overall than something like a three-phase AC motor.
>
> And your going to need a fully-equipped machine shop in order to
> retrofit them onto the transmission.
>
> I think it is actually more interesting to consider building a home-brew
> hybrid;  have a small diesel engine running at a constant RPM turning a
> generator.  Much like the concept of a diesel-electric locomotive.
> You'd probably still get a significant increase in fuel economy as an
> engine at a constant RPM is more efficient than one that idles and revs.
> Plus you could always go short distances on just the batter.
>
>   
>> Does anyone know of any local groups that may be into electric cars?
>>     
>
> I'm not aware of any.
>
>
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