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Snaz: AKA Jerry Schnese. Squidoo lensmaster, Photographer, Electronics Technician, Gear-head, VJ/DJ, Computer Nerd, Web Entrepreneur, Hybrid Human...... (more...)
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What Is Electric Car Conversion ?
Electric Car Conversion, also known as EV Conversion, is the process of modifying a gasoline powered vehicle into one that runs on electricity.
Say good riddance to petroleum based fuel...
Why not use an electric motor to power your vehicle instead of a conventional internal combustion engine?
With gas prices climbing, concern for the environment growing and the middle east in chaos, increasing numbers of people are asking this very question.
Why not?
Why Not Indeed ?
A Brief History of Electric Powered Vehicles
It's been done before. As a matter of fact, at one time electric cars were the norm... Let's quickly review. Heres a condenesd history of electric cars:
1800s:
1832 - Theodore Sturgeon (inventor of the electromagnet) constructed a 4-pole machine that turned a roasting spit through a worm and spur gear.
Robert Anderson of Scotland invented the first crude electric carriage. (1832-39)
1835 - Prof. Stratingh made two-pole machines and used them to drive small cars and boats in Holland.
1875 - More modern, efficient motors were eventually developed.
France and Great Britain were the first nations to support the widespread development of electric vehicles in the late 1800s.
1899 - A Belgian built electric racing car called "La Jamais Contente" sets the land speed world record... - 68 mph
1900s
1902 - The Wood's Phaeton were little more than electrified horseless carriages and surreys. The Phaeton had a range of 18 miles, a top speed of 14 mph and cost $2,000.
1912 - An electric roadster sold for $1,750, while a gasoline car sold for $650 when Henry Ford initiated mass production of internal combustion engine vehicles.
1913 - Gasoline was a waste product of the petroleum industry and therefore was cheap. The electric starter for gasoline engines was introduced.
1916 - Woods invented a hybrid car that had both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
Electric vehicles enjoyed success into the 1920s (production peaked in 1912), by 1935 electric cars were a thing of the past.
Electric vehicles go on a 25 year hiatus...
1800s:
1832 - Theodore Sturgeon (inventor of the electromagnet) constructed a 4-pole machine that turned a roasting spit through a worm and spur gear.
Robert Anderson of Scotland invented the first crude electric carriage. (1832-39)
1835 - Prof. Stratingh made two-pole machines and used them to drive small cars and boats in Holland.
1875 - More modern, efficient motors were eventually developed.
France and Great Britain were the first nations to support the widespread development of electric vehicles in the late 1800s.
1899 - A Belgian built electric racing car called "La Jamais Contente" sets the land speed world record... - 68 mph
1900s
1902 - The Wood's Phaeton were little more than electrified horseless carriages and surreys. The Phaeton had a range of 18 miles, a top speed of 14 mph and cost $2,000.
1912 - An electric roadster sold for $1,750, while a gasoline car sold for $650 when Henry Ford initiated mass production of internal combustion engine vehicles.
1913 - Gasoline was a waste product of the petroleum industry and therefore was cheap. The electric starter for gasoline engines was introduced.
1916 - Woods invented a hybrid car that had both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
Electric vehicles enjoyed success into the 1920s (production peaked in 1912), by 1935 electric cars were a thing of the past.
Electric vehicles go on a 25 year hiatus...
Rip Van Winkle wakes...
1960 Through the 1990s
Little or no activity in the electric car arena until the 1960s and 1970s, when concerns about exhaust emissions revive interest in alternative energy sources.
1964 - The first Battronic electric truck was delivered to the Potomac Edison Company.
GM developes the Electrovair in the 1960s.
1987 - Howard Wilson, a vice president at Hughes Aircraft (GM-owned) in Los Angeles, is invited to join a purely solar-powered cars race across Australia.
1988 - The GM/Hughes "AeroVironment" team are in development of a high performance electric vehicle powered by almost 850 lbs of lead acid batteries.
1988 - (1:00 AM, November 28) The first test drive of the GM prototype electric car code named Santana.
1990 - (January 3) After primping and preening the electric vehicle (Santana, renamed) EV1 is shown at the LA auto show.
1990 - 1998
All the major Detroit auto manufacturers, in conjunction with subcontracted conversion companies, produce a small number of electric vehicles including the GM EV1, U.S. Electricar/Chevy S-10, Solectria Corp's Geo Metro, Fords (EV version) Ranger pickup, and more.
1991 Alan Cocconi, founder of AC Propulsion, began his electric car conversion quest which continues to this day.
1996 - GM conducts testing in California of it's EV1 all electric vehicle. This vehicle and events surrounding it, are the topic of the documentary: Who Killed the Electric Car?
1997 - 1st generation Toyota Prius launched in Japan.
1999 - Honda Insight hybrid (gasoline/electric) 2 seater vehicle, becomes the 1st mass produced hybrid available in the US.
There is actually a surprisingly large list of limited production, electric vehicles that have been manufactured over the years. (more at wikipedia)
EVs in the 21st Century
2000s
2003 - Tesla Motors, Inc. launches as a Silicon Valley automobile startup company focusing on the production of high performance, consumer-oriented electric vehicles.
2006 - Tesla prototypes were introduced to the public. The first production models (the 2008 model year), are planned for winter 2007. As of August 8 2007, over 550 Tesla Roadsters have been reserved.
Tesla plans to offer home roof mounted solar-photovoltaic systems through Solar City that will offset power used by the home charger.
2007 - British Super-Car manufacturer Lightning Car Company announces its Lightning GT will be released in a 700 horse power, all electric version and is accepting reservations for 2008 delivery.
2007 - Polish manufacturer Melex sells 1,100 electric vehicles. (after reviving from its bankruptcy in 2004) Melex sells 70 percent of its capacity abroad to Europe, Argentina, Egypt and Australia. 10 percent of production is golfer cars.
The current trend in All Electric cars seems to be...
Honestly? Sadly lacking. It's either a high priced exotic sportster (and even then, your only on the waiting list!). Or an econo-box on par with a glorified golf cart...
Very few totally electric vehicles exist in the 2007 automotive marketplace. Most of the manufacturers offer hybrid vehicles, if they offer any electrics at all. The exceptions being the Tesla Roadster, The Lightning GT, and the eBox by AC Propulsion, (you provide the Scion, they convert it).
Very few choices indeed. This is where conversion enters the picture...
2003 - Tesla Motors, Inc. launches as a Silicon Valley automobile startup company focusing on the production of high performance, consumer-oriented electric vehicles.
2006 - Tesla prototypes were introduced to the public. The first production models (the 2008 model year), are planned for winter 2007. As of August 8 2007, over 550 Tesla Roadsters have been reserved.
Tesla plans to offer home roof mounted solar-photovoltaic systems through Solar City that will offset power used by the home charger.
2007 - British Super-Car manufacturer Lightning Car Company announces its Lightning GT will be released in a 700 horse power, all electric version and is accepting reservations for 2008 delivery.
2007 - Polish manufacturer Melex sells 1,100 electric vehicles. (after reviving from its bankruptcy in 2004) Melex sells 70 percent of its capacity abroad to Europe, Argentina, Egypt and Australia. 10 percent of production is golfer cars.
The current trend in All Electric cars seems to be...
Honestly? Sadly lacking. It's either a high priced exotic sportster (and even then, your only on the waiting list!). Or an econo-box on par with a glorified golf cart...
Very few totally electric vehicles exist in the 2007 automotive marketplace. Most of the manufacturers offer hybrid vehicles, if they offer any electrics at all. The exceptions being the Tesla Roadster, The Lightning GT, and the eBox by AC Propulsion, (you provide the Scion, they convert it).
Very few choices indeed. This is where conversion enters the picture...
How Do I Convert ?
As stated in the introduction, electric car conversion, (EV Conversion), is the process of converting an existing, donor vehicle from one that runs on gasoline, into one that runs on electricity. This is achieved by substituting an electric motor, batteries and control circuitry for the conventional internal combustion engine and drive train.
When it comes to making the switch, you have a few options to choose from when going green:
1 - Purchase an existing converted car - New / Used EV sales
Battery Powered Systems
Electric Transportation Solutions
www.ebay.com
2 - Contract a Conversion Service - Pay someone else to do it!
AC Propulsion
Metric Mind Engineering
3 - DIY - Do It Yourself - From scratch or via a kit...
AC Propulsion
Battery Powered Systems
Canadian Electric Vehicles Ltd.
Electro Automotive
Metric Mind Engineering
Doing It Yourself
How many of the electric car conversions get done...
This process can still be expensive, and it involves a lot of blood, sweat, and tears... The conversion process can be broken down into a few key steps:
The Key Steps:
1 - Know what you getting yourself into - Do Your Research!
2 - Obtain the car to convert. (don't want to chop up your corvette? Try a repo auction service)
3 - Remove the gasoline engine, fuel tank, dashboard, etc.
4 - Replace the removed components with all the electronic goodies.
5 - Smile as you zip past the gas stations, realizing that as gas prices rise, your conversion will pay for itself even quicker :)
NOTICE - This short list is an oversimplification!
Important Considerations for DIY
The completion of this task of conversion is complicated, technically demanding, labor intensive, and can be dangerous. It should not be attempted by the faint of heart, slackers, or under qualified!...You will be making custom parts, lifting heavy objects and working with HIGH VOLTAGE. You'll need to have "the skills", or access to someone who does... (you know - the guy with all the cool toys. A hoist, a welder, torches, and a shop full of tools. yeah that guy) Many of the major tools can be rented.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
No Radiator = No Heater, You'll be replacing the heater core with an electric heater if your climate demands it.
No Engine Vacuum = No Power Bakes or vacuum operated accessories (headlight flaps, etc). You'll need to use an electric vacuum pump to enable these items to function.
Suspension and Handling - The center of gravity will be relocated and you will need to at least attempt to replicate the original weight distribution pattern. (many heavy batteries, motor vs engine weight, etc.)
The vehicle will need to be recharged periodically. It will effectively be on a tether for longer than it takes to fill a tank with gasoline.
If the carbon footprint is your main concern, then you'll need to consider what fuel source your utility company is using to provide you with electricity.
The 1st Step...
Research - School Up!
If you're up for the challenge, are technically savvy, electronically and mechanically inclined... You're half way there already!
You know you want to do it!
You know you can do it!
All you really need is some direction. A play-book...
Most of the conversion service providers listed above also do consultation. Typically they sell parts, conversion kits, and manuals too. Many great books on conversion can also be found on Amazon.
Any of these would be a good starting point.
You know you want to do it!
You know you can do it!
All you really need is some direction. A play-book...
Most of the conversion service providers listed above also do consultation. Typically they sell parts, conversion kits, and manuals too. Many great books on conversion can also be found on Amazon.
Any of these would be a good starting point.
Impressive Examples - DIY Success Stories :
more to come
Alan Cocconi, (founder of AC Propulsion) has an impressive portfolio of very successful conversions under his belt which date back to 1991. His work has lead to technology that is licensed to Tesla Motors.
Joule Injected - Matt Graham's 1990 Nissan 240SX conversion. One of the quickest cars that runs purely on electric power. This is a prime example of what can be achieved with the proper skills and knowledge. (let's not forget, hard work and money are required too)
submit a site / video for consideration
Joule Injected - Matt Graham's 1990 Nissan 240SX conversion. One of the quickest cars that runs purely on electric power. This is a prime example of what can be achieved with the proper skills and knowledge. (let's not forget, hard work and money are required too)
submit a site / video for consideration
Reader Poll
What would you do?
Thinking about making the switch and going green?
Well if you are...
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Reader Feedback
I hope you found the information in my introduction to electric car conversion as fascinating as I did while I was writing it. It certainly is a topic worthy of more study :)
Thanks for visiting - Good luck on your conversion - HappE motoring!
Snaz
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jzorro
Great Lens. The electric car is a very interesting concept! Posted May 16, 2008 |
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dindine
Jay Leno has an early electric car and he features in on his section of the NBC website. Posted May 15, 2008 |
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beachbum_gabby
electric car is what we really need today. Gas is getting higher. Posted May 08, 2008 |
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QuantumTraveler
Thanks for the history of electric cars. Not only are electric cars fascinating, but their time has definitely come out of necessity. Great job with this lens. Posted May 07, 2008 |
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NewsBaron
Wow, didn't know electric vehicles went back that far. Nice lens. Posted May 06, 2008 |
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Research Materials, Guidance, & Supplies to complete your switch
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submit an item for addition / removal consideration - your feedback is appreciated!
Remember, your 1st step is to do your Research!
Knowledge is power!
Looking for more local info?
Find/join a local chapter of the Electric Auto Association near you...
submit an item for addition / removal consideration - your feedback is appreciated!
Remember, your 1st step is to do your Research!
Knowledge is power!
Looking for more local info?
Find/join a local chapter of the Electric Auto Association near you...
